(MAY 14, 2026) — Under the theme, “Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future,” 180 participants provided a full day of conversations centered on innovation, partnership, student success and re-enrollment for “stopped out” students at the 2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit April 24 in Fresno.

Presented by the CVHEC Board of Directors with primary funding from College Futures Foundation, the day-long event featured four panel sessions and two student presentations captured in videos that are now available for viewing on CVHEC’s website (below).    

The videos portray how the region’s higher ed professionals convened at the summit with national and state officials to address pressing issues currently at hand for academia from national policy changes to life-altering innovation.

“Higher education is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, economic transformation and changing student needs,” said UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz in opening remarks. “Here in the Central Valley, we see this as an opportunity to lead.”

CVHEC Executive Director Dr. Benjamin Duran echoed that message, noting the growing recognition of the region’s collaborative approach. 

“Great work is happening here and the state is beginning to recognize the strength of this region’s leadership, innovation and partnership as we help shape the future of higher education in California,” Duran said. 

“We’ve come to call this ‘doing it the Central Valley way.’” 

Panelists included top leaders from all four of California’s higher education segments in a a rare joint appearance; state legislators presenting the legislative scene for the academic world; Central Valley college and university presidents discussing four strategic priorities adopted by the CVHEC Board last year; and a national perspective by Dr. Dhanfu Elston of Complete College America regarding the pros and cons of artificial intelligence. 

Two students from CVHEC-member institutions provided personalized insights to their respective academic journeys.

The event followed CVHEC’s quarterly Board of Directors meeting earlier that morning that brought together CEOs from the consortium’s 28 member institutions serving more than 250,000 students across the region. (See related story)  link to come

Regional presidents outline shared priorities

A central focus of the summit was a panel of Central Valley college and university presidents discussing four strategic priorities adopted by the CVHEC Board last year: artificial intelligence, workforce alignment, data sharing and student enrollment/re-enrollment.

Moderated by Modesto Junior College President Brian Sanders, the panel included Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Reedley College President Jerry Buckley, Clovis Community College President Kim Armstrong and Cerro Coso Community College President Sean Hancock.

“This panel is about the future — the work we will pursue collectively across the region over the next several years,” said California Health Sciences University President Florence Dunn in introducing the session.

Panelists discussed the need for a more coordinated regional approach to workforce alignment, emphasizing closer collaboration with industry partners to ensure students are prepared for evolving job markets.

They also highlighted the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and the importance of establishing shared policies and frameworks rather than isolated campus efforts.

On data sharing, leaders pointed to the potential of regional dashboards to better understand and support student outcomes across institutions — though they acknowledged challenges in aligning systems and overcoming institutional silos.

The conversation also addressed “reconnect” efforts aimed at re-enrolling students who have stopped out of college. Panelists stressed the importance of viewing these individuals as “shared students” across institutions rather than belonging to a single campus.

AI session brings national perspective

The afternoon session on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies featuring Elston of Complete College America expanded the conversation beyond the region.

Introduced by West Hills Community College District Chancellor Robert Pimentel, Elston provided a national overview of how institutions are using AI to improve student success and where common pitfalls exist.

In a conversation with San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/President Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, Elston emphasized that institutions must move beyond experimentation toward scalable strategies.He highlighted the importance of aligning workforce outcomes with enrollment decisions — a concept he described as a significant cultural shift for higher education — and warned of an “AI divide” that could exacerbate inequities if not addressed intentionally.

The conversation also focused on the 37 million Americans with some college but no degree, underscoring the urgency of re-enrollment strategies and the role technology can play in reaching those students.

Policymakers address regional needs

The summit concluded with a policy panel featuring state legislators discussing how government can support higher education in the Central Valley.

Panelists included State Sens. Anna Caballero and Shannon Grove and Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, moderated by Merced College Superintendent/President Chris Vitelli.

The discussion centered on regional disparities in educational attainment, workforce development needs and the role of policy in expanding opportunity.

Legislators spoke about the importance of partnerships with higher education institutions and the need for targeted investments to address the Valley’s unique challenges.

They also reflected on constituent concerns around economic mobility and access to education, emphasizing bipartisan interest in strengthening pathways from education to careers.

Sponsors and regional support highlighted

During the lunch program, CVHEC recognized sponsors supporting the summit, marking the first year the event secured community sponsorships in addition to its longtime support from College Futures Foundation.

Sponsors included Emerzian Law Group PC, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Teachers College of San Joaquin, Golden 1 Credit Union,Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union,  Fresno DRIVE and Educational Employees Credit Union.

Duran called the response from partners “truly inspiring,” noting that expanded support reflects growing recognition of the consortium’s regional impact.

Looking ahead

In closing remarks, Duran returned to the summit’s central theme and the work ahead.

“Our four strategic priorities — AI and technology, workforce alignment, data sharing, and enrollment and reconnect — are not just priorities for CVHEC,” he said. “They are the priorities of every institution, every student and every community in this region.”

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that while higher education faces significant disruption, the Central Valley is uniquely positioned to lead through collaboration.

As Muñoz noted at the outset, the region’s challenges also present opportunity — and the summit made clear that leaders across systems, sectors and communities are committed to shaping what comes next.

Associate Director Angel Ramirez said planning will begin this month for next year’s summit which will observe CVHEC’s 25th anniversary and the 2027 sponsors campaign will begin soon. Anyone interested may contact him at angelr@mail.fresnostate.edu. 

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See:

Panel videos link

Photo gallery

Board story link