President's Page

Message from the President

^{Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa Community College President}

Welcome to Chemeketa Community College. We're confident you made an excellent decision to pursue your educational and career goals by enrolling here!

"Chemeketa" is a Native American word meaning "gathering place." We bring together people throughout our district to build the strength of our communities, large and small. You will find an involved Board of Education that supports faculty and staff who are committed to providing a quality learning experience for you. Our entire college community is dedicated to putting your learning at the center of our work.

Chemeketa Community College is a valuable community resource especially in the increasingly diverse community and world in which we live. Whether your goal is to transfer to a four-year college or university, complete preparation for a professional technical program, like nursing, fire science, computer, automotive or manufacturing technologies or enroll in an enrichment or continuing education course, our faculty and staff are focused on creating an engaged learning environment where you can do your best work. In fact, many of our instructional programs are recognized across the state and around the nation for their quality.

In addition to transfer and career and technical education programs, Chemeketa offers activities outside the classroom that add depth to your learning experiences. You can learn leadership skills and put them into practice by participating in student government or become a peer assistant or a student ambassador. Many students participate in intercollegiate athletics, and others join clubs in interest areas as diverse as snowboarding, martial arts, native cultures, and dance.

Chemeketa has made three audacious and bold promises to enrich lives and strengthen our region's economy. We commit to providing opportunities for adult literacy, providing an open door to all who seek education, and ensuring access to centers of excellence in technical training, workforce development, and business support. At Chemeketa we are holding tuition constant for the second year in a row, knowing that affordability is important in helping you complete your education.

As I begin as your new president, I want to echo the promises the college has made over the past 37 years. Chemeketa has been called to provide learning experiences that will challenge you in unexpected ways and deepen how you think about yourself, your program-of-study, and the world.

As you begin your time with us at Chemeketa, be mindful of Doris Lessing's wise and humbling words, "…That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way."

Wishing you every success as you begin your journey of learning and discovery!

Cheryl Roberts

"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
– Louisa May Alcott

Updated October 21, 2008 by Web Services.