PCC’s new IT leader positioned to lead the college through AI emergence
Story by Misty Bouse. Photos by Ric Getter.
PCC alum Brandon Gatke leads the college’s IT department.
With so many questions around artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of information technology these days, college and universities are asking themselves if they are cultivating responsible, tech-savvy graduates ready for the digital economy.
For Portland Community College, the answer resides with a familiar face — PCC alum Brandon Gatke. He is the college’s new associate vice president of Information Technology and Security. He oversees the business and support services for the IT department, which provides computing, communications, and technology infrastructure services and support for the college.
He is no stranger to PCC. Twenty years ago, Gatke enrolled at the college after earning his undergraduate degree at Portland State University and taking a brief hiatus from education. In addition, his father earned two associate degrees from the college, and his wife completed her personal trainer certification in 2018.
“I have a deep connection to this institution,” Gatke said. “I love what it’s done for my family and my community.”
His experience at PCC inspired him to pursue two master’s degrees—one from the University of Oregon and another from Pepperdine University, focusing on IT and Business Management. Coupled with his bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication, Gatke said he is well-prepared to lead his team and drive digital innovation districtwide.?
“It is an incredible privilege to work and lead a group of dedicated professionals like PCC IT,” he said. “Many of them either started out as students or have been students while working at PCC. That dedication to our college is what empowers our teams to provide great customer service and strategic partnership on technology related initiatives.”
Gatke said AI is like evolving from a ‘2D checkerboard to a Rubik’s Cube.’
Understanding AI
Before joining PCC’s IT team, Gatke served as chief information officer and chief information security officer at Pacific University, overseeing IT and security for academic programs and 12 healthcare clinics. Previously, he was the CIO for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare.
Discussing today’s innovations in generative AI, Gatke explained that it is an advanced form of machine learning that aims to emulate the human brain by making complex connections between vast amounts of information. He compares it to evolving from a simple “2D checkerboard to a Rubik’s Cube,” illustrating its ability to handle multiple dimensions of information simultaneously.
“AI isn’t a replacement for humans,” he said. “It lacks creative, spontaneous components but is an exceptional tool for getting you 50-80% of the way there.”
Gatke highlights what is being done on campus from the Online Learning team led by Andy Freed (director of Learning Technology and Innovation) with AI applications at PCC, such as chatbots that support student and faculty inquiries, providing rapid, intelligent responses escalating complex queries to human support when necessary. For example, PCC has just been exposed to advanced AI advising, an area where the college is short-handed, to streamline student support services.
“AI advising has the potential to instantaneously map out course pathways, significantly enhancing the advising experience,” he said.
PCC and higher ed are at a critical juncture with AI, he said.
Improved Efficiency Ahead
Addressing sustainability concerns, Gatke acknowledges the substantial energy demands of AI technologies, noting that each AI query consumes energy equivalent to brewing a cup of coffee. Recognizing this, tech giants like Meta and Microsoft are investing in clean energy, and startups like DeepSeek are developing more energy-efficient AI systems, according to Gatke.
Security and privacy remain central in his approach. He stresses the importance of using approved, secure AI tools to protect sensitive information at PCC, cautioning against freely available AI services that may compromise privacy. Gatke’s team is actively implementing measures to protect PCC’s digital environment, such as AI-driven systems that combat phishing attacks and fraudulent activities targeting student enrollment.
Looking forward, Gatke sees immense potential for AI at PCC, particularly in administrative efficiency and enhanced academic advising. Recently, Google’s AI advising tools demonstrated significant promise, potentially streamlining processes for students and communicating in their first languages. He remains committed to guiding PCC securely into this new era of AI-driven educational innovation, which will prepare the next generation of graduates for the workforce of tomorrow.?
“We’re in for a very interesting journey,” Gatke said. “Higher Ed is no exception. Right now, this is truly as transformational as the internet was 30 years ago.”
For more information on his work, Gatke will be featured on the college’s “On the Spot @ PCC” podcast in the upcoming month.