Oregon Tech has added three new members to its Board of Trustees: Arnel Fajardo, Ph.D., Christine “Chris” Mangan and current student Cruz Collin. The trustees were nominated by Gov. Tina Kotek, confirmed by the Oregon Senate on June 17 and will begin their service July 1.

Klamath Community College and Oregon Tech celebrated their 2026 graduates in Klamath Falls last week, honoring students who earned degrees, certificates and workforce-focused credentials. The ceremonies highlighted persistence, family support, rural opportunity and the next steps for hundreds of graduates across the Klamath Basin.

Southern Oregon University’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the university’s Vitality Plan, moving SOU into a yearlong implementation phase tied to emergency state funding. The plan calls for more than $20 million in reductions and includes the sunsetting of three academic programs.

Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University will both hold commencement ceremonies Saturday, recognizing more than 1,300 students across the Rogue Valley. RCC will celebrate its largest graduating class since 2018, while SOU marks its 100th commencement since reopening at its Ashland campus.

Oregon Tech is closing the academic year with several campus updates, including a new dean, a fully online dental hygiene master’s program and recognition for retiring employees who served the university for a combined 113 years.

Oregon Tech will celebrate its Class of 2026 on June 13 at the Klamath Falls campus, with OHSU President Dr. Shereef Elnahal serving as keynote speaker. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., followed by Oregon Tech’s Portland-Metro commencement on June 14.

Southern Oregon University’s request for up to $15 million in one-time emergency state funding moved forward this week after unanimous support from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The SOU Board of Trustees also voted to begin a broader viability planning process, while leaving final decisions on specific academic and operational cuts for later review.

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission is considering a request to seek up to $15 million in emergency state funding for Southern Oregon University. The money would support SOU’s cashflow needs through fiscal year 2027 as the university faces a major budget shortfall and considers long-term restructuring options.

Basin Transit Service says it partnered with Klamath Community College to help a staff member earn a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement. The agency says the training will allow the employee to operate a college vehicle used to support student and athletic transportation needs.

Klamath Community College has announced that Klamath Falls City Manager Jonathan Teichert will serve as keynote speaker for its June 12 commencement ceremony. Teichert, who credits community college with changing his own educational path, said he is honored to speak to this year’s KCC graduates.

Klamath Community College has launched a $1 million capital campaign to support its new Childcare Learning Center, a 29,000-square-foot facility expected to open in fall 2027. The center will serve up to 144 children while also providing training space for KCC students studying early childhood education.

Oregon Tech students earned multiple top honors at America’s Innovate IT Collegiate Conference, including first place in the Analyze IT Challenge and additional recognition in cybersecurity and troubleshooting events. The national competition tested students through real-world information technology, cybersecurity, data analysis, and problem-solving challenges.

Southern Oregon University will increase tuition and fees by nearly 5% next year for in-state undergraduate students, the maximum allowed without additional state approval. According to reporting by Jefferson Public Radio, university leaders say tuition hikes alone will not solve broader financial challenges tied to enrollment declines, rising costs, and limited public funding.

Oregon Tech has received a $310,000 funding increase to expand its User Experience certificate programs, supporting scholarships, industry tools, and summer training opportunities. The grant will fund 66 full-tuition scholarships and provide students access to professional UX software used in the field. Officials say the program is designed for working professionals, career changers, and students looking to build practical UX skills.

Klamath Community College has named Lucas Ritter as its new Vice President of External Programs. Ritter is a Klamath Falls native and longtime Air Force officer who will begin the role May 4. College officials say he will oversee outreach, grants, and workforce initiatives.

The second annual Global Engagement Forum at Klamath Community College brought together students, educators, and community members to explore the benefits of international exchange programs. Speakers highlighted the value of cultural intelligence, global collaboration, and the role international students play in strengthening the local economy.

Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has donated a two-year lease of a Ram 3500 truck to Oregon Tech to support engineering students traveling to competitions and industry events.

Rejeana Jackson, newly appointed to the Klamath Community College Board of Education for Zone 5, says she wants to help strengthen career pathways so local students can build their futures in Klamath Falls instead of leaving for work elsewhere.

Oregon Tech has approved the next steps toward launching a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, a new applied degree program designed to meet workforce demand and industry needs across Oregon and beyond.

Klamath Community College nursing students are gaining hands-on experience with labor and delivery scenarios through a new high-tech simulator designed to replicate both routine births and complex medical emergencies.