MEMBER NEWS: Boxer José Ramírez opens Fresno State Feria de Educación Oct. 11

The Fresno State Feria de Educación Oct. 11 will feature opening remarks by José C. Ramírez, a Fresno State alumnus and boxing champion who has represented the United States in the Olympics. In this 2016 photo, José poses with the late former Fresno State President Joseph Castr, former First Lady Mary Castro and son Jess. Dr. Castro passed away Aug. 24 and Jose attended his Celebration of Life Oct. 5. Like the boxing champion, Dr. Castro was a champion of La Feria de Educación that is presented by Fresno State Outreach and Special Programs, The California State University and UnivisionFresno.

10th annual Feria de Educación welcomes

students, families to Fresno State

By MARISA MATA
Fresno State TODAY

Students and families from across the Valley will gather at Fresno State on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to participate in the university’s 10th Feria de Educación. An annual event meant to empower bilingual students and families, Feria de Educación connects students with resources to succeed in higher education and beyond, while offering their families tools to support and advocate for their students.

Hosted in partnership with Univision, Feria de Educación was implemented at Fresno State and other California State University campuses as part of the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025, aimed at eliminating equity gaps in college readiness and degree completion.

This year’s Feria de Educación will feature opening remarks by José Ramírez, a Fresno State alumnus and boxing champion who has represented the United States in the Olympics.

Throughout the day, attendees will have access to a resource fair, campus tours, a kids area and reading garden. Feria de Educación will also host a variety of informative workshops on topics including Bulldog Bound, Cal State Apply, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, what to expect during the first year of college and developing social-emotional skills.

Intended to also celebrate Latine art and culture, Feria de Educación will feature performances from Mariachi Orgullo de Fresno State and Los Danzantes de Aztlan. Attendees will also be able to view the newly installed statues in the Maple Mall that are part of the “Alebrijes & Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico” exhibition in Fresno, showcasing the artistic traditions of Oaxaca and Central Mexico.

“We are expecting between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees this year, and for many families and students, this will be their first time stepping onto a college campus,” said Martina Granados, interim associate vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management at Fresno State. “It’s an important opportunity for them to envision themselves in a collegiate environment, to learn about the resources available to support their goals, and understand the pathways that make higher education attainable.”

“Feria de Educacion is more than an event–it’s a celebration of access, opportunity, and belonging. It reaffirms to our students and their families that they matter, that they are seen, valued, and capable of shaping their own futures no matter the challenges they may face or what they may hear or experience elsewhere. Their dreams and goals are worth pursuing.”

To see all resources available to students, visit https://studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/studentresources/index.html.

INFO: Jesse Farias at jfarias@csufresno.edu or Martina Granados, martinag@mail.fresnostate.edu.

See original Fresno State TODAY story.

BOARD NEWS: YCCD Chancellor Lena Tran first state-of-district address

First YCCD  State of the District address

Interim Chancellor Tran praises community partnerships, innovation at MJC event

BY VIVIENNE AGUILAR
CV Journalism Collaborative

In a year when many California colleges faced the possibility of deep budget cuts, Yosemite Community College District leadership offered a brighter vision in the first-ever State of the District address Wednesday.

Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC executive director, with Dr. Lena Tran, interim chancellor of YCCD, at her first state-of-the-district address Sept. 24 held at Modesto Jr. College.

Interim Chancellor Lena Tran spoke to about 200 assembled fellow administrators, staff, faculty, students and community members on the Modesto Junior College east campus in a speech showcasing the slogan “Deep Roots, Bold Futures.”

In her opening remarks, Tran recounted the barriers she faced to obtain higher education as an immigrant who was brought to America from Vietnam at 8-years-old, and connected her experience to those she hears from students of YCCD colleges.

She acknowledged the sacrifice and struggle community college students in the region face as they work to improve themselves and ultimately, their families and communities.

“That is why I stand here, not only as your interim chancellor, but as someone who deeply understands what it means to fight for that promise. That is why this year’s theme is deep roots and bold futures,” she said.

Since taking on the role of interim chancellor for the district in May, Tran said she and the board of trustees drew on her recent experience as president of Columbia College to create the program. In that role, she held State of the College events at the beginning of each semester, so it was natural for her to continue the tradition.
YCCD oversees MJC and Columbia College in Sonora.

Student enrollment across the district went down slightly in the 2023-24 academic year at 28,500. The year before, YCCD reported 30,000 students between the two colleges.

While the district only operates two schools, its coverage area reaches all of Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties, and parts of Alpine, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Merced and Santa Clara counties.
The district’s 2024-25 budget is more than $170 million, over $20 million more than the previous academic year.

In the last academic year, YCCD helped 2,400 students obtain associate degrees and 83% of career program graduates found employment after graduation. More than half of all YCCD students identify as female, and just over half identify as Hispanic. The district reported 32% of all students are enrolled full-time.
While the California State University and University of California systems initially both faced the prospect of big cuts from the state budget, funding for the state’s 116 community colleges has largely remained intact. The state legislature eventually backed off the deepest cuts.
Darin Sousa, a classified employee at MJC, said he didn’t know what to expect from an event like this, since there has never been one before, and was simply excited to learn what the district’s leadership had to say.

“I’ve worked part time with the athletics department (at MJC) for over 20 years. Now I’m a full time employee, but this is the first time I’ve seen (the district) host an event like this,” he said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom sent congratulations to YCCD for their inaugural program.

“The Central Valley, as you know, is the backbone of our economy and the targeted investments in agriculture, manufacturing and the trades we’re giving more Californians the skills to support their families and strengthen their communities,” he wrote in a message, read by Jesse Ryan, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Health care and agriculture are two of the most notable and necessary workforces in the region, according to Tran. In an effort to innovate and strengthen these sectors, YCCD is connecting its students with local and global experts in these fields.

The district offers students in the health care field dual-enrollment within rural high schools, like the ones in Calaveras and Sonora.
In Modesto, students studying animal husbandry, a sector of agriculture, are being connected with experts in Europe.

This summer, the district combined over $15,000 in scholarship funds from dairies around the Modesto-area to send MJC’s dairy judging to represent the state and country in The Royal Highland Show, a global competition held in Scotland.

Matthew Gutierrez, 19, serves as YCCD student trustee and is studying plant science and education at MJC. He told The Modesto Focus that he’s a product of the district’s strategic planning, especially when it comes to their plans to integrate tools like artificial intelligence and virtual reality into classrooms.

In his agricultural courses, Gutierrez is learning firsthand how artificial technology can be used to improve genetic engineering in plant science.

“It’s not really a future thing. I think it’s already happening,” he said.

Later this year, Gutierrez will intern at Generation Growers Inc., a Modesto-based and family-owned nursery as he plans his transfer to a university.

Tran praised student leaders like Gutierrez for energizing her team and showing them why their work matters.

“Our job is to give them that gift of hope, the tools to achieve their goals, while also reminding them the importance of being humble,” she said.

For more information on career pathway opportunities at Modesto Junior College, visit the school’s “Accelerated Careers Training (ACT)” webpage.

— Vivienne Aguilar is a reporter for The Modesto Focus, a project of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Contact Aguilar at vivienne@cvlocaljournalism.org.

BOARD NEWS: President Rios-Ellis Invested as Stan State’s 13th Leader

‘Leading with Cariño, Rising with the Pulse of Possibility!’

Stanislaus State marked a historic moment with the investiture of Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis as its 13th president during a ceremony Oct. 3, at Ed and Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena  with several fellow Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Board of Directors members and team attending.

The event blended academic tradition with the spirit of the Central Valley, welcoming campus and community members to celebrate Stan State’s mission and future.

President Rios-Ellis began her tenure on July 1, 2024. The investiture, a longstanding academic tradition, formally celebrates her leadership and the university’s shared vision for the future.

CVHEC board members at the Stanislaus State investiture were Chancellor Robert Pimentel, President Carla Tweed, President Angel Reyna and CVHEC Associate Director Angel Ramirez.

From the moment guests arrived, the program reflected the University’s student-centered identity. CVHEC board members who attended were: West Hills Community College District Chancellor Robert Pimentel, Coalinga College President Carla Tweed and Madera College President Angel Reyna.

Team members attending were CVHEC Associate Director Ángel Ramírez and Administrative Specialist Priscilla Arrellano.

“It was great to see so many familiar faces from across the Central Valley, including our CVHEC colleagues and the Stan State community, come together to celebrate President Rios-Ellis,” Ramírez said. “Moments like this remind us how connected we are in our shared mission to serve students and strengthen our region.”

Outside the arena, Ballico Taiko, a student drumming group from the Ballico-Cressey School District, set the tone with a powerful drum performance. Student-athletes lined the processional route, creating a corridor of Warrior pride as the platform party entered Fitzpatrick Arena in academic regalia.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rich Ogle served as the emcee for the celebration. Jack Clarke Jr., chair of the California State University Board of Trustees, offered greetings on behalf of the board, welcoming Rios-Ellis and acknowledging the significance of the occasion. Additional greetings were offered by the speaker of the Academic Senate, chair and secretary of Staff Council, president of Associated Students, Inc. and chair of the Alumni Advisory Council.

Musical performances throughout the program reflected the cultural richness of the region and the personal story of the president. The Stanislaus State Latin Jazz Ensemble took the stage early in the ceremony, led by Rios-Ellis’s husband, music educator and musician Enrique Rios-Ellis, on flute. The ensemble performed one of the president’s favorite songs, “La Bikina.”

One of the most heartfelt moments came when Rios-Ellis’s three children — Xóchitl, Enrique Jr. and Itzél — took the stage to share their reflections. As her daughter Xóchitl Rios-Ellis grew emotional, President Rios-Ellis wiped away tears of joy.

“What gives me hope is to see people like you in leadership — people who choose to lead with kindness, respect, integrity and empathy,” Xóchitl Rios-Ellis said. “To have watched you climb from professor all the way to the president of a university is incredibly inspiring, but above all it is well deserved.”

The Mariachi Juvenil Corazón Ranchero from Los Banos Unified School District, featuring students in grades K-12, followed with three songs, delighting the audience and filling the arena with the sounds of celebration.

The ceremony then turned to reflections from distinguished guests. Ron Carter, president and chief executive officer of Carter & Associates and a nationally respected leader in higher education, recognized as an A-C-E Sage and a longtime mentor to Rios-Ellis, offered heartfelt remarks recalling her leadership journey and the qualities that have defined her career.

The Chancellor of the California State University Mildred García followed with remarks praising Rios-Ellis’ vision and the compassion that drives her leadership.

“She calls it a spirit of cariño — a deep caring and commitment to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members who comprise the extended Stan State family,” García said.

“Britt, there is no doubt in my mind that under your leadership this institution will reach even greater heights as a shining model of inclusive excellence, a powerful engine for social mobility and as a vital and essential community, economic, social and cultural hub for the Central Valley.”

As the final speaker, Rios-Ellis took the podium to close the ceremony with a message of shared purpose and gratitude.

“Please know that I am both deeply blessed and inspired by the trust you place in me to lead this extraordinary University,” she said. “Our gathering today symbolizes a unified commitment to nurturing a vibrant community dedicated to progress. This investiture is about us.”

In her address, titled “The Pulse of Possibility and Leading with Cariño,” Rios-Ellis reflected on the University’s role as more than an academic institution.

“We have always aspired to be much more than an academic institution,” she said. “We are a beacon where dreams flourish and opportunities abound. Together, we are creating an environment wherein knowledge, diversity, respect and collaboration thrive, ultimately shaping a brighter future for the Valle Central.”

“Together we are building something powerful: A University nationally recognized for its quality, value and impact. A University that not only reflects the Valle Central but shapes its future. There is one undeniable fact: When Stan State thrives, the Central Valley thrives,” said President Rios-Ellis

Throughout her remarks, Rios-Ellis returned to recurring themes of belonging, equity and shared purpose, ideas that have defined her first year as president. She emphasized the transformative power of education and the importance of equity-driven practices as catalysts for progress.

“My vision for Stan State is one where everyone, of all backgrounds, has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” she said. “Cariño-laden inclusivity is the force that transforms education into equity, and equity into progress. At Stan State, cariño is demonstrated in the way we show up for one another, the way we center students in every decision and the way we embody strength and kindness as Warriors.”

She described the “pulse of possibility” she felt the moment she arrived on campus — a rhythm of resilience, dreams and aspirations carried by students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners throughout the Valley.

“It is the rhythm of hard work through challenges overcome and destinations realized,” she said. “This pulse is alive in every lecture hall, every lab, every relationship and every graduate who walks across our stage. It is truly the sound of bright futures unfolding.”

The Investiture served as the centerpiece of a series of events celebrating Rios-Ellis’s presidency. Additional festivities are scheduled for later this month.

Friday’s ceremony reflected the themes that have guided her first year: belonging, collaboration and a shared commitment to the Valley’s future.

“This moment,” Rios-Ellis said, “is our chance to reaffirm our dedication to excellence, belonging and the transformative power of education, ensuring that Stan State is a place where dreams are realized and families and communities are strengthened.

“Together we are building something powerful: A University nationally recognized for its quality, value and impact. A University that not only reflects the Valle Central but shapes its future. There is one undeniable fact: When Stan State thrives, the Central Valley thrives.”

See original Stan State story:

  

MEMBER NEWS: Madera Community College Agave Distilling Program this fall

In a Fresno Bee video published last fall, Madera Community College President Ángel Reyna explains the college’s new academic Agave Distilling Program that will begin later this fall, he announced at his recent State-of-the-Campus address.

President Reyna provides update in his
State-of-the-Campus address

In his recent state-of-the-campus address, Madera Community College President Ángel Reyna announced that the college’s new academic Agave Distilling Program will roll out later this fall as a community education course with a credit curriculum currently in the development stages.

In a story published last fall, The Fresno Bee reported that community college students will work with a local winery where they will use commercial-grade equipment to make alcoholic spirits from the increasingly popular agave plant, famous for its production of tequila and mezcal in Mexico.

“Establishing an academic agave distilling program would be an innovative step for the state’s youngest community college: not only would it be the first of its kind at a public college in California, but it would train the future workforce of the state’s growing agave industry,” the story reported.  

President Reyna told The Bee that, in the long-term, capitalizing on agave-based education could lead to an economic and cultural boost for Madera County.

At his campus address Oct. 3, he said Madera Community College is now leasing the Balbas American Winery located in south Madera and that $300,000 worth of equipment has been purchased. The program will plant 10-20 acres of various agave on campus and MCC plans to collaborate with the University of California Merced and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources for agave-related research.

President Reyna said in addition to its training and educational aspects, the vision of the Madera Community College academic Agave Distilling Program is to:

  • build a hotel, restaurant, bar and distillery
  • establish the “Bi-National Agave Route”
  • create a museum to illustrate the history of agave-tequila, mezcal and MCC’s work in this academic endeavor

Background:

MEMBER NEWS: Pacific TRIO programs showcased on ABC Good Morning America

Future of Federal Programs at risk – ABC Good Morning American (Sept. 8)

“You and I wouldn’t be here if those programs didn’t exist,” Quinones told Hernandez. “You and I both picked vegetables as migrant farm workers and then our wildest dreams came true.” Hernandez agreed. “Without the TRIO program, I never would have achieved my dream of becoming an astronaut,” he said. “I don’t think I would have been prepared for the rigors of graduate school. I have found education to be the great equalizer.”

Pacific alum Jose M. Hernandez, NASA astronaut, featured in ABC News report

about TRIO with fellow Upward Bound alumnus John Quinones

BY MERRITT MCLAUGHLIN
Senior Writer – University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific’s leadership in improving access, retention and graduation rates for first-generation students and students with disabilities through the TRIO program received national recognition on Good Morning America recently.

The television appearance Sept. 8 — part of a segment on TRIO’s impact on students across the country — highlighted Pacific’s long-standing commitment to providing resources to underserved students. Pacific has supported low-income students through TRIO since 1979, helping more than 1,400 students stay on track, graduate and launch successful careers.

“Our TRIO success students are no different than any other college student in the United States,” said Vice President of Student Life Maria Blandizzi during the segment. “They have brilliance and ability that will matter to all of us and to future generations.”

Current students Simran Mann ’27, in the Eberhardt School of Business, and Mark Castaneda ’26, in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, shared their experiences while Pacific alumnus and former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez ’84 joined Good Morning America host John Quinones to discuss the TRIO Upward Bound program, which both men participated in as students.

“You and I wouldn’t be here if those programs didn’t exist,” Quinones told Hernandez. “You and I both picked vegetables as migrant farm workers and then our wildest dreams came true.”

Hernandez agreed. “Without the TRIO program, I never would have achieved my dream of becoming an astronaut,” he said. “I don’t think I would have been prepared for the rigors of graduate school. I have found education to be the great equalizer.”

Upward Bound is one of several programs under the TRIO umbrella. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, it partners with Pacific students to offer tutoring and a six-week college exploration summer program for students from nearby Edison High School.

Pacific also recently launched the First Gen Hub last year to support all first-generation students. The collaborative space includes study rooms, a computer lab, a kitchen and common areas on the ground floor of the McCaffrey Center.

“We all are going through this college journey together and we all are trying our best to reach our best potential,” Mann said. “It really makes my college degree much more accessible and it makes me feel a lot more confident in my space of being at college.”

The hub supports Pacific’s equity programs, including the Community Involvement Program, Success TRIO and Promise Scholars, and also serves first-generation students who are not enrolled in an equity program.

“I was homeless for about eight years. I’m very proud of the things that I have been able to overcome,” Castaneda said. “Without programs like TRIO, without that type of support, the growth and healing and resilience that I’ve developed doesn’t happen.”

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded Pacific a $1.7 million grant to improve college retention and graduation rates for first-generation students and students with disabilities.

The five-year TRIO Student Support Services grant will help 200 students per year receive academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling and mentoring.

Current Pacific students can apply for the program’s services online.

See: original Pacific press release.

For University of Pacific media inquiries, contact Sallie Poggi, Pacific Chief Communications Officer: 209.932.4436 or spoggi@pacific.edu

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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.

HIGHER ED NEWS: Dr. Joseph I. Castro, former CSU chancellor, Fresno State president and CVHEC board chair


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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