NWAC Spotlight: Southwestern Oregon Community College President, Dr. Patty Scott
By Liam Knox, NWAC Intern
In 1993, Patty M. Scott introduced herself to the Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) family, taking on a role as Director of Student Support Services and joining the counseling faculty. Although young, bright and ambitious, Dr. Scott could never have envisioned the remarkable legacy she would go on to create for herself at SWOCC.
After spending nine years in her position in student services and counseling, Dr. Scott was promoted to Director of Educational Support Programs in 2002. Just four years later in 2006, she was named Dean of Students. In 2008, Scott was named interim President before officially becoming Southwestern Oregon's sixth President in 2009.
By 2018, SWOCC had the highest graduation and transfer rate among Oregon's community colleges as well as the fastest degree completion time. In 2019, SWOCC was invited to apply for the Aspen Award, an esteemed and exclusive honor that recognizes outstanding community colleges. From an individual standpoint, The Oregon Community College Association named Dr. Scott as the Howard Cherry Administrator of the Year for 2019. In June of this year, Dr. Scott was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, Lane Community College.
Dr. Scott is now in her 10th year representing Oregon's presidents on the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Executive Board. She is one of only two college presidents in the country to serve on the 2-year panel for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
As someone who has seen firsthand the Northwest Athletic Conference change and grow over the last 26 years, Dr. Scott knows how powerful athletics can be. She has worked with a plethora of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, all of whom strive to make the league the best it can be. Dr. Scott has no doubt that the Northwest Athletic Conference will continue to thrive and create a positive impact and enriching experience for all who are associated with the league.
Q: What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the variety of the work and the challenges of figuring out how to accomplish something usually with little to no money. Also, I get to work with a lot of really great people who are motivated to create fabulous learning experiences for students.
Q: What makes the NWAC special?
I became a commissioner in 1994. During that time, the NWAC has become a special organization to me because of the work it does to help students learn to be good citizens through sport. It is a privilege to participate in athletics and it has been a privilege for me to be part of the NWAC for the last 26 years. I have worked with some great athletic directors, coaches, commissioners and presidents who are committed to making this league successful and create competitive competitions for our student-athletes.
Q: What advice do you have for students during these unprecedented times?
It is an exceedingly unpredictable time. My advice to students during this pandemic is to learn as much as you can, stay patient and flexible. Stay in school, graduate and be ready when life returns to the new normal.
Q: What is one challenge or obstacle that you have had to overcome in order to get where you are today?
I have a learning disability that wasn't diagnosed until I was 27. I struggled in school and had to work much harder to overcome challenges.
Q: Who is your greatest influence?
My parents had the greatest influence in my life. They supported, encouraged and challenged me to be more than I dreamed of becoming.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
What is free time? When I have it, I enjoy gardening, reading, working-out, hiking, and shopping.