Darcy Patterson, Harney County Engagement Coordinator, Treasure Valley Community College

Darcy Patterson's transition from government healthcare policy to higher education outreach wasn't planned—it was "fast and furious and not even on my radar," she says. Yet eight months into her role as Harney County Engagement Coordinator with Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), Patterson has found her calling in helping rural students access educational opportunities.

Patterson's typical day reflects the diverse nature of her position. "I love the variety of the position," she explains, describing how she starts at 8 a.m. or earlier to accommodate students. Patterson's main objective is "to provide outreach to all of Harney County, to create a pipeline to higher education as well as be a conduit to the TVCC Ontario Campus." The 130-mile distance between Burns and Ontario has "proven to be enough of a distance to create a chasm in terms of connection," she notes, making her local presence crucial for bridging that gap.

Before joining TVCC, Patterson spent 23 years with the Department of Human Services, working in Aging and People with Disabilities in various capacities, most recently from the Central Office in Salem in a remote position. "I spoke all things Medicare and Medicaid, not Academia!" she laughs. However, remote work wasn't suited to her "outgoing personality and love of people, community and connections."

The career change came through an unexpected Facebook post shared by Denise Rose with High Desert Partnership (HDP). "After a sleepless night and much waffling, I applied, never thinking I would be considered," she recalls. She applied on December 18th and started February 2, 2025.

Patterson's partnership with HDP is central to her role—in fact, she says, "I would not be in this role if it weren't for HDP." The position was created as a 50/50 partnership with the organization, and she works closely with Youth Changing the Community (YCTC) Coordinator Denise Rose. "I have been tracking HDP and the stellar work they have done for years and I wanted to jump on their bandwagon," she explains.

One of Patterson's proudest achievements has been bringing dual credit courses to Burns High School. "Students can enroll at TVCC as a Dual Credit student, attend College Writing or Math, and receive both high school and college credit for FREE!" she enthuses. The program allows students to get "a jump on their future goals," with plans to expand offerings in the future.

Her work with YCTC brings particular joy. Patterson has served as a Shark Tank judge and helped with mock interviews in career readiness classes. "This is our future and anytime you can help them prepare to 'adult,' it's an honor," she says. Her favorite part of the job remains "working with students and helping them with their career goals, whether that is with higher education or technical training."

Patterson's approach is rooted in community development. One of her pivotal roles is "to create and foster opportunities for Harney County residents to earn employable skills and workforce certification by leveraging resources already available." Her goal is to keep residents in the community if that's where they want to be, thereby "fortifying our sustainability and economic health and stability."

Outside work, Patterson finds peace in nature. "The woods is my favorite place to be! I love to camp or just stand around a bonfire with my family," she shares. She's also "blessed" to be a grandmother to two children who live less than two miles away.

Patterson's deep community roots inform her work. She and her husband moved to Harney County with children ages 5 and 2, and "this community grabbed hold of us immediately." Both of their children left for college but returned to raise families and give back to the community. "Their experience attending schools in Harney County and the joys and challenges with living in a rural community has provided me with a great foundation and useful experience that I need in this role," she reflects.

Her philosophy is collaborative: "No reason to duplicate or silo the work. We all can wrap our arms around youth for the betterment of them and also for the betterment of the community."