California Community Colleges Podcast

This episode of the Chancellor's Office California Community College Experience podcast series, host Interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, Ph.D. talks with Dr. Nellie Tran, a published Vietnamese American San Diego State University Professor, research scientist and higher education advocate who is passionate about empowering underserved student populations, especially students of color, to pursue higher education. The discussion centers on Dr Tran's educational journey, the importance of addressing student's mental health and the importance of cultural competency at community college campuses. Dr. Tran is an alumna of both San Diego Mesa College and San Diego Miramar College. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC23059_Transcript.pdf

In this episode of the Chancellor's Office podcast series, host Interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, Ph.D. talks with guests Dr. Janue Johnson, Associate Professor at San Diego Mesa College and Dr. Nesha Savage, Professor and Counselor at San Diego City College. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Savage are making history as co-founders of the Nandi Organization, a non-profit organization on a mission to serve, support, and empower women professionals and students of African ancestry in the community college system. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC23058_Transcript.pdf

In this episode of the California Community College Experience podcast series, host Interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, Ph.D. talks with guest Blas Villalobos, DSW, Chief Executive Officer of Centerstone's Military Services and Member of the California Community Colleges Board of Directors. After his military service in the United States Marine Corp, Dr. Villalobos attended Long Beach City College. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22057-transcript-a11y.pdf

Interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, PhD is joined by guest David Terry, Professor and Faculty Chairperson for Correctional Science and the Correctional Science Advisory Board at San Joaquin Delta College, on this episode of the California Community College Experience series. Professor Terry attended a California community college along his journey to a successful career and he has also taught at four California community colleges. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22056-transcript-a11y.pdf

In the first podcast episode of the new California Community College Experience series, Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, PhD is joined by guest Rafael Agustin, who was a writer on the award-winning The CW show, Jane The Virgin, and is the author of the newly released comedic memoir, Illegally Yours. Agustin attended three California community colleges: Mt. San Antonio College, Citrus College and Fullerton College before transferring to UCLA. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22055-transcript2-a11y.pdf

In the first podcast episode of the new California Community College Experience series, Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, PhD is joined by guest Rafael Agustin, who was a writer on the award-winning The CW show, Jane The Virgin, and is the author of the newly released comedic memoir, Illegally Yours. Agustin attended three California community colleges: Mt. San Antonio College, Citrus College and Fullerton College before transferring to UCLA. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22055-transcript-a11y.pdf

In his last podcast episode as host, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by guest Ben Chida, Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the Office of the Governor of California for a discussion on recent policy and budget news that will benefit community college students, what else is needed in legislation and funding to support California Community Colleges, and what lies ahead in California higher education. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC22054_transcript.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by guest Aaron Rasmussen, CEO of Outlier.org and co-founder of Masterclass, for a discussion on changes in higher education, increasing access to online courses, improving student outcomes and reducing student debt. Rasmussen attended Diablo Valley College. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22052-transcript-a11y.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley discussed work to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) and improve campus climate, disaggregating data to ensure AAPI students are receiving the proper resources, challenges faces and more with guests California Community Colleges Board of Governors member Hildegarde Aguinaldo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at West Valley-Mission Community College District Dr. Eric Ramones, and Vice President of Regional Affairs, Student Senate for California Community Colleges and Los Rios Community College District Student Trustee Jenn Galinato. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC22053_transcript.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by guest James Kvaal, Under Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education, for a discussion on the American Rescue Plan law authorized Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that has benefited students, the potential impact of pending legislation such as the Build Back Better Act and free community college, and the challenges that the U.S. Department of education is currently facing. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22051-transcript-a11y.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by guests President/CEO of Compton College Dr. Keith Curry, and President/CEO of Cosumnes River College Dr. Edward Bush, for a discussion on the importance of creating a new landscape for Black students to succeed. The discussion highlights the need for Black Student Success Week, which is April 25-29, 2022, as an opportunity for administrators, faculty, staff, and students from across the California Community College system to examine the resources and programs that support Black student success. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22050transcript-a11y.pdf?

Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales is joined by guests Pasadena City College Trustee Linda Wah, Grossmont College President Denise Whisenhunt, and San Diego Mesa College President Pamela Luster for a discussion during Women's History Month on their inspirations for driving change, core values and advice for future women leaders in higher education. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22049-transcript-a11y.pdf?

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and Arizona State University (ASU) President, Michael M. Crow, about ensuring that students have access to technologies that support learning, preparing students for economic mobility, innovations in education such as virtual reality, inclusion and measuring student success, the need for national educational attainment goals, the ASU+GSV (Global Silicon Valley) Summit and more. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22048_transcript-a11y.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and California Forward President and CEO, Micah Weinberg, discuss a new report, “The Economic Value of the California Community College System,” and what it means for the state's economy and for business and job creation, the importance of housing and progress on achieving equitable recovery. Transcript: https://bit.ly/3JoPg8F

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley talks with Cuyamaca Community College faculty member Stanley Rodriguez, EdD, and San José City College student Marissa Hemstreet about the California Community Colleges concerted effort to reach out to the State's tribal and Urban Indian populations, bringing much needed awareness to the benefits of attending and on available financial assistance to help cover the cost associated with education. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc22046-a11y.pdf

Acting Chancellor Daisy Gonzales, PhD, is joined by Kenneth Brown, President of the El Camino College Board of Trustees and President of the Community College League of California's Trustee Board and Byron Clift Breland PhD, Chancellor of San Jose-Evergreen CCD and President of the League's CEO Board for a discussion about how the Chancellor's Office and the League together play a key role in preparing students for the future, fueling California's economic recovery and advancing the Vision for Success. Read the Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/ccc21045transcript-a11y.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and Calbright College's President and CEO, Ajita Talwalker Menon discuss the online college's latest developments and plans to support adult learners and California's economic recovery after the pandemic. Read the Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC21044.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by Michael V. Drake, M.D., President of University of California, for a discussion about preparing students for the future and fueling California’s economic recovery. The discussion ranges from standardized tests to transfer pathways to the impact of the pandemic on different communities within the systems, and more. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC21043.pdf?la=en&hash=22CFFCE3FA3146EF696070F593AEC19CF7D0CD02

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by Mike Madrid, principal at GrassrootsLab and a nationally recognized expert on Latino voting trends, for a hearty discussion about community colleges, protecting democracy, culture, politics and even baseball. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC21042.pdf

In this episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley welcomes back Lande Ajose, Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education for the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, for a discussion about a groundbreaking report, “Recovery with Equity: A Roadmap for Higher Education After the Pandemic.” The report was published by the Governor's Council for Postsecondary Education and the discussion centers around how it validates and builds upon the goals and objectives that are set forth in the Vision for Success. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC21041.pdf?

In this episode of the California Community Colleges, Chancellor Oakley had the pleasure of speaking with the new California State University’s Chancellor, Dr. Joseph I. Castro. Dr. Castro is the eighth chancellor of the California State University system and the first person of color to serve in this role. They discussed the importance of the transfer pathways from community college to the CSU, and supporting the diversity within these two systems. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC21040.pdf

Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley rings in New Year 2021 with a special solo podcast on the topics of democracy and education. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC21039-final.pdf

As California and its leaders are persevering after the crushing impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state and the entire nation. The state’s higher education system will be at the forefront working to create new technologies, grow our economy, and preparing workforces for the future. The challenges that California has been facing are shared by other states and working with federal leadership on bipartisan solutions is critical. On this episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by Margaret Spellings, the president and CEO of Texas 2036 and the former U.S. Secretary of Education, to discuss bridging the gap between educational attainment and workforce demands. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20038.pdf

One of California Community Colleges largest missions is to ensuring that students from all backgrounds succeed and have the opportunity to reach their educational goals. The Vision for Success drives this goal by striving to increase the number of students who transfer, who earn quality credentials, and acquire sustainable jobs. On this episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by John B. King, the president and CEO of Education Trust, a nonprofit organization that identifies and closes education gaps between pre-school and college. Chancellor Oakley and Mr. King discuss the concerns currently surrounding equity and access in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20037

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our nation and the state of California in many ways. One of the biggest influences is on our economy causing many people to lose their jobs and their livelihood. Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by the Secretary of the California and Workforce Development Agency, Julie A. Su. Secretary Su has dedicated her life and career to fighting for civil rights and seeking justice for under privileged communities. In this episode, Chancellor Oakley and Secretary Su discuss the influence the pandemic has had on California’s workforce and economy and how California Community Colleges can contribute to the recovery. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20036

The California Student Aid Commission is one of the largest and most generous financial aid operations in the country. On this episode of the California Community Colleges podcast, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by California Student Aid Commission’s Executive Director, Marlene Garcia, to discuss the results from the spring 2020 COVID-19 Student Survey. This survey is the first of its kind that provides data and insight from 76,000 college students regarding the challenges they are facing during the pandemic. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/F72CC287C19A4EE9BCBC35E5B717D0C1.ashx

The COVID-19 pandemic has made significant waves in higher education in past few months with its biggest victims being students. In this podcast episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by California Community College student Gurshaan Arora from Foothill College to discuss his experience and challenges students are facing due to COVID-19. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20034.pdf

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge impact on higher education. In this podcast episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by Monica Lozano, CEO of the College Futures Foundation to discuss the challenges the California is facing due to COVID-19 and the efforts her organization is making to confront the equity gap that has existed in the system for far too long. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20033.pdf

Every ten years, the Census takes place in California and some don’t realize just how important this is to the state as a whole. In this podcast episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by journalist, Marivel Servin, and census director for the state of California, Ditas Katague, to discuss the impact the census has on the state and what the participation of students, staff, and faculty can do for their communities and their schools. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20032.pdf

In this podcast episode, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by Student Senate for the California Community Colleges leaders Danny Thirakul and Ya'Mese Alijè Johnson for a discussion on what it means to them to represent over 2.1 million students and the potential impact that the March in March on March 19 on the Senate Building will have on the student voice. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20031.ashx

In this episode of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Podcast, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by Santa Monica College student, Joshua Elizondo. Joshua has played a pivotal role as a member on the Guided Pathways Advisory Committee. Eloy and Joshua discuss the progress that AB705 and Guided Pathways have made on community college campuses and Joshua’s first-hand experience with the influence these changes are having on students. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC20030_transcript.ashx

California Community Colleges prides itself on the diversity of its student population on college campuses across the state. African-American students make up about 6% of this population, in some communities even more. In this episode of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Podcast, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is joined by guests Gregg Irish, executive director of the Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board, and Dr. J Luke Wood, Associate Vice-President for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion and Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University, to discuss improving outcomes for Black and African American students on California campuses. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/CCC19029.ashx

In this final episode of a two-part series on the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Podcast, Deputy Chancellor Daisy Gonzales continues to discuss “Building a Data Culture for Student Success” with her guests Dr. Sonya Christian and Dr. John Hetts. They examine the meaning of data disaggregation its impact on equity, how we can make democratize data and make it accessible, and how the information gathered can enhance a student-centered culture. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/CCC19028_transcript.ash

In this episode of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Podcast, Deputy Chancellor, Dr. Daisy Gonzales, welcomes Bakersfield College President, Dr. Sonya Christian and Senior Director of Data Science at Educational Results Partnership, Dr. John Hetts. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/CCC19027_Transcripts

“Postcard California” is one thing, but in reality, our state is much more than palm trees and a bright-red bridge. When it comes to securing the socioeconomic future of California, it’s going to take much more than Hollywood magic… it’s going to require vision and versatility. In this episode of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Podcast, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley sits down with California’s Chief Economic & Business Advisor and Central Valley native Lenny Mendonca. They discuss California’s “Regions Rise Together” approach to economic development, and the crucial role that community colleges will play, not just in L.A. and the Bay, but throughout the state. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/CCC19026_1.ashx

Support for higher education starts at the top, and California’s new leadership has made access, affordability and workforce readiness a top priority. Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis joins Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley to discuss Sacramento’s “public and loud commitment” to bringing down the cost of higher education. They also examine the community college system’s role in closing critical skills gaps and accommodating “a dynamic and fluid workforce” in California, here on episode #25 of the California Community Colleges Podcast. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/Transcripts/cm-ccc-19025.ashx

California’s latest bright idea to boost access and outcomes in higher education is the aptly named “Calbright College.” Launching this fall, the 115th California community college is gearing up to serve 100,000 working adults online in 50 different career paths within five years. In this episode of the California Community Colleges Podcast, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley sits down with Heather Hiles, president and CEO of Calbright College, to talk about the groundbreaking effort to bridge critical workforce gaps with employer-driven, worker-friendly online programs. Transcript: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/Podcasts/CCC19024_transcript.ashx

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond connects with California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley for an exploration of how Thurmond’s personal experiences inform his commitment to student equity, literacy, and improving the ability of K-12 students to successfully navigate their education and transition into the California community college system. Transcript: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/CCC1923.pdf

The California Community Colleges, as part of the Vision for Success master plan, is working to increase the number of students who acquire an associates degree, credential, certificate or skill set that prepares them for an in-demand job. This week Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley welcomes new Vice Chancellor for Workforce and Economic Development, Sheneui Weber. Join their conversation as they discuss job training, expanding economic opportunities, entrepreneurship and the changing work environment. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/Podcast-Weber-Discussion%20Guide-Final-4-17-19.pdf

Modesto Junior College student Alexis Zaragoza and CSU San Bernardino student and former community college student Iiyshaa Youngblood join Eloy Ortiz Oakley to discuss the recent college admissions scandal rocking higher education and how non-traditional students have become the majority of today’s college-going population. Transcript: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/CCC19021.pdf

One of Governor Gavin Newsom’s key campaign promises was the development of a statewide educational data system that would connect early childhood, K-12 and higher education. Join Tessa Carmen De Roy, Ph.D., President of the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) and Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley for a discussion around the benefits of real-time data collection in supporting student outcomes and the challenges and opportunities facing the development of this critical new system. Transcript: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/CCC19020%20Episode%2020.pdf

The California Community Colleges Podcast kicks off the new year with a topical discussion on “starting early” – improving the education pipeline by investing thought and resources into early childhood education. In this episode, Samantha Tran, Senior Managing Director of Education Policy at Children Now, and Heather Hough, Executive Director of Policy Analysis for California Education, join Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley to provide their expertise on evolving topics like universal preschool, building the early childhood workforce, and the importance of early education in closing achievement gaps. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/CCCCOPodcastEpisode19_transcript.pdf

California Community Colleges Deputy Chancellor, Dr. Daisy Gonzales, welcomes Lena Carew, Executive Director and Co-founder of Students Making a Change (SMAC) and Yair Tapia, a SMAC student leader at City College of San Francisco, to talk about the work they are doing to raise awareness about a new law that changes the way students are assessed for placement at the beginning of their academic careers. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/cccco-podcast-transcript-18.pdf

Movie producers Adam and Jaye Fenderson join Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley to discuss their new documentary Unlikely, an investigation of the college dropout/ completion crisis and the systemic barriers facing students as they pursue higher education and livable-wage careers. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-17.pdf

Join Marshall Tuck, candidate for California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, and California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley as they explore Tuck’s career as an educator, his hopes for California’s public education system, and his thoughts about the role that K-12 education plays in improving student success at the community college level. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-16.pdf

In this episode, the California Community Colleges Podcast welcomes Lande Ajose, Executive Director of California Competes, for an exploration of the role that California’s community colleges can expect to play in preparing students to meet the 2 million-worker, “middle-skills” job shortage that California is projected to face by 2025. California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley moderates. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-15.pdf

California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and Kristen Soares, President of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, discuss the recent expansion of the Associate Degree for Transfer program, which now provides community college students a seamless pathway to private, non-profit 4-year colleges and universities across the state. Transcript: https://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-13.pdf

University of California President Janet Napolitano joins California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley for a frank discussion about the California governor’s race, the importance of quality public education, the question of access and food security, and the future of higher education in California and the nation. Transcript: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-13.pdf

In this episode, Vice Chancellor for Educational Services Laura Hope steps in as moderator to speak with Josh Wyner, Founder and Executive Director of the College Excellence Program and VP of the Aspen Institute, about Guided Pathways, educational reform, and the unique role that trustees play in helping colleges bridge the gap between the students and the communities they serve. Transcript: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-12.pdf

Former Chief of Operations for the California Department of Justice and current gubernatorial candidate Amanda Renteria speaks with California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley about issues critical to higher education in our state. Third episode in a series with candidates for governor. Transcript: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/Portals/0/AudioGallery/podcast-transcripts/podcast-transcript-11.pdf

Former Mayor of Los Angeles and gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa speaks with California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley about issues critical to higher education in our state. Second episode in a series with candidates for governor.  Transcript:  http://cccgp.cccco.edu/Portals/0/CCCCOPodcastEpisode10_transcript.pdf