EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College Board Member Austin Folnagy has been chosen by the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) to assume the role of Vice President for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. This decision was made during the OCCA Board of Directors meeting held on May 19 at Chemeketa Community College.
OCCA is an organization dedicated to advancing the interests and goals of community colleges across the state of Oregon. It serves as a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and resource-sharing among member institutions. OCCA plays a vital role in promoting access to quality education, fostering workforce development, and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by community colleges in Oregon.
Austin Folnagy joined the LCC Board in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields. Prior to his current position, he was elected to the Klamath Community College Board and the Southern Oregon ESD Board. With a diverse background spanning over 10 years, Folnagy has worked in areas such as workforce development, business services, political organizing, labor relations, and education. He pursued his education at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho, where he majored in Political Science and Organizational Science. Additionally, he engaged in graduate studies focusing on Organizational Dynamics.
Residing alongside the McKenzie River, Austin Folnagy personally experienced the devastating effects of the fires that occurred in the summer of 2020. However, it was the outpouring of compassion and support from the community during this trying time that inspired him to run for the Lane Community College board. Motivated to give back to the community that had offered him solace during his darkest days, Folnagy expressed his commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the McKenzie community and Lane County as a whole. "We have something special here in this compassionate community," said Austin. "I hope my actions and efforts rebuild a greater McKenzie community and continue to build a greater Lane County."
As a representative of East Lane County, Austin Folnagy aims to champion the cause of accessible higher education in rural areas. His vision includes developing the workforce to create economic opportunities and growth, particularly by increasing dual enrollment of high school students and expanding access to underserved populations in a post-COVID world. Recognizing the pivotal role that community colleges play as a bridge to a stronger economy and the creation of a skilled next-generation workforce, Folnagy is committed to driving positive change in the region.
"I am honored to serve as Vice President of the Oregon Community College Association and contribute to the advancement of community colleges statewide,” said Folnagy. “Together, we will work tirelessly to promote accessible education, empower our students, and build a stronger future for our communities."
"The election of Austin is a testament to his outstanding dedication and leadership,” said Karen Smith, Interim Executive Director of the Oregon Community College Association. “His diverse background and unwavering commitment to education and workforce development make him an exceptional choice for this role. We are confident that his vision and passion will greatly contribute to our collective efforts in advancing community colleges across Oregon."
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $850 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 13,000 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.