Administrative Specialist Priscilla Arellano with Associate Director Ángel Ramírez and CVHEC’s 2026 Summit in April.

 

CVHEC says thank you to departing

Administrative Specialist Priscilla Arellano

 

(SEPT. 10, 2026) — After two years of dedicated service to the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, Administrative Specialist Priscilla Arellano is preparing to begin a new chapter this fall, relocating to the Los Angeles area to be closer to her boyfriend and family.

Priscilla’s final date with CVHEC has not yet been set as the organization begins a search for her successor. But her departure already marks the end of an important and highly valued chapter for the consortium, said her immediate supervisor, Associate Director Ángel Ramírez.

CVHEC Executive Director Dr. Benjamin Durán said Priscilla will be missed. 

“The combination of her cheerful demeanor and skills in working with people, coupled with her social and emotional intelligence, is rare indeed,” Duran said.

Ramirez said since joining CVHEC June 10, 2024, Priscilla has played a central role in strengthening the organization’s day-to-day operations. 

“Priscilla showed us what we’d been missing,  what the team could do when we had real dedicated full-time administrative support,” he said adding that Priscilla’s presence gave him the confidence to focus on his strategic responsibilities. 

“I knew that I could focus on strategic development and planning with Ben and our board because I trusted that Priscilla was there taking care of everything else.”

For CVHEC’s leadership and staff, Priscilla was much more than an administrative professional. She became a trusted colleague, a steady presence and an important part of the team’s success.

Colleagues consistently praised her professionalism, warmth, patience and attention to detail.

“What a gift to have known and worked with Priscilla these past two years,” said Elaine Cash. “She brings both skill and genuine care to everything she does.”

Kristin Clark called Priscilla “a bright light in our CVHEC family,” while Tom Burke praised her as a “first class CVHEC professional” whose work was patient, thorough and accurate.

Stan Carrizosa summed up the team’s appreciation with a fitting title for the book he joked could be written about Priscilla’s impact: “The Best Ever!”

Vikash Lakhani said Priscilla “has been a great team member,” adding that he particularly appreciated her patient and responsive support on the Kern Mentoring Projects.

Tom Uribes said Priscilla represents “what happens when residents from traditionally underrepresented groups in our community are allowed the opportunity to flourish,” bringing unique talents and personality to a mission. He thanked her for consistently going “above and beyond the call of duty” and said he looks forward to hearing about her future successes.

He expressed appreciation for the supportive role Priscilla played in his communications efforts, particularly the monthly newsletter.

Recently retired team member Dr. John Spevak said, “Priscilla has kept the CVHEC team together and moving forward since the day she came on board, with efficiency and with a smile. She will be hugely successful at whatever she does in the future.”

As she prepares for her move, the CVHEC team sends its heartfelt thanks and best wishes for Priscilla’s next chapter. Her colleagues say they hope the move brings new opportunities—and that she will come back to visit often.

Thank you, Priscilla, for everything you have done for CVHEC. You will be greatly missed!   

 

(MAY 19) – Dr. Stacy Pfluger has been selected as the next president of Bakersfield College, elevating the longtime higher education leader from her role as interim president, the Kern Community College District announced. Dr. Pfluger is described as a dedicated educator with a focus on student achievement, academic excellence, workforce development and community engagement, said the Kern Community College District. The district said that during her time as interim president, she demonstrated a collaborative, student-centered approach aligned with Bakersfield College’s mission of transforming lives through education.   DETAILS: Dr. Stacy Pfluger named president of Bakersfield College by KCCD

JUNE 13, 2026 – Dr. Sean Hancock, former president of Cerro Coso Community College, was  appointed in June to serve as interim chancellor of the Kern Community College District effective immediately.

The KCCD Board of Trustees noted that Dr. Hancock, who has 22 years of experience in higher education leadership,  will serve in the position while the board “determines next steps regarding a permanent chancellor search.”

He replaces Chancellor Steven Bloomberg who accepted the same position at Arizona’s Maricopa County Community College District, one of the country’s largest multi-campus systems. 

Details: KCCD board appoints Cerro Coso Community College president to be interim chancellor