Dear Community Partners and Friends,
After 32 rewarding years in community colleges (18 at Chemeketa) I am retiring on June 30, 2019. It is difficult to personalize an e-mail, but I want to say how much I appreciate the friends I have made and support I have felt from those of you who I have had the privilege to get to know. The decision to retire was difficult because I truly enjoy serving as President of Chemeketa. My husband Jim has been retired since 2016. We plan to do some traveling and spend more time with our daughters and grandchildren.
The last four years as President has been the most enriching and inspiring experience of my career. It has allowed me to interact with faculty, staff, students and community leaders and learn how our community college makes a difference to each individual we serve. I have seen first-hand how we as community partners work together to improve lives, improve livelihoods and give hope to those who may not have experienced it previously. We are a better community as a result of the work we have done together.
Over the next year I am committed to doing my best each and every day to continue our work together to serve our communities. I will continue to be engaged to move our programs, projects and partnerships forward. We have a great team at Chemeketa—board members, executive leadership team, faculty and staff and I know the college will continue to thrive and meet the needs of our communities.
The board of education will begin the search process for the next president immediately. The search will be conducted nationally and planning is underway. Please watch for information about community input and forums. As an integral partner of Chemeketa we value our input.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Julie Huckestein
President/CEO
Chemeketa Community College
It is with a heavy heart that we prepare to bid farewell to Julie Huckestein, Chemeketa Community Colleges President. Julie Huckestein has been a cornerstone member of our community, dedicated to serving her students by providing the best education possible.
Good luck Julie in all of your future endeavors!