Let’s welcome Steve Phelps to RCC as the new dean of Student Learning & Success.
“My name is Steve Phelps, and as you may know, I am a recent transplant to Oregon. I have four daughters, three in college and one who recently completed her graduate degree. I am fortunate to be here with my beautiful wife and three dogs. When in Texas, I built a greenhouse that was used for an aquaponics system and was fortunate to have the support of my wife in that endeavor through ignorance.
Currently, I am working toward a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and completed the executive certificate in December. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Army and decided to become an infantryman. I ended up leaving the Army as a sergeant and eventually enrolled in a community college seeking a career in criminal justice. Upon receiving my bachelor’s degree, I became a state investigator for child protective services while completing my master’s degree. After receiving the master’s degree, I took a grant-funded position as a Veteran Military CTE Liaison and Criminal Justice Instructor. This led to a position as a Veteran Affairs Coordinator, then Director of Dual Credit, then Department Chair of Criminal Justice, and finally Dean of Business and Career Professions.
As a dean I was fortunate enough to have been involved in multiple grant efforts as a writer, PI, PD and administrator with grants that have been private, state and federally supported. I have been fortunate enough to have started innovative degree plans that have been academic and technical in nature. Participating in all departmental activities within my purview and beyond has allowed me to gain much experience with various approaches to curriculum development, course development, advisory board and civic engagement.
As one may assume, my wife and I are very much looking forward to enjoying all that Oregon has to offer; I am looking forward to working with the RCC teams and engaging with the community to assist in pushing the Ospreys into the future.”
Steve’s primary office is upstairs in TRC-A. He would love to say hello if you stop by.