CCBA Celebrates Historic Expansion During 2022 Conference

The nation’s top community college baccalaureate experts and higher education scholars gathered in February in Tucson, AZ to explore “Promising Practices for Access & Equity” during CCBA 2022.

“Over the past year, community college baccalaureates have gained more momentum than ever and are now recognized nationally as an effective social justice strategy. Not just as a higher education strategy, not just a baccalaureate attainment strategy, but as a strategy that is helping to heal this country,” says CCBA President Dr. Angela Kersenbrock. “We have seen historic community college baccalaureate expansion in Ohio, Washington State, Texas, California and new legislation in Arizona.”

With 25 states and more than 144 community colleges now offering bachelor’s degrees, the CCBA continues to strive to ensure that all students who desire to pursue a baccalaureate degree can do so in a way that is convenient, accessible and affordable.

In the spirit of that mission, this year the CCBA awarded two Pioneer Awards to individuals who have bravely and tenaciously served as leaders in improving access for community college graduates into baccalaureate education to Assemblymember Jose Medina of California (pictured above with Dr. Constance Carol and Dr. Judy Miner) and former Arizona State Representative Becky Nutt.

Five $500 scholarships that recognize adult students in their quest to obtain relevant, rigorous and workforce-focused community college baccalaureate degrees, were also awarded. The 2022 awards were sponsored by the CCBA Board of Directors, Emsi Burning Glass, Interact Communications and MiraCosta College. Honorees include:

• Anthony Hong, Rio Hondo College, CA
• Esther Nair, MiraCosta College, CA
• Tessa Patti, MiraCosta College, CA
• Erin Shanahan, Walla Walla Community College, WA
• Jennifer Weiss, Renton Technical College, WA

• Dr. Todd Allen Farmer, President Weatherford College
• Dr. Joyce Hammer , Vice President Instruction Centralia College
• Madeline Pumariega, President Miami Dade College
• Dr. Cynthia Spiers, President Rhodes State College

Additionally, Dr. Roberta C. Teahen, associate provost emeritus and faculty at Ferris State University will now serve as board chair while outgoing chair, Mike Hansen, former president of the Michigan Community College Association will remain on the board as a member.