meta pixel

UCC will open at 10am today.

UCC Hires Veteran Vinter to Oversee Winery, Southern Oregon Wine Institute

JULY 4, 2022

Joel brings extensive industry experience, having owned and managed numerous businesses which include Mountain West Hard Cider, Bad Seed Cider and Callahan Ridge Winery and Wind River Cellars, where he served as Owner, General Manager and Head Winemaker.

In addition to technical skills, Joel has a solid background in business, sales and marketing, strategic planning and implementation and customer relations.

As a passionate leader, he has mentored winery industry newcomers, co-authored the federal Columbia Gorge AVA application and co-founded the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association.

Joel’s passion for the wine industry is complemented by his passion for helping others looking to enter the field. Such leadership qualities make him a perfect fit for the position, as we have no doubt he will inspire the next generation of vintners, said Robin Van Winkle, Dean of Community Education and Partnerships.

About Umpqua Community College

Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.

Success Stories from Umpqua Community College

Sydney Miele standing and smiling in front of a Foley & Lardner LLP office sign, where she works as a legal assistant after graduating from UCC's Paralegal program.
Success Stories

From Uncertain to Unstoppable — How Sydney Miele Built Her Paralegal Career with UCC

From uncertain to unstoppable – this is how Sydney Miele built her legal career with UCC . . .
When Sydney Miele entered the Paralegal program at UCC, she didn’t know which direction she wanted to take. “Going into the program, I wasn’t completely set on what I wanted to do exactly in the legal field. I was leaning toward being a paralegal or maybe even like a law clerk… maybe doing a couple years of law school.”

Three family members in green graduation caps and gowns hold hands outside the Ford Nursing Science Center, celebrating their UCC nursing graduation together.
Success Stories

From Patients to Providers, One Family Finds Their Path to Nursing at UCC

When you’re a patient in the hospital, there are days when your strength fades and it feels easier to give up. Often, it’s a nurse who helps you find hope again. The Newell and Robbins family knows this experience well. All four siblings spent extended time in hospitals and saw firsthand the difference a compassionate nurse can make. “We had a front-row seat to the impact of good nursing.

Success Stories

Welding for My Son: Resilience Through Education

When Gabriella Spencer moved to Roseburg, she never dreamed she would have her GED, let alone be in a two-year welding program. “I left a bad situation in Ohio, and I came here with nothing. I was in a homeless shelter with my son, who was just entering first grade. He was still in that place where he didn’t want to go to school. He wanted to stay at home with mommy all day and play, and I’m trying to explain the importance of education. While I’m doing this, I’m thinking, I’ve never even gotten my GED.”