Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC names Dr. Karen Paez interim vice president for academic affairs

Story by James Hill

Portland Community College is welcoming a new leader for its Academic Affairs Division.

PCC recently named Dr. Karen Paez interim vice president for Academic Affairs, effective Oct. 21, 2026. A former psychologist turned educator and experienced college administrator, Paez will guide PCC’s academic priorities while strengthening connections among instruction, student success and workforce needs.

Paez served as associate vice president for Academic and Career Pathways, a position she has held since January 2021. Her appointment comes as PCC works to provide stability within Academic Affairs and align its academic vision with enrollment, financial planning and the changing needs of students and the region.

“Karen will bring experienced, steady leadership to PCC’s academic mission at a critical time for our college,” said Dr. Katy Ho, PCC’s interim president.

In her most recent role, Paez oversaw a portfolio representing approximately 2,600 employees across the college’s academic credit programs, academic non-credit programs, community education program, and workforce development programs. Her work connects industry and education, supports inclusive academic programs and helps align curriculum with community and workforce needs.

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the entire ACP division,” said Paez. “Serving alongside such a passionate, student-centered team has been an extraordinary privilege. As I step into my new role, maintaining close connections with this community remains a top priority.”

Ho highlighted Paez’s work across disciplines to strengthen programs, support faculty participation in shared governance and keep students’ experiences central to college decisions.

“I have tremendous confidence that Karen’s knowledge of PCC, strong relationships across the college, and commitment to student-centered decision-making will be especially valuable as we navigate both immediate priorities and important questions about PCC’s academic future,” the president said.

Previously, Paez served as dean of instruction at PCC’s Sylvania Campus, overseeing instructional programs, learning support services and a $95 million biennial budget. She also served as division dean of Student Support Services and interim dean of student development, supporting programs ranging from adult basic education and counseling to career services and veterans’ resources.

Paez earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Services from the University of Oregon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University.

As Paez begins the appointment, PCC is inviting faculty, staff, students and college leaders to share priorities through a survey. Feedback will help inform her work and broader discussions about academic excellence, program delivery, partnerships and the use of limited resources.

“This work will require listening as much as leading,” the president said.

Ho also thanked Vicky Lopez Sanchez, who had served as interim VP of Academic Affairs after Jennifer Ernst left the position earlier this past summer, for providing leadership and continuity during the transition. The president said Paez’s appointment will help advance an academic vision that informs institutional decisions and responds to the evolving needs of PCC’s communities.