For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005

University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton today announced the appointment of Douglas Desorcie as president of Prince William Sound Community College (PWSCC). Desorcie has served as interim president at the college since last November.

“Doug has a long history at the college, serving students, faculty and the community with distinction,” Hamilton said. “We’re really pleased that Doug has agreed to serve in this important leadership role.”

A graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Desorcie began his career in the UA system there in 1987. In 1992, he became the coordinator of student services at PWSCC. He was appointed director of student services in 1994 and became the college’s dean of instruction in 1996. Desorcie served in that» position until last fall.

Desorcie was awarded the Outstanding Service to Students Award in 1993. He also played a lead role in developing the dual-credit agreement with Valdez High School, a program that was showcased at the American Association of Community Colleges’ national convention and Alaska’s Superintendents» conference.

“Doug is fully committed to student success,” said UAA Chancellor Elaine P. Maimon. “While remaining open to the special benefits available to PWSCC through its membership in the UAA family of campuses, Doug is expert in communicating the strengths and achievements of his college to his colleagues.”

Desorcie’s 13 years of experience with the college’s Last Frontier Theatre Conference is an important knowledge base for his new role as college president. This past June saw the conference revenues increase by a third from the previous year, setting a new record.

Desorcie is actively involved in the Valdez community through the Valdez School Board, Valdez Rotary and many other community organizations. He served for two three-year terms on the United Way Board of Valdez. He is a past recipient of the Friends of the College Award and the Leadership Valdez Award.

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For more information, call Desorcie at 907/834-1666 or Megan Olson at UAA at 907/786-1764.
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