Fall 2012 - Distinguished Alumni Colt Gill

As superintendent of Eugene's Bethel School District, Colt Gill is focused on making a difference in kids' lives, but the former math major didn't discover he had a passion for helping students until he enrolled in a cooperative work experience program at Lane Community College.

"I got to work directly with students in elementary school and I realized my passion was helping kids learn and helping kids who are having trouble," Colt recalls. "My experience at Lane led me to pursue a degree in education."

Colt transferred to the University of Oregon earning a bachelor's degree in education and a graduate degree in education policy management. He has been an educator for 22 years, serving as a teacher, principal, district technology director, curriculum and instruction director, and assistant  superintendent, in addition to his current role as superintendent.

As a school district administrator, Colt is focused on improving school  leadership and supporting instruction in the classroom so that all students can achieve at high levels and realize success in the community after graduating.

Colt was recently appointed by Governor Kitzhaber as a Commissioner on Oregon's Quality Education Commission, he has also served as an appointed advisor to the Oregon State Board of Education. A strong believer in community service, Colt is President-Elect of United Way of Lane County, and has chaired the organization's Success By 6 and Promise Neighborhood initiatives.

Colt also works with the Education Partnership initiative meeting regularly with other leaders in education to  expand the pipeline of area high school graduates who are entering college ready to learn. He is actively involved in  achieving the state's 40/40/20 goal, which seeks to see 40 percent of Oregon high school students go on to earn four-year college degrees, 40 percent complete two-year programs and 20 percent earn high school degrees.

"Community college is the gateway to earning a degree," he says "And higher education is the pathway to Oregon becoming more economically stable."

Lane Foundation: www.lanecc.edu/foundation