PCC honors Val Brenneis for outstanding teaching, environmental impact
Story by Misty Bouse. Submitted Photos.
Val Brenneis collaborates with Arturo Portera and the Rock Creek Campus groundskeeping crew on stewardship of campus natural areas.
This fall, Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus recognized environmental studies and biology instructor Val Brenneis with the Galbraith Teaching Excellence Award, honoring her dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration, student mentorship and community-engaged learning.
“The work that Val does to connect PCC to the community is inspirational,” said PCC Life Science and Biotechnology Program Dean Linda Fergusson-Kolmes. “She brings a depth of disciplinary expertise and professional integrity to all the places her work touches PCC students and the community.”
Brenneis, department co-chair for Environmental Studies and Resources and coordinator of the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center, has spent 14 years helping students understand the deep connections linking people, ecosystems and community stewardship.
Students conduct an environmental center survey.
As faculty coordinator for the 100-acre natural area at Rock Creek, Brenneis helps lead restoration projects, community programming and partnerships with agencies and nonprofit organizations. Her work centers on protecting local ecosystems, improving access to nature and creating educational opportunities for students and community members. Visit her background and effort at the environmental center on her Story maps page.
“Her work with the Rock Creek Environmental Studies Center, not only supports PCC academic programs and the stewardship of the land but is an active reminder that the forest is located on the site of the traditional lands of the Kalapuyan people,” Fergusson-Kolmes said.
Brenneis said the recognition reflects the efforts of many colleagues and partners who contribute to the center’s mission.
“I was very honored to be recognized by the Rock Creek campus community in this way,” she said. “I love working with faculty, staff and students both within and outside of my department to do creative and meaningful work that helps connect people to each other and the land.”
Originally from Southern California and now a longtime Southeast Portland resident, Brenneis brings a strong academic and professional background to her role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of California at Berkeley, a master’s in Science Education from George Washington and a doctorate in Ecology from the University of California at Davis. She also earned a certificate in Geographic Information System from PCC, an experience she credits with strengthening her connection to the college’s mission.
“One of the strengths of community colleges is that we support students as they work toward their educational and career goals,” she said. “I feel fortunate to work in a place where we can integrate meaningful, hands-on learning into our teaching.”
Sustainability staff join Brenneis in clearing non-native plants.
Brenneis teaches a range of environmental studies courses, many of which transfer into Portland State University’s degree pathways. Whether analyzing data, practicing scientific communication or exploring ecosystems in the college’s “living lab,” Brenneis emphasizes active learning and encourages regular use of the environmental center.
“I really enjoy spending time with students engaged with each other in learning,” she said. “My colleagues and I work hard to keep our courses relevant and are always looking for better ways to teach effectively.”
This year, Brenneis expanded her community-engaged work by organizing two workshops for PCC students hosted by Indigenous educators. The first was a weaving workshop led by Stephanie Craig, a Kalapuya weaver and culture keeper known for her traditional artistry. Brenneis described the experience as “wonderful” and said it helped her better understand how cultural knowledge and land stewardship are interwoven across generations.
Also, Molly Leno of Rooted Ways joined Craig and led a workshop on herbal salves focused on traditional plant uses and sustainable harvesting practices. Both sessions reinforced the importance of learning from and building relationships with Indigenous community members.
Through the PCC Oaks Partners, the college collaborates with Indigenous-led organizations, local agencies and community members to support land care, ecological restoration and relationship repair at Rock Creek. A recent Metro Community Choice Nature in Neighborhoods grant is helping the environmental center improve trail accessibility and signage. This includes an ongoing renaming process guided by alum and facilitator Serina Fast Horse, who is leading outreach with tribal and Indigenous community members.
Trail cam of a wandering elk.
“This work is helping us honor the continuing relationship between Indigenous communities and the land,” Brenneis said.
Looking ahead, Brenneis said she hopes to continue building campus and community connections that support students while honoring the cultural and ecological heritage of the region.
“Students care deeply about the world,” she said. “My role is to help them build the skills, knowledge and relationships they need to put that care to good use.”
To volunteer with the Rock Creek Environmental Center, visit it’s webpage for opportunities.