Central Valley higher ed leaders retreat for strategic planning

The CVHEC Board of Directors and team members convened Aug. 15 at UC Merced for a hybrid strategic planning retreat. Attending in person: (FRONT): Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval; CHSU President Flo Dun; Coalinga College President Carla Tweed; YCCD Interim Chancellor Lena Tran; San Joaquin Delta College Superintendent/ President Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson; Madera Community College President Ángel Reyna; Clovis Community College President Kim Armstrong; Merced College Superintendent/ President Chris Vitelli; CVHEC Dual Enrollment Lead Kristin Clark; UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. (MIDDLE): CVHEC Admin Assistant Priscilla Arellano; Fresno City College President Denise Whisenhunt; Bakersfield College Interim President Stacy Pfluger; Taft College Acting Superintendent/ President Leslie Minor; CVHEC Executive Director Benjamín Durán; Reedley College President Jerry Buckley. (BACK): CVHEC Associate Director Angel Ramirez; WHCCD Chancellor Robert Pimentel; Lemoore College President James Preston; Modesto Junior College President Brian Sanders; Fresno Pacific University President André Stephens; College of the Sequoias President Brent Calvin.  (Photo: Juan Rodriguez – UCM).

CVHEC board sets direction for next 3-5 years

with collaborative focus on student success

 

BY TOM URIBES
CVHEC Communications/Media Lead

Leaders from colleges and universities across California’s Central Valley gathered at the University of California, Merced for a one-day Strategic Planning Retreat hosted by the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) Board of Directors Aug. 20.

The session marked an important milestone in the consortium’s 23-year history, as presidents, chancellors and higher education CEOs from across the region came together to chart a bold course for the next three to five years, said Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC executive director, .

“This was a ‘roll up your sleeves’ kind of day,” Durán said, reflecting the spirit of the retreat. “It was about open discussion, candid collaboration, and making decisions that will set the state and direction for CVHEC in the years to come.”

A Trusted Voice for Higher Education Advocacy and Collaboration in the Valley

Hosted by UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz, the retreat began with welcome remarks that underscored the importance of regional collaboration in advancing higher education opportunities.

The day carried special significance as participants reflected on CVHEC’s origins. Founded at California State University, Fresno under the leadership of President-Emeritus John Welty, the consortium has grown into a trusted voice for higher education advocacy and collaboration in the Valley.

Current Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval noted in a social media post after the event the historical connection he found in reminiscing about his predecessor.

“This is a deeply meaningful program to our university and region,” President Jiménez-Sandoval said. “It represents not just a partnership but a shared responsibility to lift up the Central Valley through education. I look forward to our continued intentional collaboration on so many areas — from AI to transfer pathways to joint research projects.”

The retreat agenda featured a presentation by Durán and Ángel Ramírez, associate director, who revisited CVHEC’s founding story and outlined its core purpose: strengthening higher education access and success across the Central Valley.

“When institutions across the Valley work together, we amplify our impact for students, families, and communities,” said Ramírez, who previewed a draft of a video currently in progress telling the CVHEC story.

Their presentation highlighted the consortium’s current initiatives, including:

  • The Central Valley Transfer Project, streamlining student movement between community colleges and universities.
  • Expansion of dual enrollment programs.
  • And Math alignment efforts including the Math Task Force and CV Math Bridge work.

Dr. Kristin Clark, chancellor -emeritus of the West Hills Community College District participating as a former CVHEC board member, reinforced CVHEC’s uniqueness. She served on the board including as chair until her retirement from WHCCD last year.

“The CVHEC Board of Directors is made up of CEOs. That’s powerful,” she said. “It means we have the ability to drive collective impact at the highest levels of our institutions. We are not duplicating anyone’s work. We are doing what no single institution can do alone. That’s why this board matters.”

Collaborative Workshops: From Challenges to Solutions

Facilitated by Nitya Wakhlu and Greg Netzer of Drawbridge Innovations, the retreat emphasized interaction and problem-solving. Prior to the retreat, board members participated in a survey identifying regional challenges most pressing to their institutions.

During the session, participants divided into small groups to tackle those challenges. Using structured templates, they explored questions such as:

  • What is the core challenge we need to solve?
  • Who is impacted, and what are we hearing from stakeholders?
  • What role should CVHEC play, and how can institutions collaborate?
  • What barriers exist, and what resources are needed?

Each group developed a “challenge charter” and presented their ideas to the full board. Using a dot-voting process, members prioritized three to five strategic initiatives for CVHEC to pursue over the next three to five years. Champions were identified for each initiative to ensure follow-through and accountability.

“This is the hard part,” said Wakhlu with a smile. “It’s easy to generate ideas. It’s harder to commit to action. But today you’ve done both.”

“This was the consortium at its best,” Dr. Duran said. “We saw CEOs from across the Valley not only identify shared challenges but also commit to being part of the solution. That’s the spirit of CVHEC.”

Building Toward the Future

The retreat outcomes included:

  • Stronger relationships among member CEOs.
  • Deeper understanding of CVHEC’s history and ongoing work.
  • Clear priorities for regional collaboration.
  • Champions stepping up to lead the next phase of CVHEC initiatives.

In addition to the retreat, UC Merced staff offered participants a guided campus tour, showcasing the university’s growth and commitment to serving the Valley.

Reflecting on the day, Associate Director Ramírez expressed optimism for what lies ahead.

“This was more than just planning,” Ramírez said. “It was about reaffirming our shared purpose and commitment in CVHEC’s work. Together, we can expand opportunities and outcomes for every student we serve.

IN MEMORIAM:  DR. JOSEPH I. CASTRO

CVHEC TRIBUTE:  DR. JOSEPH I. CASTRO

November 21, 1966 – August 24, 2025

‘Keep being bold!’

Statement from Dr. Benjamín T. Duran, executive director
of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium,
on the passing of Dr. Joseph I. Castro

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Joseph I. Castro, former president of Fresno State and former chancellor of the California State University system.

I first met Joe in the early 1990s when he was a young professor at University of California, Merced and the director of academic programs at the UC Fresno Center. The first time I met him, he was so energetic and youthful that I mistook him for a student. At the time, I was president of Merced College and that encounter grew into a close personal friendship and professional relationship that lasted for decades. 

It may sound trite, but Joe was truly one of the good guys.

Joe’s story — from growing up in Hanford to earning his doctorate at Stanford and then returning home to serve the Valley — was one that inspired so many. He made history as the first Latino to serve as president of Fresno State in its 102-year (at the time) history and later as the first Valley native, first Californian and first Latino to lead the CSU system as chancellor. In fact, he was the first person-of-color to serve as CEO of the nation’s largest public four-year institution of higher education. 

During his time in the Central Valley, while reminding us to “Be Bold,” he championed student success, social mobility and especially first-generation students.

Joe also served as a member and chair of the CVHEC Board of Directors and I was grateful to have him as a partner in advancing higher education opportunities for students across our 10-county region. His impact on our students, our communities, and the Valley itself will be felt for generations to come.

Here we present a clip from the Dec. 7, 2020 CVHEC Board of Directors meeting, Joe’s last as a member representing Fresno State when he moved on to the CSU chancellorship and his board colleagues at the time wishing him well.

While his leadership journey was not without challenges, today I remember Joe with deep respect, gratitude and friendship. My heart goes out to his wife, Mary, their children Issac, Lauren and Jess, as well as his friends and colleagues and all who are mourning his passing.

– Benjamin Duran, Ed.D
Executive Director

See Fresno State statement by President Saúl Jiménez Sandoval, CVHEC board member.


Video comments order (with titles at the time):

WHCCD Chancellor Stu Van Horn(board chair);
Porterville College President Claudia Habib;
Merced College Superintendent/President Chris Vitelli;
Modesto Junior College President James Houpis;
SCCCD Chancellor Paul Parnell;
Clovis Community College President Lori Bennett;
College of the Sequoias President Brent Calvin;
CVHEC Transfer project Lead Stan Carrizosa;
Lemoore College President Kristin Clark;
Brandman University President Richard Carnes;
CVHEC MA Upskilling Lead Tom Burke;
Madera Community College President Ángel Reyna;
Columbia College President Santanu Bandyopadhyay;
CHSU President Flo Dunn;
San Joaquin Delta College President Omid Pourzanjani;
CSU Bakersfield President Lynnette Zelezny;
UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz;
Coalinga College President Brenda Thames;
Reedley College President Jerry Buckley;
Fresno Pacific University Chief of Staff Donald Norman;
Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith;
CVHEC Executive Director Benjamín Durán;
CSU Stanislaus President Ellen Junn
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro

BOARD NEWS: Dr. Lena Tran named YCCD interim chancellor

Dr. Lena Tran, Yosemite Community College District interim chancellor, in 2023 as president of Columbia College when it was named a Champion for Excelling in Equitable Course Placement by the Campaign for College Opportunity with Dr. Sonya Christian, California Community Colleges chancellor (right), and Paul Medina of CCO.

Experienced leader poised to advance student success

and workforce development across YCCD

 

Dr. Lena Tran was named interim chancellor of the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD), which oversees Columbia College in Sonora and Modesto Junior College in Modesto. Her appointment was approved by the YCCD Board of Trustees May 14 meeting.

Dr. Tran has served as president of Columbia College since March 2022, when she also began serving on the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Board of Directors representing the college in that capacity. She will continue to serve on the board as YCCD chancellor.

At Columbia, Dr. Tran championed workforce development, student success and strategic partnerships with local industry and education partners. Prior to joining the North Valley college located in Sonora, she held executive roles at San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College, where she was known for her innovation in program development and her strong industry ties with companies such as Microsoft, Google, Honda, and Apple.

“Dr. Tran’s proven leadership and deep understanding of student needs make her exceptionally qualified to serve as Interim Chancellor,” said Board President Dr. Milton Richards. “She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving access to education, developing workforce pipelines, and enhancing student success across the district. Under her leadership, Columbia College has earned national recognition for its academic and career programs, expanded strategic partnerships, and climbed in national rankings. Her vision and ability to deliver measurable results make her the right person to guide the District during this transition.”

During her tenure at Columbia College, Dr. Tran expanded high-impact academic and career pathways while emphasizing equity, access, and student-centered services. She also prioritized support for faculty and staff, increasing professional development and building collaborative partnerships throughout the region.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as interim chancellor of this incredible district,” said Dr. Tran. “I look forward to working with our dedicated trustees, faculty, staff and community partners at both Modesto Junior College and Columbia College to create a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we will strengthen our institutions, expand student support services and increase resources through fundraising and grant development.”

Tran’s academic background includes a Doctorate in Education in Organizational and Leadership Development from the University of San Francisco, an MBA from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Montclair State University. She is also a former Fulbright Scholar and recipient of numerous leadership awards, including recognition as one of the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40.”

Dr. Tran succeeds Chancellor Henry Yong, who  served the district from 2017 until his retirement in June.

 

See YCCD press release.

BOARD NEWS: Dr. Redwing named Columbia College interim president

Leadership Transition at Columbia College:

new chancellor brings 20+ years of education experience

 

MODESTO, CA. – Columbia College announced the appointment of Dr. Chad Redwing as interim president effective immediately following approval July 9 by the Yosemite Community College Board of Trustees. Dr. Redwing succeeds Dr. Lena Tran, who was named YCCD interim chancellor in April, and will now join her on the CVHEC Board of Directors.

Dr. Redwing has over two decades of distinguished leadership and teaching experience in higher education and a proven record of fostering academic excellence, innovation and community engagement. Most recently, Dr. Redwing served as interim president of Modesto Junior College, where his tenure was marked by strategic planning, increased enrollment and enriched student support initiatives.

“Dr. Redwing’s leadership and vision will help Columbia College continue to thrive. I am confident he will inspire our campus and empower every student to succeed,” said Chancellor Tran.

In addition to his leadership role at Modesto Junior College, Dr. Redwing teaches Interdisciplinary Humanities and serves as co-director of the University Honors Program at California State University, Stanislaus. He also directed major grant-funded initiatives, including the “Every Drop Counts” project, and led the Institute for Applied Creativity & Community Transformation, advancing innovation and problem-solving across Central Valley institutions.

“I am honored to serve Columbia College, a collaborative community that I deeply value,” Dr. Redwing said. “I look forward to meeting with the faculty, staff, and students to learn more about Columbia’s tradition of excellence and innovation.”

Dr. Redwing earned his Ph.D. in the History of Culture from the University of Chicago, where his research explored Latin American cultural history and human rights. Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Redwing’s international experience includes academic leadership, research and service in Chile and beyond.

Beginning his tenure as Interim President immediately, Dr. Redwing will will work with the Columbia College community to strengthen academic programs, foster student achievement and advance the College’s mission of educational access and equity.

MEMBER NEWS: Madera Community College 5th anniversary

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MEMBER NEWS: Record dual enrollment grads at Coalinga College

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SPOTLIGHT: UC pilot online ed initiative tackles transfer barriers through math strategies


The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium and member UC Merced have joined forces with the University of California Office of the President and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to launch a pilot program expanding community college students’ access to advanced mathematics courses through cross-campus online education: Campaign for Transfer Excellence (CTE), a UC systemwide initiative designed to improve transfer pathways—particularly for stem majors—from California Community Colleges (CCCs) to UC campuses. This article from California Competes’ “Promising Practices in Online Education” series — highlighting ways California institutions and faculty harness online education for student success — chronicles how this collaborative effort with Central Valley community colleges tackles transfer barriers by pooling institutional resources and using technology to overcome geographic and institutional constraints.


How UC Merced Uses Online Education to Strengthen Rural STEM Transfer Pathways

COMMENTARY / JULY 29, 2025

By Laura Bernhard, PhD

Senior Researcher, California Competes

This bright spot is part of our “Promising Practices in Online Education” series highlighting ways California institutions and faculty harness online education for student success.

California Competes continues to research and document these innovations in support of a more agile higher education system responsive to the needs of today’s students and economy.

The Challenge: Meeting Advanced Math Course Demand in California’s Rural Communities

Community college students in California’s Central Valley face unique challenges on their path to four-year institutions, including limited access to the required course needed to transfer. The challenge is particularly acute in advanced mathematics courses like Linear Algebra & Differential Equations—a key stepping stone for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among the Central Valley’s 15 community colleges, fewer than 5 offer the advanced math course regularly. This scarcity comes from the fact that courses typically require minimum enrollment thresholds to run, but rural colleges struggle to meet these numbers consistently.

When students can’t enroll in required courses, they are more likely to stop out the next term.1 And once they have an initial stop out, they are more likely to have subsequent stop outs and less likely to graduate.2 With advanced math course availability limited at many rural colleges, talented students in these communities face barriers to staying on track. And because nearly half of all STEM jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher, these access gaps have consequences for both economic mobility and regional growth.3 The result is a cycle where students from rural communities face limited opportunities to secure high-paying STEM careers, while rural regions remain underrepresented in high-growth industries and miss out on the economic growth and innovation that comes with a skilled STEM workforce.

With Central Valley community colleges transferring fewer students to the University of California (UC) than other community colleges across the state, a UC- led initiative focused on improving transfer outcomes in the region.4 The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) sought to address these transfer inequities by strengthening pathways between local community colleges and UC Merced—the region’s sole UC campus.

“Education is a social justice issue. In 2025, the technological and structural elements are in place to address the longstanding obstacle of talent being widely distributed across California but opportunity lacking that same distribution.” – Rolin Moe, Executive Director of UC Online and one of the facilitators of this cross-institutional partnership

The Innovation: A Cross-Institutional Online Mathematics Partnership to Expand Course Access

UCOP, UC Merced, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, and the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium partnered to launch a pilot program to expand community college students’ access to advanced mathematics courses through cross-campus online education. This collaborative effort with Central Valley community colleges tackles transfer barriers by pooling institutional resources and using technology to overcome geographic and institutional constraints. The pilot features:

  • Course Consolidation: The program streamlines the academic pathway by combining two sequential mathematics courses into one, reducing both the number of courses students need to take and time to completion, while maintaining academic quality and rigor.
  • Virtual Cross-Enrollment: Through formal state agreements, community college students across the region can enroll in the UC course at no additional cost beyond their regular community college rates, removing financial barriers.
  • Online Tutoring Support: The course incorporates online tutoring where students receive support to succeed in the advanced math course while developing the independent learning skills for transfer success.
  • Enrollment Aggregation: By bringing together students from multiple community colleges into a single online course, the program reaches the enrollment threshold needed to run the math course consistently, addressing the low enrollment problem that has hindered rural institutions.

.

  • Guaranteed Transfer Credit: The course is fully integrated into the UC Merced math sequence, ensuring it counts directly toward students’ degree requirements. This eliminates the risk of lost time and money from having to retake courses at their transfer institution.

The Impact: A New Model for Collaboration and Smoother Pathways to STEM Success

Although the pilot is still underway, its early structure offers a model for how California’s higher education institutions can work together and harness online education to improve student outcomes.

  • For Students: Students gain access to high-quality, transfer-guaranteed courses that create equitable pathways to STEM opportunities previously unavailable or limited in their regions—opportunities that are especially critical for students in underserved communities.
  • For Community Colleges: Institutions can offer the advanced math course without the financial risk of low enrollment, expanding their academic offerings and better serving their communities.
  • For Four-Year Institutions: Colleges grow a pipeline of well-prepared transfer students, especially those from underserved communities.
  • For Communities: Underserved areas benefit from increased educational opportunities that can help train and retain local talent while supporting a stronger STEM workforce and industry.

This model goes beyond articulation agreements—it creates shared digital learning spaces where students across institutions can access the courses they need to advance. As community colleges and universities rethink how to meet students where they are, this joint venture between UC Merced and local community colleges shows how online education can be a powerful lever for equity and coordination.

We would like to thank Dr. James Zimmerman, Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning at UC Merced; Kari Stewart, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Success Initiatives at University of California Office of the President; and Rolin Moe, Executive Director of UC Online for taking the time to share their insights on this cross-institutional initiative. To learn more, please visit the University of California’s Campaign for Transfer Excellence website.

 

Stay tuned for the next blog in our “Promising Practices in Online Education” series!

 

1 Robles, S., Gross, M., & Fairlie, R. W. (2020). The effect of course shutouts on community college students: Evidence from waitlist cutoffs. (EdWorkingPaper: 20- 314). Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: https://doi.org/10.26300/xkck-3b89.

2 DesJardins, S. L., Ahlburg, D. A., & McCall, B. P. (2005). The effects of interrupted enrollment on graduation from college: Racial, income, and ability differences.

Economics of Education Review, 24(4), 439– 454.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272775705000853.

3 National Science Board, National Science Foundation. (2021, August 31). The STEM Labor Force of Today: Scientists, Engineers and Skilled Technical Workers (Science

& Engineering Indicators 2022, NSB-2021-2). Retrieved from https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20212/stem-pathways-degree-attainment-training-     and-occupations.

4 University of California Office of the President. https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/_files/documents/ensuring

-transfer-success/final_campaign-for-transfer-excellence_ada.pdf.

See original version

MEMBER NEWS: CHSU Future DOctor Pathway accepts 7 Fresno State students

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BOARD NEWS: UCSF-Fresno Vice Dean Barral Sánchez

New UCSF Fresno vice dean joins CVHEC board as regional campus eyes 50th anniversary

 

José M. Barral Sánchez, MD, PhD, was seated on the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting May 8 in Fresno upon assuming the position of vice dean for the UCSF Fresno Regional Campus, effective May 1.

Dr. Barral Sanchez’ appointment was announced in February by UCSF School of Medicine Dean Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD  as the regional campus prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

He said Dr. Barral Sánchez oversees medical education, faculty development and research growth, including an expanding partnership with UC Merced, also a CVHEC member.

“This newly established role supports UCSF Fresno’s expansion as a regional campus,” said Dean King at the time.

Founded in 1975, UCSF Fresno was established to address the physician shortage in the San Joaquin Valley and help meet the region’s health care needs.

“With a career dedicated to academic leadership, faculty mentorship and community-driven medical education, Dr. Barral Sánchez is well-positioned to advance the UCSF Fresno Regional Campus’s mission of improving health care in the San Joaquin Valley,” added Dean King.

Dr. Barral Sánchez joins UCSF from the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM), where he has served as the inaugural chair of Biomedical Science and founding co-director of the MD-PhD Program with Caltech since 2018. He previously held leadership roles at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, including senior associate dean for Academic Affairs and vice chair of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Anatomy.

“I am looking forward to immersing myself in UCSF Fresno and learning what the needs and aspirations are of the campus community, Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley,” said Dr. Barral Sánchez. “I want to become embedded in the environment and learn how I can become a catalyst for enhancing the overall educational and research culture — everything that comprises an academic medical center and to enhance attracting health care providers to train and remain in the region.”

 

See original UCSF-Fresno press release.

For media inquiries about UCSF Fresno: Brandy Ramos Nikaido brandy.nikaido@ucsf.edu 

For media inquiries about the CVHEC Board: Tom Uribes cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu

 

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