The wrap-up video for last year’s CVHEC Summit provides a glimpse of the convening dynamic.
2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit Update
“Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future”
(FEB. 11, 2026) — With the theme “Evolving Higher Education for an Emerging Future,” leaders from California’s four public and independent higher education systems have been invited to headline the 2026 Central Valley Higher Education Summit — the region’s premier convening of education, and policy leaders scheduled for April 24 in Fresno.
The featured panel would bring together the heads of the University of California, the California State University system, the California Community Colleges and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, marking a rare opportunity for Central Valley stakeholders to hear directly from the state’s top higher education leaders in a single forum, announced Dr. Benjamín Durán, CVHEC executive director.
Confirming their attendance to-date are Dr. Mildred Garcia, chancellor of California State University; Dr. Sonya Christian, chancellor of California Community Colleges; and Dr. Kristen Soares, president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. Still pending confirmation is University of California President James B. Milliken.
The Central Valley Higher Education Summit is the consortium’s signature event presented by the CVHEC Board of Directors which consists of the chief executive officers of 28 institutions of higher education in the valley’s 10-county region that comprise the consortium membership. With main funding support from the College Futures Foundation, the summit continues to draw between 150–200 higher education officials, educators, legislators and partner representatives from across the 10-county Central Valley region.
Duran said the summit convenes a cross-sector of leaders to elevate Central Valley voices in statewide conversations and advance collaborative solutions that improve educational outcomes.
Statewide and national organizations such as the California Public Policy Institute, the Career Ladders Project and Complete College American have participated in the past. Last year, California Attorney General Rob Bonta delivered keynote remarks by Zoom.
The summit’s flagship panel of the leaders of the four segments of higher education in California “continues the robust and honest discussions begun at last year’s summit regarding the current state of education in the state and the nation,” he said.
As the cornerstone education event for the region, the annual summit provides a critical space for examining how colleges and universities can adapt to evolving student needs, workforce demands, and policy challenges across California and the nation, he added.
“Much has happened in the past year and if nothing else, we must remain diligent vanguards for higher education,” Duran said.
Associate Director Ángel Ramírez, who coordinates the event, said the full summit agenda will be announced later but it will focus on how higher education institutions can reimagine systems, structures, and partnerships to better serve students and communities, particularly in regions like the Central Valley that face persistent educational and economic inequities.
The full-day program is expected to include keynote remarks, moderated discussions and opportunities for dialogue among college and university leaders, K–12 partners, policymakers, researchers and community stakeholders and student voices.
In addition to the four-system leadership panel, the summit will again feature a panel of Central Valley legislators providing updates on higher education policy, funding and legislative priorities affecting the region.
Eight area state legislators have been invited and are expected to confirm soon (details in the next CVHEC newsletter), Ramirez said. Participating last year were Congressmember Adam Gray, House of Representatives, 13th District; Congressmember Jim Costa, House of Representatives, 21st District; and California State Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, 27th District.
“Together, participants will examine how institutions can respond to enrollment shifts, workforce alignment, technological change and increasing calls for accountability and equity, Duran said.
The event actually kicks off with the Summit Welcome Reception that will again be held the day before, April 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in the breezeway outside Valdez Hall (Fresno Convention Center), across from the summit venue.
The quarterly CVHEC board meeting — traditionally held the day before — this year will take place April 24 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., immediately preceding the summit’s official start, providing board members with an opportunity to engage on governance and regional strategy prior to the public sessions.
A free breakfast for registrants is from 9-10 a.m. and lunch will be provided..
Registration is now open, hotel rooms are available with a group rate and for the first time this year CVHEC is offering sponsorship opportunities: https://bit.ly/CVHECsummit26
- Event & sponsorship questions: contact Ángel Ramírez, CVHEC associate director, at angelr@ mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.278.0576.
- Media inquiries: Tom Uribes, CVHEC communications lead – text 559.348.3278 or cvheccommunications@mail.fresnostate.edu
- For event updates: see the Summit event page, subscribe to the free CVHEC monthly e-newsletter or visit CVHEC social media platforms.
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