CVHEC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE (October 2026)
Falling forward for regional higher education successes
Greetings friends and colleagues of CVHEC,
We are happy to invite you to this issue of our CVHEC newsletter as we enjoy the pleasant early fall weather here in the Central Valley.
This issue finds us in a transition at CVHEC as we ramp up engagement in developing the four new priorities identified by our Board of Directors last year while also celebrating the successful culmination of an important initiative that has now transitioned into a statewide strategy championed by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office: our Central Valley Transfer Project. Our team recently showcased this project at the EdTrust-West’s Equity Forum in September as we sunset it on our end and transition it to the CCCCO.
As you explore this issue, you will find in our lead story, “CVHEC Strategic Priorities initiative includes reconnecting ‘stopped out’ students,” a great description of the consortium’s four new initiatives and the work that has been done in the first year. These four areas will be the focus of CVHEC and its member colleges and universities here in the Central Valley for the next three to five years. The collective work in the region will lead to improving the educational, economic and social well-being in the valley.
As we move forward in the Valley, it is not too soon to begin planning and discussing the 2027 CVHEC Annual Summit scheduled for next April. The summit is our opportunity to showcase the work of our member institutions to non-profit partners, funders, elected supporters and the higher education community. Likewise, it is a very unique opportunity for the community and policy makers to connect with the leadership of the valley’s higher education landscape: 28 universities and colleges from Stockton to Bakersfield coming together to continue advancing our strategies for increasing the region’s college-going rate which means better life opportunities for more residents.
We welcome your involvement in this very unique phenomena nationwide and especially we invite your support: please consider being a sponsor and supporter of our annual convening.
So be sure to save the date: April 22, 2027, for our 25th Anniversary Summit Reception. and April 23, 2027, for the full day summit at a new location this year: the Grand Ballroom in the heart of downtown Fresno.
And finally, a special thank you to Dr. Manjula Peters for penning our “What the CV-HEC is Happening” blog this issue showcasing Fresno Pacific University’s new math master’s degree and clarifying questions regarding math degree v. math education degree.
Enjoy the rest of the issue, and please give us any feedback on our articles. We are also always looking for contributors to our blog. If you have an idea you would like to share with us, please reach out. We would love to feature some of you as contributors.
Keep enjoying this wonderful fall weather.
