Portland Community College has named Dr. Karen Paez interim vice president for academic affairs, a role overseeing programs at all four PCC campuses including Rock Creek at 17705 NW Springville Road.

Paez, a former psychologist turned educator, takes over Wednesday, Oct. 21, leading a division of roughly 2,600 employees across credit, non-credit, community education and workforce development programs, PCC announced Oct. 12.

"Karen will bring experienced, steady leadership to PCC's academic mission at a critical time for our college," PCC interim president Dr. Katy Ho said in the announcement.

The position opened after Jennifer Ernst, who held the vice president title through at least March 2026, left the role over the summer. Vicky Lopez Sanchez filled in as interim VP during the transition. PCC did not state a reason for Ernst's departure.

Paez has spent more than five years at PCC in senior roles. She served as associate vice president for academic and career pathways starting in January 2021, overseeing the college's academic credit and non-credit programs, community education and workforce development.

Before that, she was dean of instruction at PCC's Sylvania Campus, where she managed instructional programs and a $95 million biennial budget. She also served as division dean of student support services, overseeing adult basic education, counseling, career services and veterans' resources.

She holds a doctorate and a master's degree in counseling psychology and human services from the University of Oregon and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Auburn University.

The appointment comes during broader leadership turnover at PCC. Ho became acting president on May 14 after the board and former president Dr. Adrien Bennings reached a mutual separation agreement. Ho herself previously served as PCC's vice president for academic affairs starting in 2017, the same position Paez now fills on an interim basis.

PCC is asking faculty, staff and students to weigh in on academic priorities through a community survey. The college said feedback will help inform Paez's work and shape discussions about academic excellence, program delivery, partnerships and the use of limited resources. No survey deadline has been announced.