MHCC Board Names Debra Derr Finalist in Presidential Search

 

Press Release –

Maggie Huffman
Director of Communications
[email protected]

 

(Gresham, Ore., April 6, 2013) – The Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) District Board of

Education is pleased to announce that it has selected Debra Derr as the finalist for the position of college

president.

Derr will become MHCC’s tenth president since 1966, the year the college began serving students and the

community from its campus in Gresham. Ore. Michael Hay, the college’s president since July 1, 2011,

has announced that he will retire at the end of June.

Derr is currently president of North Iowa Community College and has held senior administrative

positions at Mt. Hood Community College and Clackamas Community College. Her experience lies in

the areas of working with students with disabilities, advising and counseling, teaching psychology and

student development courses, and administering student affairs programs with a focus on student success.

Derr holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Linfield College, a master’s in counseling

from Portland State University and a doctorate in community college leadership/higher education

administration from Oregon State University.

“We are impressed with Dr. Derr’s credentials and strong connection to our college and community,” said

Dave Shields, board chair. “Her leadership style is highly inclusive and participative. She is prepared to

help move MHCC forward as it meets a number of important challenges, such as sustainable funding and

graduation goals.”