Eugene, OR. - Lane Community College today announced leadership updates for its regional centers as part of ongoing budget mitigation and organizational alignment efforts designed to strengthen service to local communities.
Effective this summer, Dean Russell Pierson will transition to focus exclusively on the Florence Campus. In this role, Pierson will continue to build on strong community partnerships and expand access to education and workforce opportunities along the Oregon Coast.
Dean Anna Tapia-Gates, who currently serves as Dean of College and Career Foundations, will expand her role to include leadership of the Cottage Grove Campus. This expanded responsibility reflects her deep experience at the college and her strong connection to the community, positioning her as a natural partner for students, employers, and local organizations in South Lane County.
“These changes reflect our commitment to being responsive to the communities we serve,” said Stephanie Bulger, president of Lane Community College. “Florence and Cottage Grove are distinct communities with unique strengths and opportunities. By aligning dedicated leadership to each location, we are ensuring that both centers receive the focused attention and partnership needed to support student success and regional workforce development.”
Dr. Bulger also expressed appreciation for Pierson’s leadership across both centers. “I want to thank Russell for the care and commitment he has shown to both Florence and Cottage Grove, especially during a period of important renovation and renewal made possible through the community’s support of the 2020 general obligation bond. His leadership has helped position both locations for continued success, and we are grateful for his ongoing work in Florence.”
The leadership realignment is part of the college’s broader, multi-year budget mitigation strategy, which prioritizes long-term financial sustainability while protecting student access and community impact. As outlined in recent institutional planning efforts, Lane is focused on aligning resources with student-centered priorities and strengthening its role as a workforce and talent development hub for the region.
Both Pierson and Tapia-Gates will play key roles in advancing these priorities by deepening local engagement, supporting enrollment growth, and expanding pathways that connect education to career opportunities.
Lane Community College remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens communities across Lane County.
Lane Community College educates over 17,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.