Four area legislators: national, state updates
at 2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit
Leaders of state’s four higher ed systems also
confirmed for summit keynote panel; topics set
BY TOM URIBES
CVHEC Communications Lead
(MAR. 16, 2026) — Four area legislators have confirmed they will serve on the 2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit’s legislative panel next month in Fresno as the consortium also released this week the topics for six panels that reflect the consortium’s strategic direction the next few years.
And California’s four higher education systems have all now confirmed for the keynote panel that will kick off the summit set for Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center (2233 Cesar Chavez Blvd.) in downtown Fresno with the theme, “Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future.”
Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC executive director, announced these four national and state legislators will serve on the summit’s Legislative Panel, set for 2:05 p.m., to provide updates on higher education policy, funding and legislative priorities affecting the region:
- Senator Anna Caballero, California State Senate District 14
- Senator Shannon Grove, California State Senate District 12
- Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, California State Assembly 31st District
- Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, California State Assembly 27th District
“The summit convenes a cross-sector of leaders to elevate Central Valley voices in statewide conversations and advance collaborative solutions that improve educational outcomes,” Durán said.
Following the opening breakfast and welcome, the keynote panel at 10:15 a.m. — “Leading Together: Shaping the Future of Higher Education in California” – brings together the University of California, the California State University system, the California Community Colleges and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, marking a rare regional opportunity for Central Valley stakeholders to hear directly from the state’s top higher education leaders in a single forum Durán said. Panelists scheduled are:
- Chancellor Sonya Christian – California Community Colleges
- President Kristen Soares – The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
- Chancellor Mildred Garcia – The California State University
- President James B. Milliken – The University of California (pending)
Registration remains open for the annual event and is free — with breakfast and lunch included — but is expected to be filled to its 150 capacity in the next few weeks said CVHEC Associate Director Ángel Ramírez, event coordinator.
The Central Valley Higher Education Summit is the consortium’s signature event presented by the CVHEC Board of Directors which consists of the chief executive officers of 28 institutions of higher education in the valley’s 10-county region that comprise the consortium membership. With main funding support from the College Futures Foundation, the summit continues to draw about 150 higher education officials, educators, legislators and partner representatives from across the 10-county Central Valley region as well as the state and nationally.
The panels will touch on the four priority strategic areas established by the CVHEC Board of Directors at its strategic planning retreat last summer.
“Together, summit participants will examine how institutions can respond to enrollment shifts, workforce alignment, technological change and increasing calls for accountability and equity,” Duran said.
The panel topics are:
Keynote Panel “Leading Together: Shaping the Future of Higher Education in California”
Leaders from California’s four higher education segments come together for a conversation envisioning the future of higher education in the state. We will explore how system leaders are working collaboratively to expand access, support student success, and prepare Californians for a rapidly changing world.
Voices of the Valley:
Throughout the day, we will hear from two individuals whose educational journeys reflect the experiences of students across the Central Valley. These brief storytelling moments bring authentic perspectives to the summit – highlighting the challenges, persistence, and opportunities that shape the path to and through higher education.
“A Conversation with Central Valley Presidents: New Priorities for Higher Education in the Region”
Four Central Valley college presidents discuss the consortium’s new regional priorities: AI, workforce alignment, data sharing, and enrollment/reconnect—and how collaboration across institutions is shaping the future of higher education in our region.
“AI and Emerging Technologies: What’s Next for Higher Education across the Nation”
A national conversation about how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, and the future of higher education across the US.
“Partnership and Policy: Advancing Higher Education in the Central Valley”
Central Valley legislators discuss the role of state policy in strengthening higher education access, student success, and workforce development across the region.
The CVHEC Summit Welcome Reception will again be held the day before, Thursday, April 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in the breezeway outside Valdez Hall (Fresno Convention Center), across from the summit venue featuring the Fresno State Latin Jazz Ensemble for the second year
The quarterly CVHEC board meeting — traditionally held the day before — this year will take place the morning of the summit (April 24) from 8 to 9:30 a.m., immediately preceding the summit’s official start, providing board members with an opportunity to engage in governance and regional strategy prior to the public sessions.
A free breakfast for registrants is from 9-10 a.m. with lunch at 12:10 p.m.
For registration and hotel rooms (group rate available) and sponsorship opportunities: https://bit.ly/CVHECsummit26
- Event & sponsorship questions: contact Ángel Ramírez, CVHEC associate director, at angelr@ mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.0576.
- Media inquiries: Tom Uribes, CVHEC communications lead – text 559.348.3278 or cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu
- For event updates: see the Summit event page, subscribe to the free CVHEC monthly e-newsletter or visit CVHEC social media platforms.
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