CVHEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE (May 2025)
CVHEC board meeting and summit: ‘reaffirming
the power of regional unity in advancing student success’
Greetings CVHEC friends and colleagues …
Welcome to our June newsletter as we close out another academic year in the Central Valley. We wish all our colleagues a Happy National Higher Education Day on June 6!
This year, especially the last five months under a new Administration in Washington D.C., has been a tumultuous and challenging year in higher education. That is why it was appropriate for the consortium to wrap up the year with our annual The Central Valley Higher Education Summit May 9 under the theme, “Navigating Higher Education in a New Era – The Central Valley Way.”
In keeping with that theme, the CVHEC Board of Directors met the day before the summit and hosted a virtual presentation on the current state of higher education in the nation delivered by Jon Fansmith, senior vice president of Governmental Relations at the American Council on Education (ACE). His presentation and interaction with the presidents and chancellors of our region’s higher education institutions were well received and insightful.
On summit day, May 9, we continued the conversations hearing from our legislative partners: Congressmembers Jim Costa (21st District) and Adam Gray (13th District), both from the U.S House of Representatives; and California State Assemblymember Esmeralda Zamudio Soria (District 27). The three legislators shared their perspectives on the current state of the nation and specific areas and initiatives they were involved in to improve the higher education landscape in the country.
The summit further showcased much of the work valley college and universities undertook this year to improve student access and success in the current environment. Panels for the day, including representatives from the state’s four higher education systems, highlighted the great efforts of faculty and staff in the region to make the Central Valley a great place for higher education as well our students and their experiences in addition.
The event ended with a conversation between summit attendees and California State Attorney General Rob Bonta, who joined us virtually to share his thoughts and comments about California’s role with other states in combatting the challenges coming from the current Administration. He was able and willing to answer some questions from the floor.
The board meeting and summit came at a pivotal time. Our region continues to navigate pressing challenges — from enrollment shifts to financial aid changes — while national policies are quickly evolving in ways that deeply affect our students. As challenges in higher education continue to evolve — particularly for our rural and underserved areas — CVHEC remains a critical force in ensuring that the Central Valley’s colleges and universities not only adapt but thrive.
With continued collaboration and a shared vision, the consortium board meeting and summit reaffirmed the power of regional unity in advancing student success. Bringing our leadership together in one room to engage in this dialogue is essential for shaping a voice for higher education the Central Way as we move forward.
Now, with the completion of another commencement season, we hope you enjoy our blog this month featuring Class of 2025 graduate Ellie Oliva recounting the joys of walking for two degrees in less than one year. This is why we do it all!
We wish all our colleagues a Happy National Higher Education Day on June 6 with our photo galleries (summit and board/reception) … as well as a great and well-deserved summer break. We hope you all have an opportunity to find some time to rest and reflect on another productive year as we prepare to meet new challenges for the advancement of our students. Now, enjoy the warm months ahead!
