PANELIST BIOS
Meet the panelists for the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Summit 2025 May 9, 2025 in Fresno with the theme “Navigating Higher Education in a New Era – The Central Valley Way.”
At the summit, the chancellors, presidents and campus directors of 28 valley universities and colleges making up the consortium Board of Directors membership will convene with the higher education system representatives and Congressional representatives as well as other legislators, educators, partner representatives and policy makers to address pressing issues as well as hear from a student panel.
Members of the CVHEC Board of Directors will serve as panel moderators and provide introductions.
(This page will be updated as new information develops).
News Release: Attorney General Virtual Forum (2 – 2:30 pm — May 9)
2025 CVHEC Summit Program FlipBook
News release: CVHEC Summit 2025 panels
REGISTER – CVHEC Summit 2025 (CLOSED)
CVHEC SUMMIT 2025 – SCHEDULE
- 9 – 9:15 a.m. WELCOME on Behalf OF CVHEC BOD
- 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. KEYNOTE PANEL: Conversation with the Systems Offices
- 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. PANEL 2: In Their Words: Real Students Talking about Central Valley Strategies
- 11:15 a.m. – noon PANEL 3: Data at Every Level: Sharing National, State, and Local Insights
- NOON – 1 P.M. LUNCH
12:30 – Insights (Brief remarks – details to come) - 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. PANEL 4: Legislative Update
- 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. PANEL 5: What the CVHEC is Happening in the Central Valley
- 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. CLOSING: Where do we go from Here? Reflecting on the
Summit/Closing Remarks
WELCOME (9 – 9:15 a.m.):
On Behalf of the CVHEC Board of Directors
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz
(Chairman – CVHEC Board of Directors)
Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz, a California native with deep roots in the Central Valley, became the fourth chancellor of the University of California, Merced in 2020.
He earned his Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, focusing on curriculum and instruction. Before joining UC Merced, Dr. Muñoz served as president of the University of Houston Downtown where he launched the university’s largest capital campaign and led recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. He also served as senior vice president and vice provost at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Muñoz has authored academic articles, book chapters, and essays, and contributed to The Handbook of Latinos and Education. He has held leadership roles on various boards, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Excelencia in Education. He also serves on the California Strategic Growth Council, appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Dr. Muñoz is a graduate of several prestigious leadership programs including at Harvard, UC Berkeley and Georgetown.
Executive Director Benjamín Durán
Dr. Benjamin T. Duran is a highly respected higher education leader, teacher and president-emeritus of Merced Community College in California. He retired as superintendent/president of the Merced Community College District in 2012 after serving 22 years in the district with the last 14 years as the CEO.
Dr. Duran is now executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), an organization that brings together 28 (soon to be 29) Central California community college, independent and university CEOs to collaborate on higher education issues in the 10-county region.
KEYNOTE PANEL (9:15 – 10:15 a.m.)
“Stronger Together: Aligning Systems
for Equitable Outcomes”
Conversation with the Systems Offices
PANELIST INTRODUCTIONS
President Britt Rios-Ellis
(CVHEC Board member)
Britt Rios-Ellis, M.S., Ph.D., is the 13th president of CSU Stanislaus, bringing over 30 years of experience in higher education and community health.
A bilingual, bicultural leader, she is committed to student success, equity and community engagement. She previously served as provost at Oakland University where she advanced academic affairs and community initiatives.
At CSU Monterey Bay, she co-founded the first Physician Assistant program in the CSU system and led efforts to diversify faculty. At CSU Long Beach, she directed Latino health initiatives and secured over $59 million in grants. A recognized public health advocate, Rios-Ellis has served on national advisory committees and received multiple awards for leadership.
She holds degrees from the University of Oregon and has completed national leadership programs.
MODERATOR
Chancellor Carole Goldsmith
(CVHEC Board member)
Dr. Goldsmith is the newest chancellor of the State Center Community College District and previously served as president of Fresno City College from August 2016 to December 2021.
Prior to joining SCCCD, Dr. Goldsmith served as president of West Hills College Coalinga and held the office of vice chancellor of Educational Services and Workforce Development during her 13-year tenure with West Hills Community College District in rural West Fresno County.
Dr. Goldsmith has lived in Fresno County for nearly four decades and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Fresno State, a master’s degree in educational administration from National University, and a doctorate in higher education leadership from the joint doctorate program at Fresno State and UC Davis.
Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng (California Community Colleges)
Working with Chancellor Sonya Christian, Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng serves a key role in advancing Vision 2030, the California Community Colleges’ strategic plan focused on equity.
With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, she specializes in diversity, equity, inclusion and student success.
At San Jose City College, Dr. Tomaneng developed partnerships and secured federal grants to boost Latinx student success. Previously, as president of Berkeley City College, she created academic pathways for low-income, first-generation African American/Black, Latinx and Southeast Asian students.
Dr. Tomaneng’s leadership extends to multiple administrative roles at De Anza College. She was named California Assembly District 15 Woman of the Year in 2019. She holds degrees from UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara and the University of San Francisco.
Nathan Dietrich (California State University System)
Nathan Dietrich is the assistant vice chancellor for Advocacy and State Relations for the California State University system. He leads efforts to represent the CSU’s interests in Sacramento, building strong relationships with the governor’s office, legislature and state agencies, while coordinating advocacy across campuses and with alumni.
Previously, he served as associate vice president for public affairs and advocacy at Sacramento State, where he led government and community relations. Earlier in his career, Nathan worked for Congressman Robert Matsui and Congresswoman Doris Matsui, serving as a key liaison on major regional projects.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication from UC Davis, and a master’s in public administration and a political management certificate from USC.
Dr. Yvette Gullatt (University of California)
Yvette Gullatt is the vice president for Graduate and Undergraduate Affairs, vice provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and chief diversity officer for the University of California system.
She oversees initiatives that support student success including outreach, admissions, financial aid and teacher education. As chief diversity officer, she leads strategies to promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the university.
Gullatt has held various leadership roles, including vice provost for education partnerships and interim vice president for student affairs. She has advanced policies supporting gender identity and inclusivity, launched programs to enhance college access and fostered partnerships to improve academic preparation for underrepresented students. Gullatt earned her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from UC Berkeley.
Alex Graves (Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities)
Alex Graves has served as vice president for Government Relations at the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities since January 2019.
In this role, he leads legislative advocacy and public policy efforts to support independent higher education in California, serving as the primary liaison between AICCU and key state bodies such as the Governor’s Office, the California Legislature, and the California Student Aid Commission.
Before joining AICCU, Graves was a legislative advocate at the California State University Office of Advocacy & State Relations, working on policies related to admissions, financial aid, K-12 education, and teacher preparation. He also worked as a legislative assistant at the Alzheimer’s Association and as a research assistant at the Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Policy. Graves completed the California Education Policy Fellowship Program in 2016-17.
He holds a B.A. in Politics from Occidental College and a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration from Sacramento State University.
PANEL 2 (10:30 – 11:15 a.m.):
In Their Words: Real Students
Talking about Central Valley Strategies
PANELIST INTRODUCTIONS
President Lena Tran
(CVHEC Board member)
Dr. Lena Tran has served as the president of Columbia College in California since March 2022. Before that she was vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Innovation for San Jose City College.
She previously served on the boards of directors of East Meets West Foundation and Silicon Valley FACES. Dr. Tran is the author of “Compassionate Vietnamese American CEOs: How Six Entrepreneurs Achieved Bottom-line Success by Leading with their Hearts.”
MODERATOR
President James Preston
(CVHEC Board member)
James Preston has 29 years of experience in education including 12 years in administrative roles and 17 years of teaching experience.
Since 2022 he has proudly served as the president of West Hills College Lemoore which has been a leader in Open Educational Resources, innovative professional development and program design, and student support that emphasizes inclusive excellence.
President Preston currently serves as the CEO representative for the Central Valley on the Statewide Affordability, Food and Housing Access Taskforce.
STUDENT PANELISTS:
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Araceli Tilley, Merced College and UC Merced
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Abigail M. Soto Toscano, Dinuba High School
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Izabella Cavazos, Dinuba High School
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McKenzie Rosas, Dinuba High School
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Zeidi Diaz, Fresno State
PANEL 3 (11:15 a.m. – noon)
Data at Every Level: Sharing
National, State, and Local Insights
PANELIST INTRODUCTIONS
President Carla Tweed
(CVHEC Board member)
Dr. Carla Tweed is the sixth president of Coalinga College, returning to her roots in the Central Valley where she began her education at West Hills.
A proven leader in higher education, Dr. Tweed brings experience from roles including president at a private college and executive leadership at Yuba College. She is known for fostering community partnerships and her expertise in strategic planning. Passionate about rural education, she is dedicated to student success, diversity and inclusion.
She is also a longtime CASA volunteer, advocating for children in need. She began her presidency at Coalinga College in January 2022.
Dr. Tweed holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Chapman University.
MODERATOR
President Chris Vitelli
(CVHEC Board member)
Chris Vitelli is the superintendent/president of Merced College, having previously served as vice president of Student Services.
With extensive experience in administration, he has held senior roles such as chief Student Services officer, chief Instructional officer, and Accreditation Liaison officer. Vitelli has also worked as dean of Instruction and interim vice president of Student Services at Columbia College and director of Student Services at the University of Florida.
He has led initiatives to enhance student equity, expand outreach and strengthen partnerships with high schools and universities. A first-generation college graduate, Vitelli holds degrees from the University of Florida, Harvard University and Arizona State University.
Dr. Brandon Protas
Brandon Protas, Ed.D., is the assistant vice president for Alliance Engagement at Complete College America (CCA), where he oversees the planning and management of the CCA Alliance. He supports institutions, systems and states in improving student success and contributes to policy and advocacy efforts focused on college completion and equity.
Before joining CCA, Brandon spent nine years at the Community College of Denver, directing their concurrent enrollment program and guiding the college through accreditation by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). He also served on the NACEP and Colorado concurrent enrollment advisory boards. Additionally, Brandon worked for over a decade in the K-12 system with the Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Arizona, in roles ranging from social work to college readiness programming.
Brandon holds a B.A. from Brown University, a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Dr. Hans Johnson
Hans Johnson is a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California Higher Education Center. His research focuses on improving college access and completion. He frequently presents his work to policymakers and higher education officials, and he serves as a technical advisor to many organizations seeking to improve college graduation rates, address workforce needs and engage in long-term capacity planning. His other areas of expertise include international and domestic migration, housing in California and population projections. Previously, he served as research director at PPIC. Before joining PPIC, he worked as a demographer at the California Research Bureau and at the California Department of Finance. He holds a PhD in demography and a master’s degree in biostatistics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Zenaida Aguirre-Muñoz
Dr. Zenaida Aguirre-Muñoz is a professor of Cognitive Science at UCM. Dr. Aguirre-Muñoz completed two bachelor’s degrees from UC Santa Barbara in Psychology and Spanish. Aguirre-Muñoz earned her Ph.D. in Psychological Studies in Education from the University California, Los Angeles. She began her professional career as a research scientist at the UCLA Center for Research, Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing (CRESST). She was a faculty member at Texas Tech University and the University of Houston prior to joining the UC, Merced faculty. Her research integrates cognitive science, language, learning sciences and assessment applied to the following research interests: (a) STEM education; (b) model-based assessment and instruction of dual language learners; (c) the impact of opportunity to learn on learning and achievement; and (d) content-area literacy development for dual language learners. Her research projects have been funded by organizations such as NSF, NIH, Department of Energy, and the US Department of Education.
He holds a B.A. in Politics from Occidental College and a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration from Sacramento State University.
CVHEC Summit 2025 Luncheon
(Noon – 1 p.m.)
PANEL 4 (12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)
Legislative Update
PANELIST INTRODUCTIONS
Interim President Primavera Monarrez
(CVHEC Board member)
Primavera Monarrez became interim president of Porterville College in July 2024. She previously served as the college’s vice president of Student Services beginning in April 2018. Before joining Porterville College, she spent two years at Taft College as dean of Student Success and also served as interim vice president of Student Services. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, President Monarrez is dedicated to promoting student success, equity and ethical leadership. A Central Valley native, she is passionate about mentoring students and creating opportunities for those who may not see education as accessible. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling with a focus on Student Affairs.
MODERATOR
Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz
(CVHEC Board member)
Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz, a California native with deep roots in the Central Valley, is the fourth chancellor of UC Merced. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, focusing on curriculum and instruction. Before joining UC Merced, Dr. Muñoz served as president of the University of Houston Downtown, where he launched the university’s largest capital campaign and led recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. He also served as senior vice president and vice provost at Texas Tech University.
Dr. Muñoz, who has authored academic articles, book chapters and essays, contributed to “The Handbook of Latinos and Education.” He has held leadership roles on various boards, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Excelencia in Education. He also serves on the California Strategic Growth Council, appointed by Governor Newsom.
Dr. Muñoz is a graduate of several prestigious leadership programs, including at Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Georgetown.
Rep. Jim Costa
Congressmember Jim Costa represents California’s 16th Congressional District. He has served the San Joaquin Valley in the U.S. House of Representatives since January of 2005. Raised on a dairy farm in Fresno’s Kearney Park area, Rep. Costa is a third-generation family farmer. As a member of Congress, Costa has applied his farming background to fighting for Valley water, agriculture and the economy.
A product of Fresno County schools, Costa is a graduate of San Joaquin Memorial High School and has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Fresno. Before being elected to the House, Costa served for 24 years in the California State Legislature.
Rep. Adam Gray
Congressman Adam Gray represents California’s 13th Congressional District, including Merced County and portions of Madera, Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Fresno Counties. He is a member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees and is the Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Gray spent 10 years representing Merced and Stanislaus Counties in the California State Assembly, where he worked to advance bipartisan commonsense policy solutions. In Sacramento, then-Assemblymember Gray founded the California Problem Solvers Caucus and worked alongside his colleagues to establish a medical school program at UC Merced, build new water storage infrastructure and improve water access for Central Valley farmers. Rep. Gray resides in Merced, California, where he was born and raised, and is an educator at UC Merced.
State Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria
Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria represents California’s 27th Assembly District, covering communities across Merced, Madera and Fresno counties.
Now in her second term, she was reappointed in 2025 as chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and also serves on the Governmental Organization, Banking & Finance, and Economic Development committees. Before joining the Assembly, she served as a Fresno City Councilmember, focusing on public safety, housing and economic growth. In the Assembly, she continues advocating for healthcare, disaster recovery and community investment.
A first-generation American and daughter of farm workers, the Assemblymember was raised in the Central Valley and worked in the agricultural fields alongside her parents. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a law degree from UC Davis.
PANEL 5 (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)
What the CVHEC is Happening in the Central Valley
PANELIST INTRODUCTIONS
President André Stephens
(CVHEC Board member)
Dr. André Stephens has 30 years of experience in Christian higher education in California including as vice president for student development at Biola University.
Serving in this cabinet-level role, he led a team that provided authentic, meaningful learning experiences to foster the Christian character of students.
Dr. Stephens completed his B.A. in Communication with a public relations emphasis at Biola, his M.A. in Speech Communication with an emphasis in intercultural/interpersonal communication at California State University, Fullerton and his Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in higher education administration/student affairs at Claremont Graduate University.
MODERATOR
Executive Director Benjamín Durán
Dr. Benjamin T. Duran is a highly respected higher education leader, teacher and president-emeritus of Merced Community College in California.
He retired as superintendent/president of the Merced Community College District in 2012 after serving 22 years in the district with the last 14 years as the CEO.
Dr. Duran is now executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), an organization that brings together 28 (soon to be 29) Central California community college, independent and university CEOs to collaborate on higher education issues in the 10-county region.
Dr. James Zimmerman
Dr. James Zimmerman currently serves as the special assistant to the executive vice chancellor and provost for Transfer Initiatives.
In his wide-ranging academic career as both faculty member and administrator, Dr. Zimmerman has been recognized as a leader who can build consensus, motivate and operationalize campus-wide plans. He enjoys the challenge of aligning constituents toward the essential institutional goals of developing, managing and resourcing exceptional and innovative undergraduate learning environments that benefit diverse student populations.
Dr. Kristin Clark
Dr. Kristin Clark is a seasoned higher education leader with over 30 years of service in the California Community College System.
She most recently served as chancellor of the West Hills Community College District until her retirement in August 2024. Previously, she was president of Lemoore College, where her leadership earned national recognition including the Aspen Prize Top 100 and Achieving the Dream honors.
Dr. Clark has championed student-centered innovations such as Open Educational Resources (OER), dual enrollment and alternative academic calendars. She remains active in higher education, serving on various boards including California Health Sciences University and the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium.
In March, Dr. Clark came out of retirement after eight months when she joined the CVHEC team as dual enrollment lead.
She holds a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught graduate courses, published research and spoken at national conferences.
Dr. Lynn Cevallos
Dr. Lynn Cevallos has nearly 30 years of experience creating innovations to improve math outcomes at the secondary and post-secondary levels.
Her work began at the Community College, focused on the bottleneck of remedial mathematics education. From there, she expanded her focus to include high school, followed by middle school, to backwards map the remediation dilemma. Seeking a systemic solution, her work expanded from teaching to leadership roles in government, higher education, K-12, nonprofits and corporations.
Her desire for systemic change led her to UCLA where she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership studying intersegmental partnerships designed to improve college success by addressing barriers to college completion; math remediation was a major focus. Her dissertation, “Best Practices of P-20 Partnerships for Increasing College Access and Persistence for Under-Represented Students,” provided the foundation for College Bridge, a non-profit she founded in 2011.
At College Bridge she leads intersegmental research/practice initiatives to improve college completion, specifically in STEM majors, for low-income, minority and rural students. Her work has successfully closed equity and achievement gaps in mathematics for thousands of students.
VIRTUAL FORUM (2:00 – 2:30 p.m.)
Higher Education & Justice
Hon. ROB BONTA, Attorney General
State of California Department of Justice
Rob Bonta was sworn in as California’s 34th Attorney General April 23, 2021, becoming the first Filipino-American and second Asian-American to serve in the state Department of Justice’s top role.
Born in the Philippines and raised in California, he was inspired by his parents’ activism in civil rights and social justice.
A graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, Bonta began his career as a Deputy City Attorney in San Francisco, protecting residents from exploitation and racial profiling.
In the State Assembly, he led efforts to reform the criminal justice system, ban private prisons, eliminate cash bail, and promote environmental and economic justice.
As Attorney General, he continues to champion accountability, fairness, and justice for communities across California.
CLOSE (2:30 – 3 p.m.)
Where do we go from Here?
Reflecting on the Summit/Closing Remarks
Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC Executive Director
