I was once asked by someone unfamiliar with higher education administration the degree to which federal and state policies affect how College of the Redwoods operates. We often talk about how laws and policies related to fiscal compliance, accreditation and eligibility requirements, student financial aid, and student success metrics impact how we meet our mission. However, a little-known regulation, the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA) will affect all California higher education systems in ways that we could not have foreseen a decade ago.

At College of the Redwoods, we could not do what we do without the support and partnership of our local community. Like many meaningful things, both shared and personal, several of our community events were put on hold during the pandemic. Now, as we approach pre-COVID normalcy, I am happy to say that on Friday, October 18 from 5:30-8:30 College of the Redwoods is bringing back one of its most cherished traditions – Science Night! For nearly four decades this family-focused event has connected us to our community and has brought the wonder of science and the universe to young minds (and not so young minds too).

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the September 11, 2024 Special Board Meeting with you.

I have stated in past columns that I believe the November 2024 election will test our commitment to free speech, freedom of inquiry, and civil dialogue. Political commentators, candidates running for office, and celebrities have claimed that the fate of our nation and our representative form of government will hinge on the choices we make on this election day. Whether you believe this claim or not, the importance of educating voters, and encouraging them to exercise their rights, cannot be overstated in this time of shifting political landscapes.

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the September 11, 2024 Special Board Meeting with you.

Embarking on our 60th year of service, College of the Redwoods is launching a strategic review process intended to ensure that our Del Norte Campus continues to meet the local community's needs. You may ask why would we want to conduct a strategic review of the campus now? We are at a moment in time where we must stabilize our Del Norte Campus' financial health and enhance the educational experience we currently provide students by better aligning our curricular offerings with the projected economic needs of the county, while maintaining our commitment to access and excellence.

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the September 3, 2024 Board Meeting with you.

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the August 24, 2024 Board Workshop with you.

College of the Redwoods opens its 2024-25 academic year on Monday. This is an especially important semester opening because this fall marks our diamond anniversary.

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the August 6, 2024 Board meeting with you.

We do not often talk about the benefits of wildfires. Environmental scientists say that some plants and animals depend on periodic wildfires for ecological balance. Dr. Cintra Agee, College of the Redwoods' Native American Studies faculty member, teaches our students that fire played a significant role in the heritage and cultural traditions of the native tribes in our area.

Ever since I was a young, I have been enamored with horses and the stories of the old west.  I imagined being a cowboy riding across the open spaces with just me, my horse, and my dog. I cannot count how many western movies I watched as a kid looking for cowboys who looked like me. However, the movies left the contributions that African Americans played in the nation's western expansion out of the popular cowboy narrative.

Do you know someone who would excel in college but is holding back because they feel intimidated by the idea? It's disheartening to see such potential go untapped due to fear or uncertainty.

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the July 2, 2024 Board meeting with you.

I have a confession: I am a long-time Star Trek fan and have watched every episode and movie in the Star Trek Universe. In the closing minutes of the Star Trek: Discovery series finale, Captain Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, reflected on her crew's various, ostensibly impossible missions and said something along the lines of: “We are stronger because of the challenges we face together.”  This is precisely how I feel as the President of College of the Redwoods.

It is my pleasure to share a summary of the June 4, 2024 Board meeting with you.

The trustees' agenda included the swearing-in of Trustee Elect Leslie Benitez, the approval of the three resolutions calling for the election in Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity counties, and the approval of a resolution denouncing the Supreme Court's decision on community college admissions and affirming our commitment to racial diversity and equity. The Trustees also discussed the Board's self-evaluation, approved of our 2024-25 Tentative Budget, had a conversation with our bond consultants about the bond tracking survey results, and met with me in closed session to discuss  my evaluation.

I want to share CR's May 31, 2024 Times Standard Education Matters article with you. I want to thank Molly Blakemore for her advice and invaluable assistance on CR's columns. 

It is my pleasure to share CR's May 17, 2024 Times Standard Education Matters article with you.

I summarized the May 7, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting for folks who were not able to participate in person or via zoom.

Here's a copy of CR's May 3, 2024 Times Standard Education Matters article.

It is my pleasure to share CR's April 19, 2024 Times Standard Education Matters article with you.

It is my pleasure to share CR's April 5th Education Matters Times Standard article with you.

It is my pleasure to share a brief summary of the April 2, 2024 Board of Trustees meeting with you. I am honored and pleased to say that, at this Board meeting, our Trustees approved Resolution 806 that recognizes April as "Campus Pride Month".