Oregon Coast Community College President Dr. Marshall Mease Roache has been named

to the Board of Directors of the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA).

The appointment places Dr. Roache among a select group of higher education leaders

working to expand access to high-quality, career-focused bachelor’s degrees through

community colleges across the nation.

The announcement comes during a significant period of growth for OCCC. Earlier this

summer, the College received final approvals from the Oregon Higher Education

Coordinating Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to

offer its first-ever independently awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The new

BSN program joins existing four-year degree opportunities at the College through

partnerships with Western Oregon University and Oregon State University.

Dr. Roache’s appointment to the nine-member CCBA board was one of several leadership

changes announced by the organization this month. The CCBA provides leadership and

resources to community colleges that build and sustain high-value baccalaureate

degrees—programs designed to prepare learners for family-sustaining careers and meet

workforce needs in their regions.

“Dr. Roache’s selection to the CCBA Board reflects the important work being done here on

the Oregon Coast,” Emery said. “His voice will bring the perspective of small, rural colleges

to the national conversation on baccalaureate access, and we’re proud to see OCCC

represented on this influential board.” In addition to Dr. Roache, the CCBA also welcomed Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College, as a new board member.

The board continues to be led by Chair Dr. Joyce Hammer (Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges) and Vice Chair Dr. Cynthia Spiers (Rhodes State College), with Dr. Michaela Tomova (Miami Dade College) serving as Secretary and Dr. Michael G. Hansen as Treasurer. To learn more about the CCBA and its mission, visit www.accbd.org. OCCC Board of Education Chair Rich Emery praised the appointment and its significance for both the College and the broader Lincoln County community.