Embracing inclusive excellence as a guiding principle
As we celebrate Black History Month, I find myself reflecting on my journey as the president of Portland Community College, the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon. Being the first permanent Black female president in the college’s history is both a profound honor and a humbling responsibility. My tenure thus far has been marked by both challenges and triumphs that underscore the resilience and strength of our community and the importance of our mission: to support student success by delivering access to quality education while advancing economic development and promoting sustainability within a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A Legacy to Uphold and Evolve.
When I assumed this role, I was keenly aware of the weight of history and the expectations tied to it. PCC has always served a diverse student population that reflects the rich cultural fabric of our state. For me, this legacy is a call to action—a mandate to deepen our impact, strengthen community connections, and ensure that every student who walks through our doors has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced is navigating the post-pandemic landscape. This global crisis disrupted lives and livelihoods, amplifying inequities in education and economic stability. At PCC, we have expanded online learning options to provide emergency financial assistance and bolstered mental health services. Our focus is to meet students where they are—physically, emotionally, and academically.
Inclusive Excellence as Our North Star.
At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to inclusive excellence. As a Black woman in leadership, I am acutely aware of the systemic barriers that persist in education and society. These barriers are not insurmountable, but addressing them requires intentionality, courage, and collaboration. Under my leadership, PCC has embraced inclusive excellence as a guiding principle, ensuring that equity and inclusion are embedded in every facet of our operations. We have launched comprehensive equity training for employees, restructured policies to foster a culture of belonging, and addressed systemic disparities and closed achievement gaps for underrepresented students. This work is a continuous journey, reaffirming our belief that inclusive excellence is not just an aspiration but a framework that informs every decision and drives meaningful outcomes.
Triumphs Born of Collaboration.
Our successes are a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Together, we have:
Created new career pathways and partnerships with industries in high-demand fields.
Adopted sustainability practices that further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our role as stewards of the environment.
Modernized facilities and invested in technologies that enhance learning and accessibility.
Strengthened holistic student support to address basic needs, such as housing and food security.
These accomplishments are not just milestones; they are building blocks for a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking institution.
Looking Ahead.
As we chart the future, my vision for PCC is one of innovation, growth, and deeper community engagement. This includes advancing our strategic plan, which emphasizes student success, equity, and sustainability. We are also focusing on shared governance to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in our decision-making processes. Personally, I am committed to leveraging my platform to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit not only PCC but the broader educational landscape. This means addressing funding inequities, supporting workforce development, and championing initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers to education.
A Call to Action.
Black History Month reminds us of the profound contributions of Black leaders, educators, and trailblazers who have shaped our nation. It also challenges us to consider the work that remains undone. For PCC, this means doubling down on our commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. To the community we serve: I invite you to join us through partnerships, advocacy, or simply sharing your ideas; your involvement is essential to our collective success. Together, we can continue to make PCC a place where dreams take root, possibilities are limitless, and the future is brighter for all. Black History Month is not only a celebration of the past but a charge to shape the future. At PCC, we are doing just that and I am honored to be a part of this journey. One Together. Together One. Dr. Adrien L. Bennings, President of Portland Community College.