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Welcome on Behalf OF CVHEC BOD- 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Chancellor Muñoz
Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz, a California native with deep roots in the Central Valley, is the 4th Chancellor of UC Merced. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, focusing on curriculum and instruction. Before joining UC Merced, Dr. Muñoz served as president of the University of Houston Downtown, where he launched the university’s largest capital campaign and led recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. He also served as senior vice president and vice provost at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Muñoz has authored academic articles, book chapters, and essays, and contributed to The Handbook of Latinos and Education. He has held leadership roles on various boards, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Excelencia in Education. Appointed by Governor Newsom, he also serves on the California Strategic Growth Council.
Dr. Muñoz is a graduate of several prestigious leadership programs, including those at Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Georgetown.
Benjamin Duran
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Dr. Benjamin T. Duran is a highly respected higher education leader, teacher and former president of Merced Community College in California. He retired as superintendent/president of the Merced Community College District in 2072 after serving 22 years in the district with the last 74 years as the CEO. Dr. Duran is now Executive Director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), an organization that brings together 29, soon 30, community college, independent, and university CEOs to collaborate on higher education issues in the Central Valley of California.
Keynote Panel: Conversation with the Systems Offices- 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Britt Rios-Ellis
Britt Rios-Ellis, M.S., Ph.D., is the 13th president of CSU Stanislaus, bringing over 30 years of experience in higher education and community health. A bilingual, bicultural leader, she is committed to student success, equity, and community engagement. She previously served as provost at Oakland University, where she advanced academic affairs and community initiatives. At CSU Monterey Bay, she co-founded the first Physician Assistant program in the CSU system and led efforts to diversify faculty. At CSU Long Beach, she directed Latino health initiatives and secured over $59 million in grants. A recognized public health advocate, Rios-Ellis has served on national advisory committees and received multiple awards for leadership. She holds degrees from the University of Oregon and has completed national leadership programs.
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John Doe
Central Valley Higher Education Consortium
