CGCC’s Robert Wells-Clark named Career & Tech. Ed professional of the year

Home Page
Written By Columbia Gorge Community College

Robert Wells-Clark has been instrumental in leading the Skills Center at Columbia Gorge Community College and his hard work was recently recognized statewide.

From Columbia Gorge Community College:

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 9, 2026 — Columbia Gorge Community College instructor Robert Wells-Clark is the 2026 Oregon Career and Technical Education professional of the year.

The Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education (Oregon ACTE) recently bestowed the award on Wells-Clark of The Dalles.

Wells-Clark is training in high-demand technical fields, including advanced manufacturing, fabrication, welding, construction trades, and, in partnership with local industry, specialized skills like CNC programming, CAD design, and 3D printing. The effort supports the local economy in the Gorge and statewide as graduates earn more money and contribute to successful businesses.

The statewide award honors exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing postsecondary career and technical education (CTE). Wells-Clark was selected for his outstanding contributions to program development, student success, and community partnerships throughout the Columbia Gorge region.

“Robert brings remarkable energy and vision to his work at CGCC,” said Dr. Jarett Gilbert, vice president of Instruction at CGCC. “His leadership directly strengthens pathways for students into high-demand technical careers, and this recognition is a testament to his dedication.”

Wells-Clark will be presented his award certificate at the new Industrial Training and Assessment Center Open House Feb. 20th on The Dalles Campus, and formally recognized during the Oregon ACTE Conference, held April 29–May 1, 2026, in Seaside. As Oregon’s state-level award recipient, he will also advance for consideration in the ACTE Region V Post-Secondary Professional of the Year competition, with nominees from 17 western U.S. states.

“It’s an honor to represent Columbia Gorge Community College and our students,” said Wells-Clark. “CTE programs are changing lives across rural Oregon, and I’m grateful to be part of that work.”

For more information about career and technical education programs at Columbia Gorge Community College, visit cgcc.edu/cte.

About Oregon ACTE

The Oregon Association for Career and Technical Education is the professional association dedicated to the advancement of CTE educators and programs statewide. It is affiliated with the national Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).

About Columbia Gorge Community College

Columbia Gorge Community College serves communities throughout the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, offering accessible pathways to education, workforce training, and lifelong learning. Learn more at cgcc.edu.




Columbia Gorge Community College

Columbia Gorge is your community college. Our goal is to help you be successful in whatever educational program or activity you choose. At Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), you can complete your first two years of college and then transfer to a four-year university. Or you can take a career/technical program to qualify for a job. CGCC also provides you with opportunities to pursue special interests or to broaden your education. You can go to school full-time to finish a program in one or two years, or attend part-time and just take a class or two.

https://www.cgcc.edu/