OCCRL Director Lorenzo D. Baber will give the talk "From the Margins to the Core: The 'Janusian' Role of Community Colleges in Public Higher Education" at the 2025 Charles E. Carpenter Lecture & Conference Endowment at the Oregon State University Portland Center.

Drawing on historical context, policy analysis, and contemporary research, the talk will highlight the tension between workforce-driven agendas and the democratic ideals of community colleges. Dr. Baber will examine the role of institutional practices, such as culturally responsive pedagogy, faculty engagement and equity-centered leadership, in fostering environments where all students can thrive. The discussion will also critique the limitations of pluralistic diversity frameworks and advocates for transformative approaches that prioritize holistic student development.

Established in 2004, the Charles E. Carpenter Lecture & Conference Endowment supports advances in professional development for community college leaders. Held each spring, the Carpenter Lecture features a nationally known speaker on a topic of importance to community colleges. In addition to current students in the adult and higher education doctoral program, attendees include northwest community college leaders and members of the Oregon State University community. The Carpenter Lecture has become a premier professional development event for community college leaders and has significantly advanced Oregon State University’s work in community college leadership.

Sign up to attend the lecture virtually or in person.