Dr. Betsy Julian

Dr. Betsy Julian is the new Vice President for Instruction at COCC. She was selected following a nationwide search, and began her new duties at COCC this summer. Prior to coming to Central Oregon, Dr. Julian served as the division dean of science and technology at Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus in the Beaverton-Hillsboro area west of Portland. As the Vice President for Instruction, Dr. Julian serves as the chief academic officer and is responsible for the overall visions and direction of the academic programs and the recruitment and development of the faculty.

"Throughout the search process and now in my first few weeks here at COCC, I have been extremely impressed with the faculty and staff, and their dedication to this College and our students," she said. "We are looking at greatness rather than just getting the job done. Our faculty take pride in what they do. They are personally engaged with students through student advising and their interactions with students inside and outside the classrooms. As we move forward in the coming years, we will be looking at where we should be growing and adapting to the changing needs of our communities."

Dr. Julian earned her doctorate in geology from Rice University. She completed a masters degree in geology at the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree with a double major in geology and history at Rice University. Prior to moving to Oregon, Dr. Julian served as dean of math and sciences at Solano Community College in Fairfield, California; professor of earth science at Yuba College; an earth science instructor at Lake Tahoe Community College; and an assistant professor, instructor and undergraduate lab coordinator in the department of geological sciences at the at the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Julian received the Woman of Distinction Award from Portland Community College in 2015, the Presidential Recognition award at Solano College in 2011, and the Lake Tahoe Community College Teacher of the Year award four times during her tenure at that college.