Four students from Rogue Community College have been named to the Oregon Community College Association’s 2023 All-Oregon Academic Team. This honor recognizes high-achieving two-year college students from around the state who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and community service.
Teri Evans, Desiree Remick, Mackenzie Shirley and Caroline Tinker are among 52 students statewide who will be recognized April 21 at the 2023 All-Oregon Academic Team Luncheon at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Remick is also one of three student honorees selected to speak at the recognition luncheon; Secretary of State Shemia Fagan will be the keynote speaker.
Each year, the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society, community college presidents and community college state associations like OCCA sponsor All-State Community College Academic Team ceremonies in 37 participating states.
Desiree Remick, 31, of Ashland, completed an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree (AAOT) in March and recently transferred to Southern Oregon University. She maintained a 4.0 GPA at RCC and works as a peer tutor at the RCC Tutoring Center. Her goal is to become a creative writing instructor.
“Despite being an excellent student, I dropped out of high school due to struggles with anxiety,” Remick said. After losing her job at the start of the pandemic in 2020, she was forced to reconsider her future and returned to school to complete her GED. “RCC has welcomed me in and inspired me to maximize my effort and achieve my dreams, and for that, I am extremely grateful.”
Teri Evans, 38, of Grants Pass, is pursuing a dental assisting certificate. A nontraditional student, Evans maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing her roles as a full-time student, employee, partner, mother and caregiver for an aging parent.
“My college has supported me by providing the tools needed to succeed and the guidance to reach my goals and beyond,” she said. “I am incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement from all my instructors within the Dental Assisting program at Rogue Community College.”
Mackenzie Shirley, 19, of Glendale, has a 3.89 GPA and is pursuing an associate degree in general studies with a focus on early childhood education and psychology. A new mother and ambitious student, Shirley plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at SOU and wants to work as a case manager with foster children.
“I emancipated myself from foster care at 17 after graduating high school at 16,” Shirley said. “I started college the month I turned 17 and have been working toward my degree since.”
Caroline “Froggy” Tinker, 45, of Cave Junction, is pursuing an associate degree in general studies and a massage therapy certificate. She has a 3.94 GPA and volunteers with KS Wild and KXCJ community radio. Her dream is to establish a massage practice and retreat center.
“Overcoming serious drug and alcohol addictions along with severe mental health challenges have been the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life,” Tinker said. “RCC has made success attainable with the assistance of financial counseling, financial aid, great advisers, dedicated teachers and tutoring. I never thought I could afford to go to college, and while still a struggle, it truly is a dream come true.”
For general media inquiries or to schedule an interview with RCC staff, please contact Kelly Gonzales, Public Information Officer, Marketing Director, at 541-956-7525, kgonzales@roguecc.edu.