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Jensen brings experience, stability to Southwestern Oregon Community College board

COQUILLE – One of the longest tenured members of the Southwestern Oregon Community College Board has filed for re-election, citing big wins for the college that include a national recognition for student success, the new Allied Health and Sciences Building, a new diesel tech training program and much more.

Marcia Jensen, of North Bend, filed to retain the Position 2 seat she has held for the past 25 years. During her leadership on the board, Jensen worked to implement effective policy and support investment of more than $45 million in new buildings and infrastructure upgrades that support high-skill job training programs to serve employers' workforce needs. As a result the college:

• Will launch a new diesel mechanic tech program in fall 2025.
• Won a national award in 2024 as a top college in the United States for student success.
• Built the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, which sponsors a national champion chef team.
• Re-started the forestry and natural resources career pathway and in 2024 dedicated a new lab for the program.
• Built a state-of-the-art Allied Health and Sciences Building that doubled the number of graduates in nursing and reinvigorated an engineering pathway and scientific research.
• Developed a fire training tower to serve not only students, but regional fire departments. 
• Renovated new labs for dental assisting and EMT workforce programs. 
• Created the Hales Center for the Performing Arts, a well-used community venue for events and culture.

“Serving the South Coast on the SWOCC board is an honor and privilege,” Jensen said. “I’m a Coos County native who worked hard to make a good living in private industry, while giving back to my community through public service. I understand what this community is about and the need to support higher education and job training, so people can take action to improve their lives. The college is critical for the future students and businesses that hire SWOCC graduates.  

"During my tenure on the SWOCC Board, we have maintained fiscal stability to help the college improve its programs and serve students. We supported college employees in finding innovative ways to reduce reliance on tax dollars, while providing excellent teaching and services. Our communities need stable, steady leadership on the college board with an eye toward the economic future of our county. That’s where I am focused.”

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