West Kern Community College District – Central Valley Higher Education Consortium

‘What the CV-HEC is Happening’ Blog (June): Commencement 2025 – Ellie Oliva

June 4, 2025

Like many seniors, Ellie Oliva had big college dreams after graduating from high school. But, also like numerous students, her plans changed and she “took a break” to earn some money and “live life” before eventually returning to her academic journey. For this commencement season “What the CV-HEC is Happening” blog, we recruited Ellie to tell her story of not giving up on her dream and eventually experiencing the thrill of graduating from two CVHEC-member colleges in the past 365 days including walking in two commencement events in May — commencement month for most institutions of higher education. Right after her Fresno State graduation May 17, Ellie began her full-time professional career with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno as its communications and engagement coordinator.

The commencement ‘walk’ – a joyous

and validating experience

BY ELLIE OLIVA
Class of 2025 – Fresno State

Growing up, I always had a plan … vague, but a plan nonetheless.

I would graduate high school and go to college — University of Southern California — because staying in Fresno was not a part of that plan, no matter how unsteady that was. I would major in psychology and become a therapist, and that’s where my “plan” ended. Imagine my surprise when it didn’t play out the way I envisioned it.

I started off on-track, graduating from Clovis West High School in 2015. However, after missing several college application deadlines, I detoured from my plan and enrolled at Clovis Community College. I started with psychology, then changed it to liberal studies – thinking maybe I could become a teacher. Finally, I landed in communications. Looking back, these mishaps helped me figure out what I really wanted. By the time I decided to transfer over to Fresno City College, things started to feel right.

I enjoyed my time at Fresno City. Unfortunately, however, no matter how pleasant it was to be in a new environment and pursuing a major I finally liked, there was still something missing. I did not feel motivated or genuinely happy about where I was in my life. I had not been a full-time student since my first semester at Clovis Community, and yet, I still felt like it was too much to keep up with. When the pandemic hit, and everything went online, I took it as a sign to take a much-needed break.

My break ended in spring 2023 when I re-enrolled and completed my Associate of Arts degree at Fresno City College. I had a new plan, new motivation and fire that told me I was back on the right path. By spring 2024, I was a full-time student at Fresno State majoring in Media, Communications and Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations.

Finally enrolled at a four-year university, I was equally excited and intimidated — especially after not being a full-time student since my first semester at Clovis Community. The feeling of being at Fresno State and pursuing a major that I thoroughly enjoyed was indescribable. I could write and be creative while being surrounded by people with similar interests. I could work in a team and share interesting ideas that would be continuously bounced off one another. It all felt so right.

The journey wasn’t over, though. That same semester I made a grad plan with an advisor to map out the rest of my time at Fresno State. I asked if we could make it so I would graduate by spring 2025. It’s not that I was in a hurry, but I was just so excited and the most motivated I had ever been. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could do it. By fall 2024, my 16 units turned into 18 units and I found myself enrolled in seven classes as well as an internship with the Fresno Arts Council, and still working part-time at a local restaurant. It was a very busy year, but worth it. And, I was still able to make the Dean’s List.

That brings us to the spring 2025 semester, the semester I finally graduated from Fresno State. It was my favorite semester by far. I made new friends and gained incredible experiences with my projects and internship at Fresnoland. I noticed the most growth this semester, personally and academically.

All my hard work was quickly coming to a head. Just the year before, I graduated from Fresno City, and now I was getting ready to walk in not one Fresno State commencement, but two – the College of Arts and Humanities Convocation and the Chicano/Latino Commencement Celebration. The decision to walk in both commencement events was an easy one. I was originally planning to just do the one graduation for my major – Arts and Humanities. However, when my grandparents made me aware of the Chicano/Latino Commencement, I knew it would be important to them, so I agreed to walk in that one as well. I am the first in my family to graduate college, and being able to celebrate my heritage along with this milestone was thrilling.

Getting ready for the Arts and Humanities graduation on May 16 was by far the most surreal moment I had. My friends and I walked through the backstage halls of the Save Mart Center and into the arena where we could see everyone’s friends and families in the stands. Being surrounded by all of my peers, whom I had seen every day for the past year, was an incredible feeling.

The Chicano/Latino Commencement was the next day, May 17, and the high was still there. This commencement was bigger than the one before and much more lively. There were so many students that, after the first section had walked, we took a break which ended up turning into a dance party on the arena floor. There was music, clapping and both crowds (students and attendees) started a wave that went around at least ten times! The shared excitement and joy was beautiful, infectious and unforgettable. It was a true celebration.

All of that leads to where I am now. My undergrad journey has ended, and a new chapter begins. About a month before I graduated, I sought and was offered a position at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno as communications and engagement coordinator. Here at the beginning of June, I am completing my fourth week, and it has been a marvelous experience so far. Graduating with a degree in advertising/public relations as opposed to a psychology degree is gratifying.

My higher education journey has been such a validating experience. I was able to prove to myself that I can do it and I am a hard worker. School was always something I wanted to resume. I am overjoyed that I made that decision because it has brought forth all these opportunities I do not believe I would have gotten otherwise.

Although my original “plan” did not go accordingly, I still am so proud of myself and am excited for what’s next. I am grateful for the higher education opportunities that are available to us today.

(CVHEC blog submissions are welcome for consideration: Tom Uribes, cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu).

‘What the CV-HEC is Happening’ Blog: Dr. Kristin Clark

April 17, 2025

This edition of the “What the CV-HEC is Happening” Blog features Dr. Kristin Clark, chancellor-emeritus of the West Hills Community College District, who in March came out of short-lived retirement to join the CVHEC team as dual enrollment lead, announced in our March issue by Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC executive director. Here Dr. Clark provides some insight into this bold move to throw down the retirement mantle and resume her “commitment to higher education, particularly in support of those who have been marginalized and underserved.” For more information about partnering with CVHEC’s dual enrollment team, contact us at CVHECinfo@mail.fresnostate.edu. (CVHEC blog submissions are welcome for consideration: Tom Uribes, cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu).

Retired, but not expired: a higher ed encore

BY DR. KRISTIN CLARK

CVHEC Dual Enrollment Lead

Chancellor-emeritus, West Hills Community College District

In August 2024, after 30 years in higher education, I made the difficult decision to retire so I could focus on traveling, spending more time with family and doing things I love — like flying and gardening. Some people said I was “too young to retire,” and although I retired earlier than most, my passion for education — and my belief that it is the gateway to freedom — will never wane.

My career has been driven by a deep commitment to expanding access to education, supporting student success and promoting economic opportunity in my community. Even in retirement, I was certain I would remain engaged in this important work in a meaningful way.

After a two-month adventure across Switzerland, France, Portugal and Spain with my husband, I’m eager to re-engage in the field I love. My commitment to higher education, particularly in support of those who have been marginalized and underserved, remains unwavering. I’ve always believed that education is the key to personal freedom — it gives people the power to shape their own futures rather than having circumstances dictate them.

More broadly, education is the cornerstone of our democracy — it empowers

individuals, strengthens communities and fuels economic mobility. As a first-generation college graduate who took a non-traditional path through education and my career, I understand first-hand both the transformative power of learning and the barriers many students face in achieving their goals.

The Central Valley’s unique challenges and strengths

In the Central Valley, these challenges are especially pronounced. Many students face financial insecurity, limited access to educational opportunities, family responsibilities and even basic logistical barriers like transportation. Just as I was fortunate to have mentors who guided and encouraged me, I believe we share a responsibility to ensure that every student has the support, resources and motivation they need to succeed.

One of the greatest strengths of the Central Valley’s higher education landscape is its collaborative leadership. The region’s college and university CEOs are some of the most innovative and student-centered leaders in the country. Over the past few months, I’ve missed the dynamic exchanges and strategic problem-solving that happen when visionary leaders come together to drive student success.

As a consortium, we’ve been laser-focused on student-centered strategies that lead to degree completion and upward economic mobility — goals that remain as critical as ever. And I still want to be involved.

The power of collaboration

In today’s increasingly complex and politically charged environment, higher education leaders face immense challenges in balancing a myriad of priorities while keeping students at the center.

That’s why collaboration is more important than ever. Organizations like the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) play a vital role in supporting institutional leaders by providing research, resources, and a collaborative space to drive systemic change.

I believe that by working together, we can push the envelope to pursue bold and innovative initiatives that remove barriers for students, enhance economic development, and strengthen our workforce. I want to be part of innovative initiatives that produce real, measurable outcomes.

Taking action: expanding and supporting dual enrollment

One of my first projects in this new chapter is helping expand and support dual enrollment — a proven tool for improving college access and success. Research shows that dual enrollment increases college participation and success, and it provides students with the confidence and momentum to continue their education beyond high school.

With that in mind, I’m excited to join CVHEC as a core team member and work alongside Elaine Cash, CVHEC members, K-12 partners and other education leaders to develop a dual enrollment playbook. This resource will highlight best practices and provide much-needed guidance for our partners, helping to streamline pathways, address equity gaps and create more opportunities for students to get a head start on their college journey.

If you have ideas for this playbook, please reach out. Elaine and I are listening.

Looking ahead

The challenges ahead are significant, and as a recently retired administrator, I understand the competing demands and pressures that today’s higher education leaders face. That’s why I’m committed to playing a supporting role in regional projects — offering my experience, passion and insight to help our institutions and leaders navigate these challenges and create lasting change.

I care deeply about our region and believe that through collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to student success, we can create a future where every learner can achieve their dreams.

I’m excited for what’s ahead and honored to be part of this work. Most of all, I’m thrilled to continue working with some of my favorite colleagues, Central Valley leaders, who share my passion for education and are dedicated to making a difference.

Let’s get to work! I hope to see many of you at the upcoming Higher Education Summit as well!

MATH BRIDGE UPDATE: providing tools for postsecondary journeys

January 16, 2025

Nathan Savig teaching a Math Bridge prep course to students at Mariposa High School in the fall 2024 semester. These students are part of the 332 program enrollees who will take their first Math Bridge college class this spring at their respective high schools.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since the Central Valley Math Bridge program was funded in late 2022 in partnership with the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium, the Rand Corporation and several community college members of the consortium with funding from the California K-16 Collaborative (Central – Fresno, Madera, Kings Counties; and We Will! – North Valley), its small but energetic College Bridge team has made headway into 18 high schools in the consortium’s 10-county region. The first Math Bridge cohort at 13 of those schools began in the fall with a prep course and now the 332 high school students enrolled in the program at those schools will be taking their first college course this spring (see list below). The other five schools will start in fall 2025. This update submitted by Audra Burwell, College Bridge communication coordinator, presents the program’s 2024 progress as it moves into 2025 with its first cohorts.

‘… facilitating meaningful discussions about

how math applies to the real world …’

As we step into spring 2025, College Bridge is making significant strides in expanding its Math Bridge project to reach more high school students across the Central Valley.

This innovative initiative aims to ease the transition from high school to college-level mathematics by offering a rigorous college-level math curriculum alongside the support of high school and college instructors. This collaboration is laying the foundation for academic success and providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their postsecondary journeys.

Across classrooms, high school math instructors are teaming up with college faculty who bring their credentials and college-level expertise to the learning environment. Together, they combine their knowledge and experience, brainstorming examples, solving problems, and facilitating meaningful discussions about how math applies to the real world.

In many classrooms, high school instructors are also dual-certified, holding credentials that allow them to teach at the college level. This professional development is often made possible through the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium’s (CVHEC) Master’s Upskilling Program, which equips educators with the tools and expertise to teach college-level material to high school students.

In 2024, thanks to the dedication of educators, counselors, and administrators, Math Bridge expanded its reach to serve 13 high schools across the Central Valley (see list below). But College Bridge isn’t stopping there—2025 marks a year of even greater growth. Five new schools will join the Math Bridge initiative, helping to expand the program’s impact across the region. Le Grand High School, El Capitan High School, Merced High School, Dos Palos High School, and Gustine High School will be the newest members of the Math Bridge network. These new partners will help ensure that even more students have access to the support they need to succeed in math, breaking down barriers to higher education.

This expansion is made possible thanks to the WE Will! K-16 Educational Collaborative grant, which helps provide additional resources for high school students preparing to enter college. The partnership between K-12 and higher education institutions is creating a more seamless transition for students into postsecondary education, and the inclusion of these new schools is expected to further enhance the success of the program.

Beyond Math Bridge, College Bridge remains committed to supporting students’ overall educational pathways. One of the key components of this broader support is the concurrently with the Math Bridge program.

CT Bridge is designed to provide students with the tools and information they need to succeed in their transition to college such as filling out applications; making their fall college schedule; accessing their college portal; understanding FAFSA and financial aid options; gaining career advice; and how to access college support services—all in just 10 hours of course material per year. By offering students insights into both academic and career pathways, CT Bridge is helping them prepare for success not just in their math courses, but in their future college and career endeavors.

As College Bridge continues to evolve and expand, the organization remains focused on ensuring that students have access to the resources and guidance they need to thrive. In the coming months, College Bridge will be hosting several Student Info Sessions to encourage high school students to apply for the Math Bridge program for the 2025/2026 school year. These sessions will provide students with a chance to learn more about the opportunities offered by Math Bridge and CT Bridge, as well as how they can benefit from these programs.

Additionally, College Bridge will continue hosting Planning and Strategy Sessions for Central Valley educators and counselors

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to move forward with these vital initiatives!

Math Bridge Cohorts 2024-2025

(Breakdown of 332 students currently enrolled in the Central Valley Math Bridge Program at 13 high schools,
listed by community college partners that are CVHEC members):

DELTA COLLEGE
Stagg: 24
Weber: 26

MERCED COLLEGE
Buhach Colony: 18
Atwater: 26
Golden Valley: 36
Livingston: 33
Mariposa: 34

REEDLEY COLLEGE
Dinuba (2 sections): 34
Orosi: 23
Sanger: 30
Sanger West: 11

TAFT COLLEGE
Taft: 12
Riverdale: 25

(Five additional high schools will onboard in the fall semester: Le Grand, El Capitan, Merced, Dos Palos and Gustine).