BMCC advocates for community colleges

SALEM – A contingent of administrators and student leaders spent Wednesday and Thursday advocating for community colleges at the Oregon Legislature for the Oregon Community College Association’s 2025 Legislative Summit.

The students who participated are Associated Student Government Publicity and Marketing Coordinator Alina Buts, ASG Activities Coordinator Makayla Collins, and Student Ambassador Grant Hills. The administrators are Director of Recruitment and Retention Garrett Mickelson, Director of College Relations Jordan Monaco, and BMCC President Mark Browning.

The first day of the summit focused on advocacy training, providing attendees with the tools to effectively communicate the value of Oregon’s community colleges to policymakers. Students gained insight into how legislative decisions impact higher education and student success.  

The delegation headed to the capitol to meet with Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner), Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo), and Sen. Todd Nash (R-Wallowa) on the second day. There they discussed the importance of community colleges in workforce development, economic growth, and student opportunities.

The students also observed the floor session for the House of Representatives. In addition, Hills was invited to sit on the Oregon State Senate floor with Nash.

“This experience was truly eye-opening,” Hills said. “Being able to sit on the Senate floor and see firsthand how decisions are made was incredible. It reinforced how important it is for students to be involved and have a voice in the process.”

For more information about BMCC’s involvement in statewide advocacy and student leadership opportunities, go to https://bluecc.edu/.

BMCC photo: (left to right) Alina Buts, Drew Leggett, Makayla Collins, Rep. Bobby Levy, Sawyer Baker, Grant Hills, Mark Browning.

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