VIEWS FROM A ONE PERSON DEPARTMENT AT A RURAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON THE OREGON COAST

For the past thirteen years I have served as the sole earth science faculty member at a small community college on the rural Oregon Coast. We generate approximately 1,500 FTE as reported to IPEDS (Integrated Post Secondary Education Data Systems), with an average of 6,000 unduplicated students during any term. The college impacts a total of about 10,500 individuals annually in our community of about 25,000. Workload at our institution is 45 credits a year (15 credits per quarter), plus advising and committee work.

An obvious hurdle for all solo departments is maintaining a connection to other professionals in our discipline. A fundamental component is to make or take advantage of opportunities as they arise. One way I have been successful in this area has been through hosting a geology lecture series at my college. Over the last three years, I have hosted 4 or 5 lectures each academic year with an average audience of about 200. The speakers cover many cutting edge topics in geology and as such provide an asset to my students and community, while at the same time providing a deeper insight on areas outside of my academic background. Conversations outside of the actual lecture also provide opportunity to discuss advances in geology, jobs and opportunities for students. Participating in the Pacific NW section of NAGT has also helped maintain a connection to other academics in the region. Selection as a member of the first TOTLE (Teachers on the Leading Edge) program in 2008 resulted in connections with K-12 and college educators. When possible, I am in contact with the local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Geologist and Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) geologists. Additionally, there are potential collaborative projects; an example is a recent grant proposal submitted to NSF by the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology that would include projects for community college and high school geology students.

What keeps me at Southwestern is a passion for teaching. In a graduate program you help refine students that work with you. At a two year school there is significant opportunity to truly impact students’ lives.