Ҵý Education that meets students where they are. Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:15:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4 /wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cropped-cropped-cccs-logo-32x32.png Ҵý 32 32 187184741 How Community College Took Javier Mabrey from Dishwasher to State Representative /campus-spotlights/how-community-college-took-javier-mabrey-from-dishwasher-to-state-representative/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-community-college-took-javier-mabrey-from-dishwasher-to-state-representative Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:30:14 +0000 /?p=47430 Free time is hard to come by for state representative Javier Mabrey. Now in his second year, the 32-year-old lawmaker is sponsoring more than a dozen...

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Free time is hard to come by for state representative Javier Mabrey. Headshot of Colorado State House Representative Javier Mabrey.

Now in his second year, the 32-year-old lawmaker is sponsoring more than a dozen bills while serving as treasurer of the Democratic Latino Caucus. During nights and weekends, he provides legal advice for Colorado tenants facing eviction.

For most of his life, though, Rep. Mabrey wasn’t focused on policy but day-to-day survival. That all changed when he enrolled in the Community College of Denver (CCD) more than 10 years ago.

“My experience set me on the path that eventually led me to attending law school, helping start one of the biggest non-profits in the state, and working as a state legislator,” he said.

 

‘I Can Do Something’

Growing up, Rep. Mabrey said higher education was the last thing on his mind. After his mother survived a near-fatal car accident, his family lived off her disability benefit that barely covered expenses in southwest Denver.

“Sometimes we didn’t know if we were going to make the rent or the electric bill. We dealt with housing instability,” he said. “Life was so unstable that I never really got to focus on school as a kid.”

His family ended up moving to Norman, Oklahoma, where Rep. Mabrey attended high school for ten months before dropping out. He picked up a job washing dishes that paid just $6 an hour.

“This was around the time that Barack Obama started running for president the first time, and I was inspired by his campaign,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘Maybe if I go to college, I can do something to help families like mine.’”

Rep. Mabrey returned to Denver to earn his GED and later enrolled in CCD. While he struggled in his first few semesters, his grades picked up as he excelled in his government and law courses.

“I eventually found a professor who saw potential in me,” he said. “Community college gave me the opportunity to find what I was good at and what I was passionate about.”

Community college gave me the opportunity to find what I was good at and what I was passionate about.
Javier Mabrey

 

Discovering Potential

After racking up credits at CCD, Rep. Mabrey transferred to the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) to continue his degree in political science. He was relieved to learn his poor GPA would reset, giving him a fresh start.

“I decided that I wasn’t going to get a B again,” he said. “I really buckled down at CU knowing that the goal was law school, and I decided I’d try to go to the best law school that I could get into.”Javier Mabrey sitting on a stone wall that contains text. "Berkeley Law University of California"

That ambition led Rep. Mabrey to the University of California Berkeley School of Law. There, he specialized in housing law, leading tenants’ rights workshops and contributing to the La Raza Law Journal outside of class. Armed with his juris doctorate degree, he returned home to Colorado to help start the , where he still serves as a senior housing attorney.

As evictions mounted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Mabrey wanted to make a bigger impact crafting policy at the state level. He launched his campaign for Colorado House District 1 in June 2021 and won the seat in November of the following year.

When he looks back on his road to the state capitol, Rep. Mabrey says CCD made the impossible, possible.

“We need to support community colleges because they are places for people like me, people who did not have a traditional educational background, to find themselves and discover their potential.”

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Changing Legacies: FRCC Alum Dr. Abel Chávez Gives Back through Leadership /campus-spotlights/changing-legacies-frcc-alum-dr-abel-chavez-gives-back-through-leadership/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=changing-legacies-frcc-alum-dr-abel-chavez-gives-back-through-leadership Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:30:40 +0000 /?p=47422 For Dr. Abel Chávez, the road to higher education began in Denver’s Swansea neighborhood, tinkering on cars alongside his father. “He kept me—the only male among...

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For Dr. Abel Chávez, the road to higher education began in Denver’s Swansea neighborhood, tinkering on cars alongside his father.

“He kept me—the only male among his kids—off the streets through my passion for low riders,” he said. “With every good grade, he would help me fix up a Mazda pickup truck. We did the body work, we did the paint. He bought me the chrome wire wheels.”

The reward system paid off. Dr. Chávez went on to earn his doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and became a renowned scientist and higher education leader. Today, he serves as the tenth president of (OLLU), a private Catholic university based in San Antonio, Texas, and the birthplace of the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.

But none of these accomplishments would be possible without the support of his first alma mater, (FRCC).

“I will always be a champion of community colleges,” he said. “They have changed my life without a doubt.”Headshot of Dr. Abel Chávez.

I will always be a champion of community colleges.
Dr. Chávez


Coming Together

The son of Mexican immigrants, Dr. Chávez knew education would lead to a more secure future for himself and his family. As he and his father worked on their truck, he realized his hobby could turn into a real career.

Dr. Chávez’s parents pose between the Mazda pickup truck he and his father fixed up and his father’s Model A.

Dr. Chávez’s parents pose between the Mazda pickup truck he and his father fixed up and his father’s Model A.

“I started becoming so curious about cars in general and more specifically about the hydraulics. At the same time, I was doing robotics at school and doing some very novice level coding,” he explained. “So, it was all coming together.”

Dr. Chávez set his sights on becoming an engineer and got into the prestigious Colorado School of Mines. But when the tuition bill came, he had to find a more affordable path. Undeterred, Dr. Chávez enrolled at FRCC just weeks before the semester started.

The pivot turned out to be one of his best decisions. Because cost was a “non-issue,” Dr. Chávez could focus solely on his studies, he said. He thrived under the one-on-one guidance of instructors at FRCC, acing the calculus and chemistry courses that vexed him in high school.

“I knew that the teachers cared for me. Not only would they challenge me with rigor—they would also take the time to make sure that I was learning the material so that when test time came, I was successful,” he said.

Changing Trajectories

From there, as Dr. Chávez puts it, “the rest is history.” He graduated with his associate of science degree and transferred to CU Denver, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He later moved to Texas to start a project management position with the Dow Chemical Company and eventually earned his master’s in business administration from the University of Houston.

After his father passed away, Dr. Chávez returned to Colorado to look after his mother. He ran into a professor from his CU Denver days, who encouraged him to pursue his doctorate degree.

But as Dr. Chávez climbed the education ladder, he became increasingly concerned about the lack of representation in academia, especially among Hispanic and Latino students. He challenged himself to be part of the solution.

Community colleges change lives. They change trajectories, they change legacies, and they create generations of leaders who are advocates for education.
Dr. Chávez

“There were only a few folks in front of a classroom that grew up in the neighborhoods that I grew up in, that ate menudo on a Sunday like I did,” he said. “I told myself, ‘You must find yourself in those same rooms so that you can chart the path for others like yourself.’”

Dr. Chávez has lived up to his promise. In his first year at OLLU, he created the Futuro Leaders Scholars Program that provides full-tuition scholarships and professional development for first-generation students. He was also appointed to the governing board of the (HACU), a national organization that advocates for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Latino student success that was founded on the OLLU campus in 1989.

For Dr. Chávez, service is a way to give back to the many community college mentors who first believed in him.

“Community colleges change lives. They change trajectories, they change legacies, and they create generations of leaders who are advocates for education,” he said.

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Fully Prepared: Ҵý Transfer Students Thrive at CU Boulder /campus-spotlights/fully-prepared-cccs-transfer-students-thrive-at-cu-boulder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fully-prepared-cccs-transfer-students-thrive-at-cu-boulder Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:30:54 +0000 /?p=47416 Thanks to the support of community college, Colton Brown’s career is taking off. Following a hard-fought journey, the former Community College of Denver and Red Rocks...

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Thanks to the support of community college, Colton Brown’s career is taking off.

Nicole Nageli and Colton Brown pictured together at University of Colorado Boulder.

Nicole Nageli, formerly of Arapahoe Community College, and Colton Brown, an alumnus of both Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College, stand together during a signing event at CU Boulder.

Following a hard-fought journey, the former Community College of Denver and Red Rocks Community College student is a month away from graduating with his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), home to one of the most prestigious programs in the country.

Community college was the perfect launchpad for his academic pursuits, Brown said.

“The transition from community college to a highly regarded research university like CU Boulder was very smooth due to the rigor we experienced,” he said at a recent event in Boulder. “I felt fully prepared and was able to take advantage of all of the opportunities here on campus.”

 

 

The transition from community college to a highly regarded research university like CU Boulder was very smooth due to the rigor we experienced. I felt fully prepared.
Colton Brown

 

‘A Huge Collaborative Effort’

Those opportunities include projects that are out of this world—literally. For his senior capstone, Brown is building a network that can identify drones flying around campus. He also landed a coveted position on a satellite research study funded through the National Science Foundation.

Chris Anderson, the Senior Director of Academic Success & Transfer Pathways for CU Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science speaking at a podium on stage.

Chris Anderson speaks during the signing event at the University of Colorado Boulder.

“After I had been able to prove myself on the project, I was eventually able to work myself up to the role of lead systems engineer,” he explained. “That’s essentially the technical lead for the project, ensuring that all the interfaces of the different teams will integrate properly.”

Brown’s success isn’t surprising to Chris Anderson, the Senior Director of Academic Success & Transfer Pathways for CU Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science. In his 11 years with the university, he’s watched average time to degree completion drop from four and a half years to two among transfer students.

“We have an 89 percent retention rate for our transfer students,” Anderson said. “They actually graduate at a higher percentage than first-year, first-time students. This is a huge collaborative effort among all of our colleagues across Ҵý and CU Boulder.”

Streamlining the transfer process has been central to that collaboration. In recent years, Ҵý and CU Boulder have mapped out pathways in six engineering disciplines, including mechanical and computer engineering. Beyond credit transfer, students also benefit from intensive advising and wraparound supports at both institutions.

Brown, who wants to design satellites for deep space exploration, said partnerships like these are truly transformative for students.

“Having these paths available to those who are highly motivated will have profound effects on many people,” he said.

 

Supported at Every Step

Nicole Nageli speaking at a podium at the CU Engineering AES Signing Event.

Nicole Nageli speaks during the signing event at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Nicole Nageli, a computer science and creative technology design student at CU Boulder, plans to follow in Brown’s footsteps. The junior hopes to combine her love of art and science to invent new technologies, like virtual reality headsets that can explore the deep ocean.

Her niche interests led her to NASA, where she completed a competitive animation internship. The experience inspired her to go back to school to get more technical training.

“Arapahoe Community College gave me a low-cost entry to continue my college education, which otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to do,” she said. “At my time there, I found out more about CU Boulder right here in Colorado, and I realized that the classes that they offer here directly related to the skills that they needed at NASA.”

Working closely with ACC advisors, Nageli transferred to CU Boulder without a hitch. While she experienced some adjustments, like hustling long distances across campus, she quickly excelled in a university setting.

“The classes definitely took some getting used to, but I feel like my education at Arapahoe Community College prepared me really well for the rigorous courses here,” she said. “It made me feel confident in preparing me for the technical skills that I’ll use in the industry.”

As she pursues her dream career, Nageli encourages more learners to start at a community college.

“The support that I got from ACC and CU Boulder just made it so seamless,” she said. “I just felt so supported at each step of the process.”

The support that I got from ACC and CU Boulder made it so seamless, I just felt so supported at each step of the process.
Nicole Nageli

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Community College Workforce Partnerships Receive $23 Million in State Grants /press-releases/community-college-workforce-partnerships-receive-23-million-in-state-grants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-college-workforce-partnerships-receive-23-million-in-state-grants Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:00:52 +0000 /?p=47410 Ҵý and Eight Member Colleges Will Provide Education and Training Support April 18, 2024 (Denver, CO) – The Ҵý (Ҵý) will partner on...

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Ҵý and Eight Member Colleges Will Provide Education and Training Support

April 18, 2024 (Denver, CO) – The Ҵý (Ҵý) will partner on critical workforce development projects that received more than $23 million through the state’s competitive program.

Created two years ago by , Opportunity Now seeks innovative solutions to meet Colorado’s workforce needs through industry and education collaboration. The Ҵý System Office and eight member colleges will provide training and education support for 14 of 43 projects selected for the second round of funding.

“As the partner of choice for Colorado, Ҵý is thrilled to be part of so many transformative workforce development initiatives,” said Michael Macklin, Ҵý’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Partnerships & Development. “From designing curriculum to delivering instruction, our colleges will foster diverse, skilled talent for key industries across our state.”

Many projects will create streamlined pathways to in-demand jobs. The Ҵý System Office will work with the Associated General Contractors of Colorado and Colorado Succeeds to link construction apprenticeship programs to associate and bachelor’s degree programs. To support Colorado’s growing aerospace industry, Red Rocks Community College will partner with CoorsTek, Inc. and the to create four micro-pathways that scaffold into an associate of applied science degree.

“As a longtime strategic partner, we are excited about the Colorado Aerospace Career Pathways & Talent Pipelines coalition that will focus on historically excluded populations in aerospace and manufacturing, enhance workforce equity, and contribute to Colorado’s educational goals,” said Bill Hughes, President and CEO of Education Design Lab. “The Lab will work closely with our education, workforce, and industry partners to resolve the workforce shortages and skills gaps faced by Colorado’s aerospace industry.”

Several Ҵý colleges will help bolster Colorado’s rural workforce. Building on a successful model in Fremont, Trinidad State College (TSC) is collaborating with Emergent Campus to bring an incubator and training hub to Trinidad. The project will provide students with hands-on learning experiences and leverage existing partnerships with Pueblo Community College (PCC) to extend educational and economic impact throughout the region.

“This is more than just a funding boost; it’s a catalyst for change in our community,” said TSC president Dr. Rhonda Epper. “The Emergent Campus project will open doors for our youth and bring new life to our local economy.”

Ҵý and its member colleges are partnering on the following projects:

Grantee Amount Ҵý/College Partner(s) and Roles
$4,580,000 Red Rocks Community College will partner on aerospace programming.
$2,873,884 Ҵý will support designing a stackable construction pathway from a high school pre-apprenticeship through a Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
$1,358,278 Ҵý will advise on quantum and clean technology workforce training.
$3,509,477 Trinidad State College will partner on innovation hub; Pueblo Community College will partner on cybersecurity training.
$1,538,593 Red Rocks Community College will partner on non-credit training in installation, maintenance, and repair for EV charging stations.
$1,365,812 The funds will support launching a Practical Nursing to Bachelor’s of Nursing bridge program.
$1,289,584 Pueblo Community College will partner on mental and behavioral health training programs and a medical assisting apprenticeship program in Durango.
Ҵý $1,219,365 Red Rocks Community College will serve as a strategic partner in developing workforce training programs in quantum technology and aerospace.
$1,056,792 Pikes Peak State College will support courses and training for Microchip, Entegris, and InnovaFlex.
$809,716 Front Range Community College will support high school interns in applying and enrolling in higher education courses.
$622,624 Pikes Peak State College will support recruitment, retention, and credentialing of early childhood educators.
$49,812 Lamar Community College will encourage undergraduate students to continue nursing education and return to serve rural communities.
$49,777 Pueblo Community College will partner on health information curriculum modules and establish industry partnerships.
$2,912,774 Colorado Northwestern Community College will support the expansion of career and technical education in natural resources, construction, and healthcare fields.

 

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About Ҵý

The Ҵý (Ҵý) is the state’s largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. The System’s open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the Ҵý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college .

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Former RRCC President Michele Haney Receives Lifetime Achievement Award /cccs-news/former-rrcc-president-michele-haney-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-rrcc-president-michele-haney-receives-lifetime-achievement-award Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:42:48 +0000 /?p=47405 Dr. Michele Haney, the former president of Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), received the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society...

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Dr. Michele Haney, the former president of (RRCC), received the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award from the (PTK) earlier this month.

Nominated by the students on their respective campuses, the award recognizes retiring college presidents who have demonstrated unwavering support for student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. She joins eight other honorees who have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving community college students and cultivating student leaders on their campuses.

“These college leaders have made student success a priority throughout their career,” says Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “This award is special because it comes directly from the students, and it is evidence of the gratitude they feel for the support for them and students like them, both inside and outside the classroom.”

Dr. Haney recently completed a 16-year tenure as RRCC president. Under her leadership, RRCC became the first community college in the country to offer a master’s degree, launching a Physician Assistant Studies program that celebrated its first graduate in 2019. She also spearheaded a successful philanthropic campaign to build the college’s Arvada campus.

In recent years, Dr. Haney positioned RRCC as a premier regional partner. In 2021, she helped launch the , which guarantees RRCC students admission to any four-year degree program at the prestigious Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Haney also worked with Northrop Grumman to launch the first government-recognized cybersecurity apprenticeship in Colorado in 2019.

Dr. Haney has dedicated her career to serving Ҵý. Prior to joining RRCC, she was the president of Morgan Community College from 2003 to 2008 and served as vice president for instruction and student services and chief academic officer at Front Range Community College from 1992 to 2003.

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Ҵý Chancellor’s Summit on Adult Education Returning for a Third Year /office-of-the-system-president/cccs-chancellors-summit-on-adult-education-returning-for-a-third-year/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cccs-chancellors-summit-on-adult-education-returning-for-a-third-year Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:11:28 +0000 /?p=47388 The Chancellor’s Summit on Adult Education, a statewide convening hosted by the Ҵý (Ҵý), is returning to the Auraria Campus in Denver on...

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, a statewide convening hosted by the Ҵý (Ҵý), is returning to the Auraria Campus in Denver on Thursday, May 30. Funded by the , the summit is free to attend and open to any higher education or workforce development professional who serves learners ages 25 and up. !

Last year, attendees heard from keynote speakers on fostering belonging among adult learners and designing pathways for “skill builders,” among many other topics. We sat down with Dr. Ayelet Zur-Nayberg, Ҵý Director of Adult Student Success, to learn what participants can expect from this year’s summit.

What is the goal of the Chancellor’s Summit, and what will attendees take away from it?

The summit provides a forum for educators, administrators, and stakeholders to highlight successful strategies, innovative ideas, and lessons learned when working with adult student populations. That includes insights from all 13 Ҵý colleges gained through their Lumina Foundation grants. Other goals include following:

  • Understanding Adult Learners: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and needs of adult students, who often balance work, family, and other commitments alongside education. The summit will address issues like accessibility, flexible learning models, and support services tailored for these learners.
  • Addressing Equity: One of the main focuses of the summit is closing equity gaps within higher education, particularly for adult learners of color. We will explore strategies for removing barriers and ensuring these students have the support needed to succeed.
  • Networking and Collaboration: The summit fosters connections between colleges, community organizations, and policymakers. This collaboration can lead to new partnerships, shared resources, and a more systemic approach to supporting adult learners.
  • Advancing Policy and Advocacy: We hope that the summit will spark discussions on policy changes needed to better serve adult learners. By raising awareness of their needs, we can advance efforts that improve funding, support systems, and legislation.

I hope that attendees leave with actionable steps to refine their adult learner strategies and feel more equipped to empower these students.

How does the Summit address the needs of adult learners from rural communities?

Participants choose from presentations that are most relevant to their specific college environment. Additionally, sponsors will demonstrate how tools and strategies can be adapted to benefit adult learners in both rural and urban settings.

Why is it important to focus on adult learners?

Adult learners represent a critical part of Colorado’s workforce. With adult enrollment declining, and less than 42% of adult learners of color earning credentials, we must act. This Summit is about empowering community colleges and other higher education institutions to upskill this population, meet workforce needs, and carry out the mission of equitable educational access.

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Ҵý Recognizes Outstanding Community College Students at Annual Awards Event /press-releases/cccs-recognizes-outstanding-community-college-students-at-annual-awards-event/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cccs-recognizes-outstanding-community-college-students-at-annual-awards-event Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:51:18 +0000 /?p=47378 April 10, 2024 (Denver, CO) – Today the Ҵý (Ҵý) and Aims Community College honored more than 80 community college students during the...

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April 10, 2024 (Denver, CO) Today the Ҵý (Ҵý) and Aims Community College honored more than 80 community college students during the 2024 Student Excellence Awards, an annual event hosted by Ҵý in partnership with the Credit Union of Colorado and the State Student Advisory Council (SSAC).

The event recognizes students for their outstanding service and scholarship within three categories:

  • The Inclusive Excellence Champion award, sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on their campus;
  • The Rising Star award, sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have increased the level and quality of student engagement on campus; and
  • The Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team award recognizes the academic accomplishments of high-achieving student members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society from across the state of Colorado.

“Each of these scholars have demonstrated exceptional commitment to academic excellence and community leadership, and their contributions are truly commendable,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of Ҵý. “We are proud to recognize their efforts today and know they will continue to make impact wherever they go next.”

 

The 2024 honorees are as follows:

Aims Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions N/A
Rising Star Awardees N/A
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Nicholas Guerrieri
Tanner Olson
Jessie Rizo
Jasmen Cardona Amaya
Ixel Macias
Arapahoe Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Elise Edwards
Rising Star Awardees Alexa Fitzpatrick
Isha Singh
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Alexander Brainerd
Ripley Cusinato
Isabelle Tolar
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Taiah Wilson
Rising Star Awardees Joash Miles
Emily Amick
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees N/A
Community College of Aurora
Inclusive Excellence Champions Daniela Portela-Sanchez
Rising Star Awardees Elmer Hernandez
Zani Pessima
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Van Hoa Duong
Mariem Dia
Daniella Park
Community College of Denver
Inclusive Excellence Champions Heather Hall
Rising Star Awardees Jorge Orozco
Decoyia Patton
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Madeleine Fulton
Ivan Ramos
Front Range Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Deanna Olson
Rising Star Awardees Will McFarland
Christina Faith
Vivi Nguyen
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Michaela Perez
Abel Rivera
Stormy Botkin
Judith Goldberg
Amanda Hathaway Meyer
Kimera Russell-McCarty
Isabel Delgado
Min Ning
April Purello
Lamar Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Christiana Montanez
Rising Star Awardees Jami Jo Quick
Destiny Morales-Forney
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Kyle Beffa
Alexi Hoy
Jami Jo Quick
Morgan Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Kate Acevedo Landeros
Rising Star Awardees Kelsi Smits
Aaron Sierra
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Raul Hernandez Robles
Anai Macias Castellanos
Northeastern Junior College
Inclusive Excellence Champions N/A
Rising Star Awardees Kellum Carnahan
Erin Williams
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Faythe Eichler
Jada Thurber
Otero College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Brooke Harris
Rising Star Awardees Rhoman Eyere
Kristen Sharp
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Adam Adler
Pikes Peak State College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Hitcel Hernandez
Rising Star Awardees Shannon Schumm
Megan “Sheer” Birchfield
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Douglas Freeman
Heather Hamilton
Hitcel Hernandez
Leslie Valeska
Nakayla Fry
Cosette Racine
Pueblo Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Eduardo Fontes
Val Harris
Meghan Maynes
Emilio Ortega
Natassia Rivera
Sebastian Rivera
Zach Smaller
Rising Star Awardees Derrick Downs
Dantzelle Yazzie
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Sebastian Rivera
Richelle Stephens
Lillian Byrne
Red Rocks Community College
Inclusive Excellence Champions Xavier Bolden
Rising Star Awardees Gisele Yellow Eagle
Diego Saenz
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Nicholas Betz
Misty Johnson
Trinidad State College
Inclusive Excellence Champions N/A
Rising Star Awardees Zoey Stewart
Dulce Trujillo
Phi Theta Kappa Awardees Marissa Valenzuela

 

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About Ҵý

The Ҵý (Ҵý) is the state’s largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. The System’s open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the Ҵý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college www.cccs.edu.

About the Credit Union of Colorado

The Credit Union of Colorado has more than 90 years of experience serving members of the Colorado community. The Credit Union of Colorado supports local businesses, creates Colorado jobs, and is an important source of financial stability in the state economy. Today, more than 170,000 people, from all walks of life, enjoy the benefits of membership in the credit union that is worth over $2.5 billion in assets.

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Ҵý Recognizes 54 Outstanding Employees /press-releases/cccs-recognizes-54-outstanding-employees/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cccs-recognizes-54-outstanding-employees Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:00:03 +0000 /?p=47372 April 9, 2024 (Denver, CO) – The Ҵý (Ҵý) held its sixth annual Commitment to Excellence Awards ceremony today, celebrating over 50 employees...

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April 9, 2024 (Denver, CO) – The Ҵý (Ҵý) held its sixth annual Commitment to Excellence Awards ceremony today, celebrating over 50 employees from 13 community colleges and the Ҵý System Office.

“As open access institutions, our community colleges provide transformative education and training for Coloradans who need it most,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of Ҵý. “That mission is powered by the incredible faculty, instructors, and staff who demonstrate true dedication and teamwork in everything they do. I am proud to recognize our Employees of the Year and acknowledge the tireless efforts of our entire Ҵý workforce.”

Hosted at History Colorado Center, the event was made possible through sponsorship from the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (), which has partnered with the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges for the eighth year in a row.

“I am always impressed with the stories of our members making a difference on their campuses and in their communities,” said Patrick von Keyserling, Colorado PERA senior director of communications. “We are honored to continue our support for this event and enjoy celebrating these deserving employees who exemplify excellence, service, and leadership.”

Representing Ҵý’s 13 colleges, this year’s cohort went above and beyond to support their colleges and students. Red Rocks Community College nominated Adam Forland, a mathematics faculty member, for his work to launch the college’s data science program and his thoughtful teaching approach.

“At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to our students. Every action we take is designed to enhance their educational journey, providing them with thoughtful guidance and crafting opportunities that enrich their lives,” he said. “Engaging closely with students is a profoundly humbling experience, and it is an incredible honor to be a part of their journey. This award serves as a poignant reminder of the significance and impact of our daily efforts.”

Many of the honorees were recognized for their work advocating for historically marginalized populations, including first-generation and disabled students. Aaron Lucero, an engagement coach with TRIO Student Support Service at Pueblo Community College, volunteers with several college, community, and statewide committees and organizations and helped found the college’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

“I struggled a lot with navigating college as a first-generation, low-income student. When I started working at PCC, I wanted to provide the support and guidance that I didn’t have,” Lucero said. “It is my goal to help students from their first day at PCC up until I read their name at graduation.”

Click below to view digital program with honoree snapshots.

 

2024 Ҵý Commitment Excellence Award Honorees:

Arapahoe Community College
Administrator Lisa Christiansen Director of TRIO Student Support Services
Classified Crystal Kelly Administrative Assistant III – Career Services
Faculty Jaden Netwig Anthropology Faculty
Instructor Barb Stoner Nursing Instructor
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Administrator Mary Nero Associate General Counsel
Classified Mireya Flores Lopez Custodian
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Administrator Keith Peterson Vice President of Instruction
Classified Michelle Esser Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator
Faculty Tiffany Douglas Program Director of Dental Hygiene
Instructor Randy Marcy National Park Ranger Academy Instructor
Community College of Aurora
Administrator Tracy Mendoza Director of Academic and Internal Operations
Classified Mathew Stiles Pipe Mechanical Trades Professional
Faculty Kathleen Geise Computer Technology, Engineering & Physics Faculty
Instructor Michelle Rosenthall Math Instructor
Community College of Denver
Administrator Chase Watts Help Desk Technician
Classified Sofia Hernandez Administrative Assistant
Faculty Kurt Pond Philosophy Faculty
Instructor Gilberto Palomino Math Instructor
Front Range Community College
Administrator Jared Wyn Supervisor of Campus Security & Preparedness
Classified Taylor Couillard-Rodak Administrative Assistant
Faculty Leah Morley Early Childhood Education Faculty
Instructor Amber Herrero Literature Instructor
Lamar Community College
Administrator Laurie Ybarra Student Services Admission Coordinator
Classified Jordan Martinez Custodian
Faculty Becky Young Math and Science Faculty
Instructor Ian Blacker Communications Instructor
Morgan Community College
Administrator Maria Cardenas Director of Admissions & Advising
Classified Annette Lebsock Accounting Technician
Faculty Connie Mitchell Math Lead Faculty and Division Chair of General Education
Instructor Travis Freeman Emergency Medical Services Instructor
Northeastern Junior College
Administrator Tami Patten Technical Systems Analyst
Classified Steve Shalla Electrical Trades Professional
Faculty Brian Lewton Economics Faculty
Instructor Mike Wasson Adjunct Business Faculty
Otero College
Administrator Vince Fraker Law Enforcement Academy Director and Department Chair for Career and Technical Education
Classified Ernest Martinez Custodian
Faculty Anna Matejcek Art Faculty
Instructor Fred Boettcher History and Political Science Instructor
Pikes Peak State College
Administrator Jack Grimm Program Advisor in Advising & Testing
Classified Parker Burgess Pipes Mechanical Trades Professional
Faculty Bille Jo Giles Co-Chair of the English Department
Instructor Carolyn Owen Health and Wellness Instructor
Pueblo Community College
Administrator Aaron Lucero Engagement Coach with TRIO
Classified Lorna Jackson Administrative Assistant II
Faculty James Cordova Chair of the Automotive Technology Department
Instructor Maurie Lucero Health Information Technology Instructor
Red Rocks Community College
Administrator Elizabeth Ponce Gonzalez Program Manger
Classified Christine Najera Custodian
Faculty Adam Forland Math Faculty
Instructor Julie Papke Lab Skills Instructor
Trinidad State College
Administrator Christina Sisneros Director of Financial Aid
Classified Dan Jolly Structural Trades II Professional
Faculty Santina Frank Associate Professor in Nursing
Instructor Karl Shafer Line Instructor

 

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About the Ҵý

The Ҵý (Ҵý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy and support to the colleges under the direction of the Ҵý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college.

About Colorado PERA

provides retirement and other benefits to nearly 670,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snowplow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado’s economy, distributing more than $5.2 billion in 2022 to more than 135,000 retirees who live in Colorado.

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Notice of Regular and Special Meeting – April 10, 2024 /state-board/notice-of-regular-and-special-meeting-april-10-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=notice-of-regular-and-special-meeting-april-10-2024 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 22:32:42 +0000 /?p=47381 The next regular meeting of the Ҵý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The meeting will be...

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The next regular meeting of the Ҵý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

The meeting will be held in person at Community College of Denver (CCD), Confluence Building, 800 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204.

To join virtually, use this .

The Board will convene in the Work Session at 8:45am which will be followed by the Regular meeting. Upon adjournment of the Regular meeting, members of the Board will attend an awards luncheon at another site.

The Board will return to CCD at approximately 2 p.m. At that time, three members of the SBCCOE Nominating Committee will meet to develop the FY-25 slate of officers.

At 2:30 p.m., members of the Board will join a special session on the development of the new Ҵý Strategic Plan.

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To sign up for Public Comments or for additional information, please contact Mary Reeves at 720-858-2424 or email: mary.reeves@cccs.edu.

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Dr. Chato Hazelbaker Named President of Pueblo Community College /press-releases/dr-chato-hazelbaker-named-president-of-pueblo-community-college/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dr-chato-hazelbaker-named-president-of-pueblo-community-college Tue, 02 Apr 2024 16:00:26 +0000 /?p=47366 Collaborative higher education leader to begin tenure in July April 2, 2024 (Denver) — Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Ҵý (Ҵý), has announced...

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Collaborative higher education leader to begin tenure in July

April 2, 2024 (Denver) — Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Ҵý (Ҵý), has announced Dr. Chato Hazelbaker as the next president of Pueblo Community College (PCC). A federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, PCC enrolls over 9,000 students annually across its three campuses.

Dr. Hazelbaker currently serves as the president of Northland Pioneer College (NPC) in northeastern Arizona and will begin his tenure on July 1, 2024. He will succeed president Dr. Patricia Erjavec, who will stay on to support the transition ahead of her planned retirement.Headshot of Dr. Chato Hazelbaker

With more than 20 years in higher education, Dr. Hazelbaker brings holistic leadership experience serving at both two-year and four-year colleges. He has successfully increased enrollment and retention of students, developed in-demand workforce training programs, and forged strong partnerships with surrounding communities.

Dr. Hazelbaker emerged as the top candidate following an extensive nationwide search process led by a nine-member advisory committee. PCC also hosted campus visits and open forums that sought input from college and community stakeholders.

“From strategic planning to community relations, Dr. Hazelbaker brings a wide-ranging skillset that will have an immediate impact on PCC,” said Chancellor Garcia. “His commitment to academic excellence, coupled with his experience leading multiple campuses, make him the right choice for the college. I have no doubt that Dr. Hazelbaker will carry on PCC’s impressive growth and legacy of innovation and inclusion.”

Upon accepting the position, Dr. Hazelbaker thanked Chancellor Garcia for the opportunity and expressed his excitement to lead PCC.

“I’m looking forward to building on the strong partnerships Pueblo Community College has developed and promoting economic development in Southern Colorado,” he said. “I also hope to continue the college’s focus on student success. When our students achieve their goals, the entire community benefits.”

 

I’m looking forward to building on the strong partnerships Pueblo Community College has developed and promoting economic development in Southern Colorado. – Dr. Hazelbaker

 

Dr. Hazelbaker comes to PCC with a strong focus on equity and economic mobility. As president of NPC, a federally designated Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, he established the college’s first formal group dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion that effectively strengthened partnerships with the surrounding tribal nations. He also secured a federal grant that directly supported Native and Indigenous learners and worked closely with local communities affected by coal plant closures to expand programming.

A collaborative, entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Hazelbaker spearheaded a college-wide strategic planning process and revamped NPC’s enrollment strategy, reversing a ten-year decline and boosting student retention by 7 percent. To meet industry needs, Dr. Hazelbaker also partnered with experts to launch in-demand programs in behavioral health, allied health, and energy and industrial technology and led accreditation of new bachelor’s degree programs.

Dr. Hazelbaker previously served as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing for Carroll College, a private four-year college located in Helena, Montana. There, he oversaw a 28 percent growth rate in first-time, first-year student enrollment and partnered with the local community college to improve higher education access across the region.

Dr. Hazelbaker graduated from the Aspen Institute’s prestigious and has served on many boards and commissions, including , Northeast Arizona’s Economic Development Engine, and the Governor’s Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council. He is excited to relocate to Pueblo with his wife and connect with the wider community.

“Pueblo Community College has a strong reputation, and I really enjoyed my time getting to know the community and the college,” Dr. Hazelbaker said. “The faculty, staff, and students that I met are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. I’m honored to be invited to be a part of that.”

 

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About PCC

Founded in 1933, is a premier teaching institution focused on providing academic and service excellence, without discrimination, to help its students acquire the 21st-century skills needed to better their lives. An educational and technological leader, PCC fosters economic development and utilizes strong partnerships in the communities it serves through its Pueblo, Fremont, and Southwest campuses.

About Ҵý

The Ҵý (Ҵý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the Ҵý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu.

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