COCC President, Dr. Laurie Chesley
Dr. Laurie Chesley is the sixth president in Central Oregon Community College's 70-year
history. Her tenure began in July of 2019.
Prior to joining COCC, Chesley was provost and executive vice president for academic
and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. Her administrative
and leadership experience spans 18 years and includes both two- and four-year colleges.
Chesley served as interim dean of learning at Northwestern Michigan, assistant vice
president for academic affairs at Ferris State (Michigan) University, dean of humanities
at Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) Community College, and associate dean and dean
of arts and sciences at Grand Rapids Community College.
A first-generation college graduate, she earned her bachelor's degree in English from Alma College. She went on to receive her master's and doctorate degrees (her dissertation examined the portrayal of women in the work of Daniel Defoe) in English at the University of Notre Dame, where she met her late-husband, Brent. Chesley taught English at a variety of higher education institutions for 14 years, including five years of full-time teaching at Northwestern Michigan College.
A recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Faculty Excellence Award and a past winner of the Michigan Chapter of the American Council of Education Network's Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award, Chesley is passionate about mentoring the leaders of tomorrow.
Born in Michigan, she's a fan of classic cars, traveling and cycling.
Dr. Laurie Chesley
Contact the Office of the President
MAILING ADDRESS
Dr. Laurie Chesley
Boyle Education Center
2600 NW College Way
Bend, Oregon 97703
CONTACT
Kyle Matthews
Executive Assistant
541-383-7201
kmatthews8@cocc.edu