Meet Our Faculty

Bret Michalski 
Professor of Forest Technology
Email: bmichalski@cocc.edu 

Bret grew up fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping in an outdoors-oriented family. It was only natural that his love for wild places led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Humboldt State University and a master’s degree in wildlife science from Oregon State University. While graduate teaching at OSU, Bret realized how much he enjoyed interacting with students and decided to combine his love of teaching with his passion for the outdoors.

At COCC since 1994, Bret’s teaching style focuses on experiential learning. Forestry and wildlife labs are a staple in his classes and Bret’s direct experience with the subjects he teaches helps to bring the topics alive for his students.     

Rebecca Franklin 
Assistant Professor II of Forest Technology
Email: rfranklin@cocc.edu 

Rebecca is the program director for Forest Resources Technology. She teaches courses such as Dendrology, Natural Resource Conservation, and Forestry. During her career, Rebecca has conducted research, field work, or agency work in seven western states and is currently interested in geobotany and endemic trees and plants of Oregon. She received her bachelor’s degree in forestry from Humboldt State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.

Rebecca is committed to creating connections between students and local agency and private industry professionals in outdoor laboratory settings. She has been the faculty advisor for the student chapter of the Society of American Foresters in Central Oregon and promotes student involvement in the local chapter as well as facilitates students attending state and national meetings. Her favorite classes to teach are those that are field-based and place an emphasis on hands-on, decision-building skills. 

Ron Boldenow 
Professor of Forest Technology
Email: rboldenow@cocc.edu 

With his extensive industry connections, Ron helps students turn their interests and passions into engaging and rewarding careers. At COCC since 1999, Ron completed his master’s degree in forestry at Humboldt State University and his Ph.D. in wildland resource science at the University of California, Berkeley.  
 
Ron’s interest in helping students find their calling recently culminated in his publishing of "Careers in Forest, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Range Resources." Throughout his career, Ron has placed an emphasis on being active in professional associations and developing strong relationships with industry leaders. In turn, Ron’s students benefit from his knowledge, experience, and connections both in the classroom and after graduation. Ron teaches an array of courses but particularly enjoys Wilderness Concepts, Soils, Sustainable Ecosystems, Map, Compass, and GPS, and Silviculture and Harvesting Processes.