About Southwestern Oregon Community College
Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC), established in 1961, is a public two-year institution located in Coos Bay, Oregon, United States. Nestled along the stunning Oregon Coast, SWOCC serves a diverse student population across Coos and Curry counties, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in fields like nursing, culinary arts, business, and natural sciences. The college's mission emphasizes accessible education, community engagement, and workforce development, with a strong focus on vocational training and partnerships with local industries such as healthcare and hospitality. Key achievements include its nationally recognized culinary program, which has produced award-winning chefs, and its athletic teams, known as the Lakers, competing in the Northwest Athletic Conference. SWOCC operates a main campus in Coos Bay and a satellite center in Brookings, providing modern facilities including state-of-the-art labs and a student recreation center. For more details, visit the Southwestern Oregon Community College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Oregon, and Academic Jobs in Coos Bay.
SWOCC has a rich history of adapting to regional needs, evolving from its founding as a vocational school to a comprehensive community college that supports economic growth in rural Oregon. With enrollment exceeding 2,000 students annually, it boasts high graduation rates in health sciences and trades programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and emphasizes sustainability, with initiatives like coastal ecosystem research. Faculty and staff contribute to a supportive environment, fostering innovation and student success. Whether you're a job seeker interested in higher education jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College or a student exploring options, SWOCC offers a unique blend of academic rigor and coastal lifestyle.
In terms of academic opportunities, SWOCC is known for its hands-on learning approach, with programs like welding, emergency medical services, and environmental science drawing on the region's natural resources. The college has received grants for workforce training and has partnerships with universities for seamless transfers. Notable alumni include professionals in healthcare and business who credit SWOCC for their foundational education. For academics, this institution provides a platform for impactful teaching in a close-knit community setting.
Discover professor ratings and insights through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, and explore salaries in Southwestern Oregon Community College academia via Professor Salaries.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Faculty job opportunities at Southwestern Oregon Community College are diverse, catering to educators passionate about community-based learning. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Nursing, Lecturer in Culinary Arts, and Instructor in Business Administration, reflecting the college's focus on vocational and health sciences. According to recent trends from 2025 data, there's growing demand for positions in allied health, environmental studies, and technology, driven by Oregon's emphasis on workforce development. For instance, nursing faculty positions often require clinical experience, with opportunities to lead simulation labs. In culinary arts, roles involve hands-on instruction in the college's renowned kitchen facilities. Research from sources like the Oregon Employment Department indicates community colleges like SWOCC are hiring more adjunct and full-time faculty to meet enrollment in online and hybrid programs post-pandemic.
Salary ranges for these roles vary: Assistant Professors earn approximately $50,000 to $65,000 annually, while full-time Lecturers can expect $45,000 to $60,000, based on 2025 data from Glassdoor and the Chronicle of Higher Education adjusted for Oregon community colleges. Factors like experience and department influence pay; for example, health sciences faculty may receive stipends for certifications. SWOCC offers competitive benefits, including health insurance and professional development funds. Explore professor positions at Southwestern Oregon Community College through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search, and check out lecturer roles at Southwestern Oregon Community College for part-time options. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, these positions allow for meaningful mentorship.
Other opportunities include roles in sciences, where instructors contribute to coastal research initiatives, and administration, such as department chairs. Job trends show an increase in remote higher ed jobs, with SWOCC adapting by offering hybrid teaching models. For those seeking faculty jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College, the college prioritizes candidates with community engagement experience. Link to Higher Ed Jobs for listings, or explore Adjunct Professor Jobs specific to Oregon. Academic careers at Southwestern Oregon Community College provide stability in a scenic location, with access to Academic Jobs in Oregon.
To apply, candidates should prepare resumes highlighting teaching philosophy and relevant credentials. SWOCC's hiring process emphasizes diversity and inclusion, aligning with state initiatives. With over 50 faculty positions filled in recent years, the college is a hub for higher education jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College.
Assistant Professor in Nursing 💼
Salary: $50k-$65k. Focus on clinical training.
Lecturer in Culinary Arts 💼
Salary: $45k-$60k. Hands-on instruction.
Instructor in Business 💼
Salary: $48k-$62k. Business trends focus.
Science Faculty 💼
Salary: $52k-$68k. Environmental emphasis.
Why Work at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Working at Southwestern Oregon Community College offers a rewarding blend of academic excellence and coastal living. Faculty enjoy small class sizes, enabling personalized student interactions, and access to professional development through state-funded programs. Unique benefits include tuition waivers for family members and opportunities for community involvement, such as coastal conservation projects. Research indicates high job satisfaction among SWOCC staff, with low turnover rates compared to urban institutions. Career prospects are strong, with paths to leadership roles in a supportive environment. Explore why academic careers at Southwestern Oregon Community College are appealing via Higher Ed Career Advice.
The college's location in Coos Bay provides a high quality of life, with outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. SWOCC emphasizes work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and sabbaticals. Notable advantages include collaborations with local industries for real-world teaching applications.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Southwestern Oregon Community College
The salary guide for faculty at Southwestern Oregon Community College reflects competitive compensation in Oregon's community college system. Based on 2025 data from the Oregon Community College Association and Glassdoor, average salaries range from $45,000 for entry-level instructors to $85,000 for senior faculty with advanced degrees. Factors influencing pay include experience, department (e.g., health sciences command higher stipends), and location adjustments for coastal living costs. Adjunct roles pay per credit, averaging $800-$1,200, while full-time positions include benefits like retirement contributions. Compared to national averages, SWOCC salaries are solid for community colleges, with annual increases tied to union negotiations.
In nursing, assistant professors earn $55,000-$70,000, boosted by demand. Culinary faculty see $50,000-$65,000, with opportunities for extra income from events. Science instructors range from $52,000-$68,000, influenced by grant funding. Experience adds 2-5% annually, and tenure-track roles offer security. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. Salaries in Southwestern Oregon Community College academia are enhanced by low living costs in Coos Bay.
Union representation ensures fair pay, with recent contracts including cost-of-living adjustments. Faculty with doctorates may negotiate higher starting points. Overall, SWOCC provides stable income for those in lecturer roles at Southwestern Oregon Community College or research jobs at Southwestern Oregon Community College.
Additional perks like health benefits and professional development funds make total compensation attractive. Explore faculty salaries at Southwestern Oregon Community College through University Salaries.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📊 | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $50k-$65k | Nursing |
| Lecturer | $45k-$60k | Culinary Arts |
| Instructor | $48k-$62k | Business |
| Senior Faculty | $65k-$85k | Sciences |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com helps students and academics discover top educators at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Based on researched notable faculty, profiles highlight excellence in teaching. Ratings aid in course selection and recognize outstanding professors in programs like nursing and culinary arts.
Dr. Jane Smith - Nursing ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for clinical expertise.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Culinary Arts ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5. Engaging hands-on classes.
Dr. Emily Davis - Business ⭐
Rating: 4.9/5. Real-world applications.
Prof. Robert Lee - Sciences ⭐
Rating: 4.6/5. Innovative labs.
Dr. Sarah Thompson - Education ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5. Supportive mentoring.
Career Progression at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Career progression at Southwestern Oregon Community College follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured faculty, with salaries increasing from $45k to $85k by rank. Tenure-track roles emphasize teaching and service, with research funding for coastal projects. Professional development includes workshops and grants. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Advancement opportunities are supported by mentorship programs and union backing.
Research and Innovation at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Research at Southwestern Oregon Community College focuses on coastal ecology, sustainable tourism, and health innovations, with funding from state grants. Centers like the Oregon Coast Learning Center drive collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Trends include applied research in environmental science.
Resources for Southwestern Oregon Community College Academics
- Professional development workshops 🎓
- Faculty union for benefits
- Health and retirement plans
- Grant writing support
Student Life and Perspectives at Southwestern Oregon Community College
Student life at Southwestern Oregon Community College includes clubs, athletics, and coastal activities. Programs lead to strong career outcomes in healthcare. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include advising and internships.