Following the naming of South Mountain Community College Vice President of Learning Clyne Namuo as Phoenix College’s Interim President, SMCC President Dr. Shari Olson has named Bernice Portervint as Interim VP of Learning for the remainder of the Spring Semester. Effective immediately, the assignment will last through May 22, during which time the college will be conducting a search to fill the seat with a full-time Interim VP of Learning.
Currently the college’s Dean of Academic Innovation, Portervint joined SMCC in July of 2019 with an eye towards supporting the key priorities and critical goals identified in the college’s academic plan. Her role included expanding workforce development and Career and Technical Education opportunities, as well as serving as a liaison to faculty and administration. Recently at SMCC, she has:
- Been intricately involved in the development and leadership of the college’s equity initiative and equity initiative team.
- Supported and assessed faculty efforts around instructional program review and curriculum development.
- Supported division chairs and faculty development during probationary periods, including participating in in-class assessment and observations.
- Served as a member of Return to Work group, helping build pandemic-related processes for the college to provide a safe campus for faculty, staff and students.
“I am thrilled by this opportunity, and am looking forward to taking on the responsibilities of the role, even if only for a short time,” said Portervint. “I’m hoping to provide a smooth transition for the rest of the Spring Semester for students, faculty and staff.”
Portervint joined SMCC from Northwest Indian College (NWIC) in Bellingham, WA, where she was serving as the Dean of Academic and Distance Learning, and was responsible for providing leadership, oversight and support of the academic, vocational and distance learning programs.
Portervint has a B.A. in English/Education from Long Island University, an M.S. in Educational Administration from Pace University, and a J.D. from the New College of California.