PCC’s Board of Directors announces college leadership transition
Photos and story by James Hill
Today, the Portland Community College Board of Directors announced that the Board and PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings have entered into a mutual separation agreement, with Dr. Bennings utilizing family medical leave benefits until her employment concludes at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026.
“We are grateful for Dr. Bennings’ service and leadership at PCC over the past four years, particularly her passion for strategic planning, her work to strengthen curriculum alignment with Oregon’s workforce needs, and her role as a champion for student success through programs like Drive to Thrive, ensuring PCC students have the supports they need from day one through degree or program completion,” said Board Chair Tiffani Penson. “We appreciate the professionalism and shared commitment to the future of PCC and the students we serve during this time of transition. We know that Dr. Bennings will continue to effect change for the better in her next endeavor.”
Dr. Katy Ho.
Dr. Bennings said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve PCC during a period of significant change and impact. I remain proud of the work accomplished along with so many dedicated employees, students, and community partners. I leave with gratitude for the opportunity to serve PCC and with continued belief in the transformative power of community colleges.”
Dr. Bennings’ current contract ends June 30, 2028, which, if terminated early, includes a full year’s salary and benefits. The separation agreement includes nine months of salary with health benefits, and entitles Dr. Bennings to the $25,000 retention benefit provided for in her employment contract.
The Board also announced today that PCC Executive Vice President Dr. Katy Ho will serve as Acting President, effective immediately. By resolution, the Board transferred all the President’s authorities and duties to Dr. Ho. She will also continue to oversee her current portfolio of strategic leadership for Operations, Strategic Planning & Policy, Information Technology, Brand Management, and People Strategy. Dr. Ho has requested that she maintain her current salary and compensation at this time even as she takes on this larger role.
“Dr. Ho is exactly the kind of leader we need for the next phase of PCC,” said Chair Penson. “Her educational background, professional experience, approach to leadership, and commitment to PCC’s mission will provide a stabilizing presence across our campuses. We ask the entire community to welcome her in this important role as a leader and a partner in building our future at PCC together.”
At tonight’s public meeting, and in a message to the PCC community, the Board emphasized its confidence in Dr. Ho to provide continuity of leadership and student-focused progress, while also looking forward to rebuilding for the future. The Board will provide updates as they become available on plans for identifying the next president, but those plans will be informed by community engagement at all levels, which is the immediate focus and priority for Dr. Ho and the Board of Directors in the coming months.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »