Tag: Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD)

Community Colleges of Ventura proudly celebrates more than 5,000 graduates during 2026 commencement ceremonies

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) this week celebrated the achievements of more than 5,000 graduates during commencement ceremonies held across its three colleges: Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College on May 20, May 21 and May 22.

The Class of 2026 earned a collective 4,768 certificates and 8,237 degrees, reflecting thousands of hours of academic study, hands-on training, internships, clinical experience and workforce preparation. Graduates will continue serving communities throughout Ventura County as educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, skilled technical workers, business leaders and community advocates.

This year’s graduates represent the diversity, resilience and ambition of Ventura County. Many balanced academics with jobs, family responsibilities and community leadership while pursuing certificates and degrees designed to open doors to transfer opportunities and high-demand careers.

Moorpark College President Dr. Julius O. Sokenu Named Man of the Year by Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) congratulates Dr. Julius O. Sokenu, president of Moorpark College, on being named Man of the Year by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Sokenu will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual Recognition Gala — Journeys of Excellence — on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Westlake.

The award recognizes Dr. Sokenu’s nearly two decades of service to Moorpark College and his commitment to expanding student access, strengthening workforce readiness and advancing the region’s educational infrastructure. He has served as college president since 2021, leading a campus of over 400 faculty and staff that serves more than 14,000 students annually.

Ventura County Community College District honors LGBTQIA+ graduates as Lavender Graduation returns to its roots

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Three years ago, Oxnard College hosted the first Lavender Graduation in the history of the Community Colleges of Ventura County. On May 1, 2026, the celebration returned to the Performing Arts Building with its corridor of employee allies and a giant inflatable rainbow that welcomed attendees home.

Lavender Graduation has become a beloved districtwide tradition, rotating annually among Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges since its creation in the 2022-23 academic year. Designed to celebrate the achievements and identities of LGBTQIA+ students across the district, this year’s return to Oxnard College marked a full-circle moment for a program that has grown each year since its founding.

Ventura County Community College District joins National Entrepreneurship Pilot to expand access to business financing education

by Community Contributor • April 20, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) is hosting “Foundations of Financing for Entrepreneurs,” a free workshop today at the HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center in Camarillo.

The workshop is part of a national pilot program, CEED to Success, designed to expand entrepreneurship and business financing education to underserved founders. As part of this initiative, VCCCD is partnering with the program’s founder, Baker Hill, through its Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) and a partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).

VCCCD Announces Ventura College Presidential finalists

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

VENTURA — Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Chancellor RickMacLennan is pleased to announce that there are three (3) finalists moving forward in the search process for the next President of Ventura College.

Listed below are candidate biographies and campus forums information. College faculty, staff, administration, and community members are invited to attend.

Classified Employees of the Year celebrated cross the Ventura County Community College District

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2026 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) proudly recognizes Ariane Perez, Office Assistant at Oxnard College, as the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award celebrates the excellence, professionalism and dedication of classified professionals who make an exceptional impact across the Community Colleges of Ventura County.

“These individuals have earned the commendation of their peers and represent the best of VCCCD classified employees,” said Gabriela Torres, board chair of the VCCCD. “Ariane’s dedication to removing barriers for first-generation and underrepresented students is exactly the kind of commitment that makes our colleges exceptional.”

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Board Elects Leadership for New Year

by Community Contributor • December 22, 2025 • Comments Off

“I’m honored to continue serving as Board Chair and to uphold our district’s commitment to student equity, inclusion, and access,” said Torres. “Every student deserves to feel a sense of belonging and to have the opportunity to thrive, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees and our community to support that vision. Our strength as a district comes from listening to and learning from the diverse voices we serve.”

VCCCD swears in Robert Davidson as new Chief of Police

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) swore in Robert Davidson as its new chief of police September 22, bringing nearly 35 years of county law enforcement experience to guide and strengthen the District’s police department.

Davidson began his career with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1991 where he rose up through the ranks to Assistant Sheriff. Over more than three decades, he successfully led major investigations, directed Internal Affairs and training programs, and oversaw the Sheriff’s largest division with a $120 million budget.

Community Colleges of Ventura County ranked among Top 25 in State for Student ROI

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — All three Community Colleges of Ventura County—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—ranked among the Top 25 in California for return on investment, according to a new College Futures Foundation report on economic mobility. The Golden Returnsreport, which measures how quickly students recoup educational costs through post-enrollment earnings, placed Moorpark at #7, Oxnard at #9 and Ventura at #19 statewide.

The analysis was conducted in partnership between the College Futures Foundation and the HEA group, a research and consulting agency focused on college access, value and economic mobility. The comparison covered 327 public, private nonprofit and for-profit community and career colleges across 12 California economic regions.

VCCCD and TK-12 leaders unite to expand dual enrollment opportunities

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) co-hosted their fourth Community of Practice on March 7. Held at Oxnard College, the event brought together TK-12 and community college leaders to discuss dual enrollment opportunities. With 7,000 local high school students already benefiting from dual enrollment this year, discussions focused on expanding access and creating seamless transitions from high school to college and careers.

VCCCD Installs New Trustee and Elects Board Leadership

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) welcomed newly elected Trustee Joe Piechowski to the Board of Trustees during the Annual Organizational Meeting on December 17. Piechowski was installed with Trustee Stan Mantooth, who was re-elected in November.

At the meeting, Trustee Gabriela Torres, who has served on the board since 2018, was elected board chair. Trustee Lou Lichtl was elected vice chair, and Chancellor Rick MacLennan will serve as secretary.

Community Colleges of Ventura County and VCOE Collaborate to Expand Educational Opportunities

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2024 • Comments Off

Dual Enrollment programs bring college courses to high schools across the county CAMARILLO — Educators from the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) gathered for a pivotal Community of Practice event at…

VCCCD Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Students at Second Annual Lavender Graduation

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Building on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration, the Community Colleges of Ventura County proudly hosted the second annual Lavender Graduation on April 26, 2024, at Moorpark College. The districtwide ceremony was open to all students identifying as LGBTQIA+ who attend Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges and Ventura College East Campus. Family, friends, and other supporters were invited as well.

This year’s event was a sincere showcase of diversity and empowerment. The ceremony featured addresses from all three college presidents and inspiring speeches by three student speakers from each college, which underscored themes of resilience, inclusivity, and the importance of embracing one’s personal identity.

Ventura County Community Colleges Launch Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Programs

by Community Contributor • April 3, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges are proud to announce that all three institutions are launching applied baccalaureate degree programs on their campuses. As a part of the California Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program, these first of their kind degrees offer the Ventura County community increased access to affordable career education that will prepare them for well-paying jobs in the region.

Dual Enrollment Educators Forging Pathways for Ventura County Students

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) recently organized the second Dual Enrollment Community of Practice, emphasizing the importance of designing college pathways for high school students in Ventura County. Held on March 4, 2024, the workshop brought together educators and leaders from both school systems in a dynamic meeting of collaboration and inspiration.

The workshop, titled “Empowering Futures: Building Intentional Pathways for All Students,” highlighted the increasing opportunities available for the county’s high school students. These dual enrollment programs allow students to complete college-level courses while still in high school, providing them with a head start on their higher education journey. This event marked the continuation of efforts initiated during the first meeting in November 2023, where educators from both systems collaborated to envision dual enrollment opportunities across the county.

Classified Employee Honorees Recognized at VCCCD Board Meeting

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2023 • Comments Off

As the tutoring and supplemental support supervisor at Moorpark College, Deborah (Deb) Brackley ensures students have the tools they need to succeed. She is also involved in the campus community and finds opportunities for programs to support equity work. For these reasons and more, Brackley was named the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) 2023 Classified Employee of the Year at the April board of trustees meeting. The annual award is a tribute to classified professionals who demonstrate professional ethics and standards and serve the community with purpose and passion.

The board also presented Board Chair Bernardo M. Perez with a resolution honoring his 12 years of service. Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu recognized Linda Resendiz, executive assistant to the president, who received the 2023 California Community College Classified Senate President Service Award. (Resendiz will be formally recognized at the June meeting after being honored by the state organization on June 8.)

VCCCD Names Three Finalists for Chancellor

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) board of trustees announces its three final candidates for the position of chancellor. A nationwide search was conducted to replace Chancellor Greg Gillespie, who is retiring at the end of June. The finalists are, in alphabetical order: Cory Clasemann, Ph.D., vice president for student success, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana; Lee Lambert, J.D., chancellor, Pima Community College District; Rick MacLennan, Ed.D., former president, Northern Idaho Community College.

“The Chancellor’s Search Committee conducted the search understanding just how critical this position is to the students and employees of the District, Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College. The board of trustees especially recognizes and appreciates the work of this hard-working committee. Their dedication to a thorough and extensive process led to three finalists for board consideration,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.

VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2021 Graduates

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Not even a pandemic could stop this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges from pursuing—and achieving—their educational goals. In recognition of what these resilient students have accomplished, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,370 students in the class of 2021 who have earned their degrees or certificates.

Festive Drive-Thru Graduations were held on May 20 at each college’s campus and Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula.

“We are always proud of our graduates and all that they accomplish, but this year’s graduates hold a special honor for their persistence in completing their education when most of their classes were remote,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “As these students become VCCCD alumni, they are well-prepared for their next steps of a career or transferring to a four-year college or university.”

Bernardo M. Perez Elected to Statewide Community College Board

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Trustee Bernardo M. Perez has been elected to the 2021 California Community College Trustee (CCCT) Board. The 22-member board (including a student trustee) plays a vital role within the Community College League of California, providing leadership and guidance to secure a strong voice for locally elected governing board members.

Perez will serve a three-year term on the CCCT board, where he will help formulate educational policy issues coming before the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, State Legislature and other state-level boards and commissions.

VCCCD Names Cynthia Herrera Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura Community College District (VCCCD) is pleased to announce that Dr. Cynthia Herrera has been appointed to the position of Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness. Herrera joined the District in 2009 and most recently served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Partnerships, Enrollment and Advancement.

With a strong background in business and educational leadership, Herrera will be responsible for providing Districtwide coordination and leadership to support diversity, equity and inclusion; strategic planning and accreditation preparation; districtwide economic and workforce development; as well as expanding business and industry partnerships and enhancing student success and completion initiatives for VCCCD’s approximately 31,000 students.

VCCCD Opts-In For California Community College Athletic Association Spring II Season

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

After opting out of Spring I season sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) will “opt-in” for the upcoming California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Spring II season. The decision is based on CCCAA COVID-19 guidelines and input from the athletic directors, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges. The Spring II season includes men’s and women’s competitive sports and begins April 10. The length of the season varies by sport.

VCCCD Opts-Out of California Community College Association Spring I Season

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

After careful consideration and in the best interest of our student athletes, coaches and athletic staff of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) has decided to “opt-out” of competition for the upcoming California Community College Association (CCCAA) Spring I season at this time, a decision that affects traditional fall and winter sports. The VCCCD programs affected by this decision are football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s wrestling and women’s golf.

VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2020 Graduates

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

With the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges have had to adjust to the fact that in-person graduation ceremonies have been canceled. Recognizing the impact of this change for students who have worked hard to achieve their goals, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,146 students in the class of 2020 who have earned their degrees or certificates.

VCCCD Board of Trustees Approves Solar for Campuses

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2019 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — After thorough discussion, research, and public comment, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a motion at the August Board meeting to construct and install underlit solar carports on existing parking lots at…

VCCCD Board of Trustees Passes Resolution on Climate Change and Sustainability

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2019 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Board of Trustees approved a Resolution in Support of Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability during its April 8, 2019 Board meeting. The resolution commended the colleges’ current efforts and outlined the Board’s…

Dr. Kim Hoffmans selected as Ventura College President

by Community Contributor • April 26, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA —Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Chancellor Greg Gillespie is pleased to announce that Dr. Kim Hoffmans has been selected as president for Ventura College, effective June 1, 2019. Dr. Hoffmans has served VCCCD for the last 25 years…