Chancellor's Remarks March 4, 2025 BOT Meeting

As Chancellor of the State Center Community College District, I am incredibly proud of the work our colleges do—and the way our colleagues come together not only to deliver a high-quality education, but to uplift the communities we serve.

Our four colleges—Fresno City, Reedley, Clovis, and Madera—along with our educational centers, serve over 62,000 students annually across a 5,500-square-mile region. That’s larger than several U.S. states. This district provides affordable, accessible pathways to higher education, helping reduce financial barriers for our students and their families—many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.

Our first-generation students deserve clear pathways to pursue their educational and vocational goals. That’s why we offer flexible course options, including evenings, weekends, online instruction, noncredit programs, credit for prior learning, and more. These offerings allow students—many of whom are working parents—to balance their educational journey with other responsibilities.

Our career and technical education programs are second to none. These programs equip students with high-demand skills, ensuring they are workforce-ready upon graduation.

And let’s not overlook the economic impact of our work. The State Center Community College District contributes $1.7 billion annually to the Fresno County economy. In fact, one in every 35 jobs in Fresno County is supported by one of our colleges through education, training, or direct employment.

From a taxpayer’s perspective, every dollar invested in our colleges yields a return of approximately $1.75—a sound investment by any measure.

What makes me especially proud is that, unlike many four-year institutions that can feel removed from their communities, we are deeply embedded in ours. We host events, workshops, student-led projects, community gardens, and local programs. We meet our communities where they are—and they come to us.

The first word in our name is community, and we embody it in every sense. This has a tangible impact not only on the local economy, but on the soul and spirit of our region.

Together, we’re not just educating students—we are shaping the very fabric of our community’s future.

For example, this week we announced a historic opportunity: for the first time, community college students will be eligible to participate in a paid political internship through the Maddy Institute. Now more than ever, it is essential that our students have a seat at the table—and that they be compensated for their time and insights.

This internship program will allow our students to engage alongside peers from UC and CSU campuses, and to represent the values and voices of the Central Valley. As I’ve shared before, many of our students are first-generation college-goers, many are working while attending school, and many come from underserved backgrounds. Their participation as interns does more than broaden their horizons—it enriches the institutions they serve.

By investing in our students through internships like these, we are investing in the future leaders of the Central Valley and ensuring that our government reflects the communities it represents.

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to our student leader on the dais—Student Trustee del Fierro—and to the members of the ASG at all four colleges. Thank you as well to Vice Chancellor Mosier for your dedication over the past several months as we worked together on student worker guidelines and student aid pay rates. While the final proposal may not be perfect, it represents real progress and was developed through an inclusive process.

This important item is before the Board tonight, and I respectfully encourage your approval.

Thank you, and that concludes my report.