Summer Edition 2026:
CVHEC’s first six months of the year
Communications Lead — Central Valley Higher Education Consortium
Our annual Mid-Year Review highlights CVHEC’s first half of 2026 as reported across our news and social media platforms from January through May, prepared for our annual Summer Edition by Tom Uribes, the consortium’s communications lead.
JANUARY 2026 (No. 56)
– Published Jan. 16
CVHEC Math and English Task Forces power up for AI talks and AB1705
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium’s Math and English Task Forces resumed work started fall 2025, bringing together faculty from all 15 CVHEC-member community colleges to address emerging issues affecting student success. The Math Task Force met three times to examine calculus corequisite models, innovative pre-calculus instruction and the implementation of California’s AB 1705, while the English Task Force focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. CVHEC Project Lead Dr. John Spevak said the regional collaboration enables faculty to develop classroom-based solutions informed by state policy.
Kern K-16 awards $250,000 state grant to CVHEC for Kern Math Bridge Program
The Kern Regional K-16 Education Collaborative awarded CVHEC a $250,000 state grant to expand its successful Math Bridge Program, extending college-level math preparation and postsecondary pathways for Kern County students. Funded through California’s Regional K-16 Education Collaboratives initiative, the project builds on previous Math Bridge grants in the Fresno-Madera and North Valley regions. The grant supports a partnership among CVHEC, College Bridge and the RAND Corporation to strengthen transitions from high school to college mathematics.
What the CV-HEC Is Happening Blog: Central Valley universities and colleges collaborate to expand access
CVHEC’s January blog highlights an opinion article authored by five consortium board members emphasizing higher education as a catalyst for opportunity and economic mobility across California’s Central Valley. The presidents and chancellors of CSU Stanislaus, West Hills Community College District, Madera Community College, UC Merced and Fresno State argue that California’s three-tiered public higher education system provides an essential pathway from community colleges to four-year universities. While the Central Valley supplies food, fuel and economic strength for the state, the region continues to face challenges in educational attainment and investment. The authors call for continued collaboration among higher education institutions to expand student access, strengthen workforce development and ensure that more Valley residents benefit from the life-changing opportunities created through higher education.
CCA Convening 2025: From regional collaboration to national recognition for CVHEC
CVHEC showcased two of its signature initiatives—the Central Valley Transfer Project and Central Valley Math Bridge Program—during Complete College America’s NEXT 2025 Annual Convening in Baltimore. More than 750 higher education leaders from across the nation attended the conference, where CVHEC presented its collaborative approach to improving transfer success and mathematics preparation. Complete College America leaders cited the consortium’s work as a model of how regional partnerships can produce scalable solutions with statewide and national impact.
(Use the shot from the CCA video for this one)
As job market tightens, more Californians heading back to college
CVHEC highlighted statewide reports showing that community college enrollment is increasing as California’s labor market cools and more residents return to higher education to strengthen their career prospects. According to CalMatters, enrollment has risen by more than 10 percent in some community college districts, reflecting the historic relationship between economic slowdowns and increased college attendance. The newsletter also directed readers to related higher education news covering Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed education funding, the California State University system’s strategic priorities, workforce trends, artificial intelligence and the Central Valley’s employment outlook. Together, the reports underscore the important role community colleges and universities play in preparing Californians for changing workforce demands and supporting long-term economic resilience.
CSU Economic Impact Report 2025: Bakersfield, Fresno, Stanislaus
A new California State University Economic Impact Report found that CVHEC-member campuses CSU Bakersfield, Fresno State and Stanislaus State generated approximately $2.6 billion in regional economic activity and supported 25,300 jobs during the 2023–24 academic year. The report highlights the CSU system’s broad contributions to workforce development, research, innovation and community well-being across California. Featured campus reports detail CSU Bakersfield’s nearly $500 million regional impact, Fresno State’s contributions to statewide economic activity and tax revenue, and Stanislaus State’s role in advancing regional prosperity. The findings reinforce the importance of public higher education as a driver of economic growth while demonstrating the significant value that Central Valley universities provide to students, employers and local communities.
FEBRUARY 2026 (No. 57)
Published Feb. 11
CVHEC to present at California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) will showcase its nationally recognized work in expanding rural dual enrollment opportunities during the 2026 California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference on March 17 in San Diego. The session, “Random Acts to Roadmaps: Dual Enrollment in Rural Schools,” will feature CVHEC Dual Enrollment Lead Dr. Kristin Clark and Grants Coordinator Elaine Cash, who will highlight strategies that have helped rural and underserved Central Valley schools develop sustainable, equity-focused dual enrollment pathways. Presented by the California Alliance of Dual Enrollment Partnerships, Career Ladders Project and EdTrust-West, the statewide conference provides an opportunity for CVHEC to share scalable models that increase college access and student success throughout California while elevating the Central Valley as a leader in rural higher education innovation.
Math Task Force agenda April 10: CCC to send reps
California Community Colleges leaders will join educators from across the Central Valley at CVHEC’s spring Math Task Force Convening on April 10 in Fresno to examine the first semester of Assembly Bill 1705 implementation. The conference, titled “The Central Valley Way to Math Success: 1705 Implementation,” will focus on improving equitable access to STEM pathways through workshops on co-requisite calculus, innovative prerequisite models and statewide implementation efforts. Representatives Terrence Willett and Alyssa Nguyen will provide updates from the Chancellor’s Office and the RP Group
.“What the CV-HEC is Happening” Blog (FEB. 2026): BLACK HISTORY MONTH — FCC President Denise Whisenhunt
In recognition of Black History Month, Fresno City College President Denise Whisenhunt shares her personal journey to higher education leadership in CVHEC’s February “What the CV-HEC is Happening” blog. The first African American woman to lead Fresno City College reflects on the importance of visualization, mentorship and educational opportunity in shaping her career. Whisenhunt emphasizes that higher education transforms lives by helping students envision futures they may never have imagined. She also highlights Fresno City College’s commitment to serving diverse student populations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and newly designated Black-Serving Institution, demonstrating how inclusive leadership and equitable access create lasting opportunities for all students.
CVHEC names team liaisons for its strategic advisory committees
CVHEC has appointed four former Central Valley higher education leaders to serve as regional liaisons for advisory committees guiding the consortium’s strategic priorities over the next three to five years. Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán announced that Dr. Kristin Clark, Tom Burke, Stan Carrizosa and Dr. Lori Bennett will help lead initiatives focused on regional data sharing, workforce-aligned program development, artificial intelligence and enrollment reconnect efforts. Task forces supporting each advisory committee are now being formed, with regional educators and partners encouraged to participate.
SPOTLIGHT: Summit 2026 to feature state’s top higher education leaders
California’s top higher education leaders are expected to headline the 2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit on April 24 in Fresno, creating a rare opportunity for regional stakeholders to hear directly from leaders representing the state’s four higher education systems. The summit’s featured panel will include representatives from the University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. Hosted by CVHEC under the theme “Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future,” the annual gathering brings together education, business and policy leaders to address regional challenges, strengthen partnerships and advance collaborative solutions that improve educational outcomes across the Central Valley.
SPOTLIGHT: Complete College America’s CVHEC shout out
Complete College America (CCA) has recognized CVHEC’s work on the national stage by highlighting a January CVHEC newsletter story featuring the consortium’s presentations at the organization’s 2025 national convening. The national nonprofit praised CVHEC’s Central Valley Transfer Project and Central Valley Math Bridge Project as examples of innovative, scalable strategies that improve student success. Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán said the recognition reflects the outstanding work of faculty and staff across CVHEC’s member institutions and demonstrates that the consortium’s collaborative initiatives are attracting attention well beyond California. The acknowledgment reinforces CVHEC’s growing national reputation for developing practical solutions that increase college completion and educational attainment.
MEMBER NEWS: Honoring life and legacy of Stanislaus State President-emerita Hughes
CVHEC joined Stanislaus State in honoring the life and legacy of President-emerita Dr. Marvalene Hughes, who died Jan. 3 at age 88. Hughes, the university’s longest-serving president from 1994 to 2005, was the institution’s first woman and first African American president. During her tenure she strengthened Stanislaus State’s academic foundation while expanding educational access throughout the Central Valley and served on the CVHEC Board of Directors. Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán praised Hughes as a visionary leader whose influence extended across California and the nation, while current President Britt Rios-Ellis credited her enduring commitment to public higher education, student success and community service.
MARCH 2026 (No. 58)
Published March 16
CVHEC presents dual enrollment playbook
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) has released a new 57-page resource, Rural Dual Enrollment in Action: Lessons and Strategies from California’s Central Valley, documenting successful models that expand college access for students in rural communities. The playbook highlights eight case studies demonstrating how community colleges and high schools have overcome geographic isolation, limited staffing and resource constraints to build sustainable dual enrollment partnerships. Featuring examples such as the collaboration between Coalinga College and Mendota Unified School District, the guide provides practical, replicable strategies for educators statewide. Updated annually, the publication is designed to help schools expand equitable dual enrollment opportunities while strengthening college readiness and student success throughout California’s rural regions.
Summit 2026: national, state legislators to address higher ed challenges
Four Central Valley legislators will join California’s top higher education leaders at the 2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit on April 24 in Fresno to discuss policy, funding and emerging challenges affecting colleges and universities. State Senators Anna Caballero and Shannon Grove, along with Assemblymembers Joaquin Arambula and Esmeralda Soria, will participate in the legislative panel, while leaders representing the University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities will headline the keynote session. Presented under the theme “Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future,” the summit will bring together regional education, business and policy leaders to advance collaborative solutions for improving educational outcomes across the Central Valley.
“What the CV-HEC is Happening” Blog (MAR. 2026): Compliance in the Age of AI — Ashley N. Emerzian, Esq.
Education attorney Ashley N. Emerzian examines the rapidly evolving legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence in higher education in CVHEC’s March edition of “What the CV-HEC is Happening.” In Compliance in the Age of AI, Emerzian compares today’s AI revolution to the arrival of the internet, arguing that institutions must move beyond viewing artificial intelligence solely as an innovation and recognize it as a growing compliance responsibility. She explores how AI is reshaping teaching, research, student services and campus operations while emphasizing the need for colleges and universities to establish thoughtful governance, legal safeguards and ethical policies that encourage innovation without compromising institutional responsibilities.
Transfer Project update: PPM 2.0 momentum rises as April 1 deadline nears
California’s statewide rollout of Program Pathways Mapper (PPM) 2.0 continues to gain momentum as community colleges work toward the April 1 implementation deadline. Developed through CVHEC’s Central Valley Transfer Project and later adopted statewide by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the platform helps students navigate clearer transfer pathways. According to Vice Chancellor Craig Hayward, 53 colleges were actively onboarding to PPM 2.0, with dozens more preparing to launch. Twelve of CVHEC’s 15 community colleges had already onboarded or were in the process, while Lemoore College and Reedley College became two of the first four campuses statewide to launch live student-facing PPM 2.0 websites, marking another milestone in the consortium’s statewide leadership.
APRIL 2026 (No. 59)
Published April 15
Panelists for 2026 CVHEC Summit announced
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) announced the full lineup of panelists and speakers for its sold-out 2026 Higher Education Summit, set for April 24 in Fresno. Joining California’s higher education system leaders is University of California Regent Vice Chair Maria Anguiano, while Complete College America Senior Vice President Dr. Dhanfu Elston will provide a national perspective on college attainment. The summit also introduces a new “Voices of the Valley” feature highlighting student experiences and regional innovation. More than 200 participants registered for the event, which will examine artificial intelligence, workforce alignment, data sharing and enrollment/reconnect as key priorities shaping the future of higher education across the Central Valley.
Math Task Force hears AB1705 first semester progress – ‘disbands’
After seven years of advancing mathematics reform across the Central Valley, CVHEC’s Math Task Force concluded its work following an April 10 convening in Fresno focused on the first semester of Assembly Bill 1705 implementation. Led by longtime facilitator Dr. John Spevak, the task force reviewed faculty experiences adapting instruction, course placement and student support strategies while hearing statewide updates from California Community Colleges representatives Terrence Willett and Alyssa Nguyen. Spevak noted that, having fulfilled its original mission of guiding implementation of AB705 and AB1705, the task force could now disband, marking the successful completion of one of CVHEC’s longest-running regional faculty collaborations.
“What the CV-HEC is Happening” Blog — April 2026: a student’s experiences with PPM
Merced College Student Support Coordinator Araceli Tilley shares how the Program Pathways Mapper (PPM) transformed her educational journey in April’s edition of the “What the CV-HEC is Happening” blog. Beginning college during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tilley initially struggled with course selection and feared falling behind after dropping a class. Discovering PPM reassured her that she remained on track to transfer and ultimately pursue graduate studies. After earning degrees from Merced College and UC Merced, she now uses the same planning tool to guide other students while preparing to begin Fresno State’s doctoral program, illustrating the long-term impact of CVHEC’s Central Valley Transfer Project.
CVHEC Playbook presented at California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference
CVHEC officially introduced its new Rural Dual Enrollment in Action Playbook before a near-capacity audience during the California Dual Enrollment Equity Conference in San Diego. The presentation, “Random Acts to Roadmaps: Dual Enrollment in Rural Schools,” highlighted practical strategies for expanding college access in underserved rural communities through successful partnerships between Central Valley colleges and school districts. Led by Dual Enrollment co-leads Dr. Kristin Clark and Elaine Cash, the session drew educators from across California eager to learn from the consortium’s regional model. The conference attracted more than 1,000 participants, underscoring growing statewide interest in equitable dual enrollment expansion and rural education innovation.
SPOTLIGHT April 2026: CVHEC’s Transfer Project featured in national report addressing California’s Postsecondary Education Attainment Goal needs
CVHEC’s Central Valley Transfer Project earned national recognition after being featured in Set Up to Succeed: Meeting California’s Postsecondary Education Attainment Goal, a report released by Complete College America and the Campaign for College Opportunity. The report highlights the consortium’s regional collaboration as a model for improving student transfer pathways and advancing California’s goal of achieving 70 percent postsecondary attainment by 2030. Transfer Project Coordinator Tom Burke said the recognition demonstrates that innovations developed in the Central Valley can influence higher education policy and practice nationwide, reinforcing the consortium’s growing reputation as a leader in collaborative student success initiatives.
SPOTLIGHT: CVHEC Dual Enrollment Playbook featured on KSEE-TV
CVHEC’s new Dual Enrollment Playbook received regional television exposure through a feature on KSEE24’s Central Valley Today. Host Kayla Holt interviewed CVHEC Associate Director Ángel Ramírez and Reedley College Dual Enrollment Director Richard Aguilar about the 57-page digital guide, which documents successful rural dual enrollment partnerships throughout the Central Valley. During the segment, they discussed how the playbook provides practical, replicable strategies for colleges and school districts seeking to expand educational opportunities despite geographic and resource challenges. The television feature broadened public awareness of CVHEC’s efforts to improve college access and strengthen educational pathways for rural students across California.
IN MEMORIAM: Dr. Donald V. DeRosa, founding CVHEC board member
The Central Valley higher education community mourned the passing of Dr. Donald V. DeRosa, president-emeritus of the University of the Pacific and a founding member of the CVHEC Board of Directors. DeRosa, who died April 1 at age 85, helped establish the consortium when it was incorporated in 2002, laying the foundation for regional collaboration among colleges and universities across the Central Valley. Pacific President Christopher Callahan praised DeRosa as one of the institution’s most influential leaders, recognizing his lasting contributions to higher education, student success and inter-institutional partnerships that continue to shape CVHEC’s mission more than two decades later.
MAY 2026 (No. 60)
Published May 20
2026 CVHEC Summit wrap: panel videos available
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium has released video recordings of every panel from its 2026 Higher Education Summit. Held April 24, in Fresno, under the theme “Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future,” the summit featured leaders from all four of California’s public and independent higher education systems, state legislators, national experts and Central Valley college presidents. Discussions explored artificial intelligence, workforce development, enrollment recovery and student success, while student speakers shared personal educational journeys. Photo galleries and panel videos are now available to help educators and community partners continue the conversations throughout the year.
New video: The CVHEC Story
CVHEC has publicly released The CVHEC Story, a 16-minute documentary chronicling the consortium’s history, growth and regional impact as it approaches its 25th anniversary. Premiered during the 2026 Higher Education Summit, the film traces CVHEC’s evolution from its founding in 1998 through its incorporation as a nonprofit in 2002 and highlights more than two decades of collaboration among the region’s colleges and universities. Produced by Zach Green Films with Communications Lead Tom Uribes and Associate Director Ángel Ramírez, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and student stories to showcase how the consortium has expanded educational opportunity, workforce alignment and regional cooperation throughout Central California.
CVHEC Board hears updates for new initiatives task forces amidst call for continued unity as a region for student success
At its April 24 quarterly meeting in Fresno, the CVHEC Board of Directors received progress reports on their four strategic initiatives that will guide the consortium’s work over the next several years: artificial intelligence, workforce alignment, data sharing and enrollment/reconnect. Leaders representing the consortium’s 28 member institutions reviewed task force accomplishments, discussed future priorities and aligned strategies before participating in the annual Higher Education Summit later that day. Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán emphasized the importance of regional collaboration as higher education faces rapid technological and demographic change, reaffirming that continued unity among Central Valley institutions is essential to improving educational opportunity and student success.
“What the CV-HEC is Happening” Blog (May 2026): Hopping off the ‘CVHEC Express’ – Spevak
In his farewell blog, longtime CVHEC Faculty Liaison Dr. John Spevak reflects on nearly a decade with the consortium and more than 40 years serving higher education in California’s Central Valley. Spevak recounts joining the organization in 2017 at the invitation of Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán and describes the relationships he built with leaders across CVHEC’s 28 member institutions. As he announces what he says will be his final retirement, Spevak encourages graduates and higher education professionals to continue advocating for the value of education, stressing that organizations like CVHEC are needed now more than ever to strengthen collaboration and student success.
SPOTLIGHT: CVHEC Dual Enrollment Playbook presented at CCC Vision 2030
CVHEC continued promoting its Rural Dual Enrollment in Action Playbook by presenting it during the California Community Colleges Vision 2030 Regional Workshop in Bakersfield. Executive Director Dr. Benjamín Durán and Dual Enrollment Co-Lead Elaine Cash introduced the publication to educators and administrators participating in the statewide planning sessions. Released in March, the 57-page guide documents eight successful dual enrollment partnerships between Central Valley community colleges and local high schools, providing practical strategies for expanding equitable college access in rural communities. The presentation reinforced CVHEC’s leadership role in helping colleges replicate proven models that strengthen educational pathways across California.
SPOTLIGHT: CVHEC joins CFF ‘Our Golden Ticket’ campaign
The Central Valley Higher Education Consortium has joined College Futures Foundation’s Our Golden Ticket campaign, a statewide initiative promoting postsecondary education as a pathway to economic mobility and shared prosperity. The partnership reflects the shared missions of both organizations to expand educational opportunity and improve outcomes for Californians. CVHEC’s Dr. Kristin Clark participated in the campaign’s kickoff event in San Diego alongside College Futures Foundation President and CEO Eloy Oakley. Clark said the collaboration reinforces the belief that every Californian deserves access to higher education and the opportunities it creates, strengthening CVHEC’s advocacy for increased educational attainment throughout the Central Valley.
