A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Lisa Avery is president of Linn-Benton Community College; she previously served as a campus president at Portland Community College. Before moving to Oregon, Lisa was district vice provost for Strategic Partnerships and district dean for Global Education at the Community Colleges of Spokane. In this role, she was responsible for advancing the college district’s strategic plan with key business partners, as well as enhancing and promoting international exchange, study abroad and honors programs. She previously served as a full professor at Eastern Washington University (Cheney, Washington), with 10+ years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience.

At Linn-Benton, Lisa’s vision is best described as “Education for All,” and she has emphasized success of rural and underserved students and communities in her work. Collaborating with local industry leaders, Lisa has expanded LBCC’s strong career and technical (CTE) programs and built new partnerships in allied health. She has championed LBCC’s efforts to improve outreach to Oregon’s growing Latinx community and led LBCC’s successful bond campaign for a new agriculture education center.

Lisa is a former member of the AACC board of directors and a current member of the executive committee for the President’s Academy. She also serves on the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship board. In 2023, Lisa was elected a commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Under her oversight, LBCC has engaged in multiple student success initiatives, including Rural Guided Pathways, Rural Community College Baccalaureate, New America Workforce Transformation, and Lumina Foundation adult recruitment efforts.

Lisa is a native of Indiana and has lived in the Pacific Northwest for 20+ years. She and her wife, Allison, live in Albany, Oregon, with their daughters. In their spare time, she and her family enjoy exploring the outdoors.