KBND News spoke exclusively with COCC President Greg Pereira as he approaches one year leading Central Oregon Community College. Pereira says his first year has centered on listening to employers and local communities, then adapting programs to meet workforce needs across the region. He also wants students to view COCC as a first-choice school, not a fallback, pointing to dorms and students who come from across the country to attend. Pereira says that sets COCC apart from many community colleges nationwide. Fall classes at the Bend campus begin September 21st, with expanded offerings in Madras, Redmond, and La Pine.