COOS BAY - Charlie Vincent of Coquille has been named to the Southwestern Oregon Community College board.

The only applicant for an opening left by the departure of Dr. Clara Radcliffe, Vincent officially took his new position Wednesday night. He will serve in position No. 3 until May, when the seat comes up for election. Positions occupied by Harry Abel and Lonny Anderson also will be up for election.

A former board member, Vincent served on the board for four years, before he was ousted by Radcliffe in her 2001 bid for the position. Vincent will serve out the remainder of Radcliffe's tenure in his former position, and said he plans to seek in re-election.

Vincent is an experienced educator who spent six years on the board of the South Coast Education Service District, and 25 years as a teacher in the Myrtle Point School District. The retired art instructor also is a rancher.

A Southwestern alumnus, Vincent attended the college from 1968 to 1971, before transferring to Southern Oregon University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. He later earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon in art education.

Vincent said he was motivated to work with the college due to his history with the institution.

“I was a high school drop out. I went through the community college, and if it hadn't been there for guys like me, I never would have gotten the education I have now,” he said.

Expanding Southwestern's vocational training, certification programs and higher education opportunities are Vincent's main focus. He said he's interested in seeing the college serve the youth of Coos and Curry counties through increasing programs and disciplines offered to the community.

“I feel like people should give back, and this is one way I can do it. The college gave a lot to me, and I'm giving back to my community,” Vincent said. “I think everybody needs to do something above and beyond making money.”

Vincent said he hopes to have something to do with the direction of the college and the educational future of the South Coast community.

“We're happy to have Charlie with us,” board Chairwoman Marcia Jensen said. “He brings a plethora of knowledge about education to our board, not only from time with Southwestern as a board member, and an alumnus, but also his many years as a public educator.”

College President Dr. Judith Hansen said she is pleased to have a new board member who has such a passion for community education and expansion.

“He has a primary interest in making sure students have not just education but are prepared for jobs as well,” Hansen said. “He really understands the value of life long-learning and the role of Southwestern in the community.”