By Kat Tabor
Four seats on the Lane Community College Board are up for grabs in the May 20 special election. Elected candidates will serve four-year terms, except for At-Large Position 7, which carries a two-year unexpired term.
Zone 1, representing western Lane County, is currently held by Denise Diamond. Chair Zachary Mulholland represents Zone 2. Julie Weismann, who represents Zone 3, covering Springfield, is seeking reelection. Austin Fölnagy, the incumbent for Zone 4 which includes eastern Lane County, is also running for reelection.
The 2025 Candidates:
Zone 1
Jerry Rust
Former Lane County commissioner and longtime educator Jerry Rust is running for the Zone 1 seat on the Lane Community College Board of Education. His background includes serving in the Peace Corps and teaching English as a Second Language at LCC. Rust is prioritizing board unity, support for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and expanding educational access.
“Education is the one thing that, once you have it, no one can take it away,” he said.
“I want to support diversity, equity and inclusion, especially for immigrants and transgender folk. I’ll have your back,” he added.
Jeffrey Cooper
Jeffrey Cooper, chief operating officer at Paramount Iron Works, is also seeking the Zone 1 seat. He chairs LCC’s Advanced Technology Advisory Committee and brings a background in the trades along with experience mentoring youth through coaching. His campaign emphasizes job readiness, high school outreach, and practical leadership.
“I work in the industry, and I’ve worked for several companies that stay in touch with what employers are really looking for,” he said. “I think I can bring that perspective.”
In regard to his perspective on DEI, Cooper said: “I think everyone should have the opportunity to access a good education. I don’t think personally that that should be a prioritized policy,” he said. “But again, I’m not trying to take away from the importance of everybody having had the ability to get a great education and have access to all of the opportunities that LCC has to offer, but I don’t want it to be a prioritized policy.”
Zone 3
Julie Weismann
Appointed in July 2024, Julie Weismann is seeking to retain her Zone 3 seat. An LCC graduate and former nonprofit executive, she is focused on equity, student support and deepening community connections.
“I’m not lying when I say that I love LCC and feel very connected and passionate about making sure that students get what they need,” she said.
“Teachers want to know what happens if ICE knocks on their door in the classroom. We do fire drills and shooting drills — let’s do an ICE drill,” she added.
Devon Lawson
LCC student and Bond Oversight Committee member Devon Lawson is challenging Weismann for the Zone 3 seat. Dual-enrolled at McKenzie High School, Lawson has worked on over 30 political campaigns and focuses on student-centered leadership, DEI protections and accountability.
“Our students, faculty, and community deserve better,” he said. “I’m running because LCC needs board members who show up, who fight for students, and who put education ahead of personal politics.”
“I want LCC to become a true sanctuary campus,” he added.
Zone 4
Austin Fölnagy
Incumbent Austin Fölnagy is running for re-election in Zone 4. He currently serves as president of the Oregon Community College Association and previously served as vice chair of the Klamath Community College Board. At LCC, he has championed student engagement, DEI policies, workforce training and maintaining funding for student services.
“DEI is critical. It’s not only about safety and being an inclusive environment, but also about supportive services,” he said.
“I believe in the promise of Lane Community College — that individuals can make courageous changes to their lives through education,” he added.
Richard Andrew Vasquez
Richard A. Vasquez, a former trustee at San Joaquin Delta College in California, is challenging Fölnagy for the Zone 4 seat. A Native American author and educator, Vasquez is focused on cultural inclusion and equitable education.
“Diversity is a must, not only in education but in the classroom,” he said.
“A lot of people don’t understand that diversity is about cultural awareness — about understanding someone’s different beliefs,” he added.
He currently serves on the Lane County Parks Advisory Committee and the board of Singing Creek Educational Center. Vasquez holds degrees in criminal justice, legal studies and education administration, and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Trident University.
Zone 7 (At-Large Two-Year Term)
Jesse Alejandro Maldonado
Jesse Maldonado, an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon and a first-generation college graduate, is running for the at-large Seat 7 on the LCC Board of Education. He previously applied to fill the seat after Rep. Lisa Fragala’s resignation but was not appointed due to a board deadlock. His background includes early public service on the Lewiston City Council, and he currently serves on the Eugene Parks Foundation board and the city’s Budget Committee.
“It’s time for a new generation to step up,” he said. “I value education almost more than anything.”
He added, “I want to wear my values on my sleeve.”
The deadline to register to vote is April 29. For details on Lane County’s special elections, visit lanecounty.org. Voters can check their registration status at sos.oregon.gov.
Board meetings are held on LCC’s main campus in Bldg 3, Rm 216, unless otherwise noted. Monthly meeting dates are subject to change and are announced in the previous month’s agenda. Additional meetings are scheduled as needed, and meeting materials are posted on lanecc.edu.
All photos were provided to The Torch by each candidate.
Read stories on each candidate online at LCCTorch.com.
