PRESIDENT'S CORNER - March 2022
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March 2022
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Greetings Coyotes,
February was Black History Month celebrating the achievements and
contributions of the heroes and innovators who continue to shape
American history – past, present, and future. On February 28th I had
the honor of joining Chancellor Christian and the other two college
presidents for a Black History Month Celebration Breakfast at the
District Office demonstrating that diversity, equity, and inclusion are
hallmarks of our culture. Black History Month provides a reminder
of where we’ve been and where we’re headed as individuals, a
community, and a nation. By sharing our own experiences, as
well as learning from others, we become a more informed society,
better equipped to address the inequities that have persisted for 2022, we have been engaged in discussions with the TUSD regarding
generations. a renewal of the lease. Throughout the discussions, TUSD has
I am encouraged by the dropping positivity rates of COVID-19 and expressed a need to relocate some of their programs and services to
signs of a return to normalcy. Our COVID-19 Response Team is this location. While the details are still being worked out, it is agreed
reviewing the impact of the statewide mask mandate rollback and we that Cerro Coso Community College will remain at the Tehachapi
are engaged in districtwide discussions around the updated guidance Education Center, serving the educational needs of the Greater
by the Centers for Disease Control, the California Department of Tehachapi Region. While we will need to relocate some of our offices
Public Health, and Governor Newsom’s Executive Order modifying and classrooms to other spaces both within and nearby the facility,
the Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards. The safety of our the suggested modifications to the agreement will have minimal
communities continues to be our top priority. One of the most impact on the programs and services offered at our Tehachapi
important steps we can take to keep ourselves and each other safe is campus. We are looking at a three-year lease renewal while we
to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is now plentiful and available investigate opportunities for a permanent new home in Tehachapi.
to everyone over the age of 12. At this time, if students are taking in- Our partnership with the TUSD is stronger than ever, and we look
person classes, they are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 forward to increasing early college opportunities by identifying new
or have an approved exemption that requires regular testing. career technical education pathways that meet the growing needs of
local industry partners. Our message to the Tehachapi community –
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the men’s we are here to stay!
basketball team, under the leadership of Coach Dugan, for making
the CCCAA post-season playoffs for the first time in 23 years. This is a In 2023, Cerro Coso Community College will celebrate 50 years of
momentous achievement – way to go Coyotes! helping thousands to realize their dreams. The 50th Anniversary of
the college’s founding, provides the school with an opportunity to
In other congratulatory news, Cerro Coso Community College – reflect on the last five decades and to honor the staff, faculty, and
Ridgecrest Campus’ Phi Theta Kappa chapter has been named a 2022 students who have helped shape the institution. It will also be a
REACH Chapter for exceling in membership development; another in time to celebrate what lies ahead as the college looks forward to the
an long list of recognitions for our Phi Theta Kappa chapter. “As the next 50 years as the leading provider of an accessible, affordable,
pandemic lingered in 2021, celebrating student success became more and high quality higher education. A 50th Anniversary Task Force is
important than ever,” PTK President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner being formed to establish a 50th Anniversary theme and logo; and
said. “PTK membership creates higher self-efficacy, fosters a sense plan year-long activities that increase the awareness of the people,
of belonging, and provides a supportive community for learning and history, and impact of CCCC. All current students, faculty, staff,
self-expression. Our work leads to increased student engagement retirees, alumni, trustees, donors, foundation members, corporate
which is what causes higher rates of student success. I am so proud of partners, and friends are encouraged to help us lift up, remember,
our Reach Chapters—they worked exceptionally hard to create spaces and celebrate the people, events, accomplishments, and legacy
where students could connect and support one another—even amid a of our 50 years as an independent college. If you are interested in
global pandemic.” serving on the CCCC 50th Anniversary Task Force please email us at
With our existing lease of the Tehachapi Education Center through the 50anniversary@cerrocoso.edu.
Tehachapi Unified School District (TUSD) coming to an end June 30,
Inside this Issue
President’s Corner 1 Join Us - 50th Anniversary Task Force 3
AAUW Hears About Educational Opportunity Cerro Coso Admissions & Dream Act Workshop 4
in Tehachapi 2 Foundation Feature:
Collaboration Equals Innovation 2 Promise Scholarships Helping Students Achieve
CC Reaps Benefit of Garden Club Efforts 3 Their Dreams 4
2 COYOTE HOWLER
AAUW Hears About Educational Opportunity in
Tehachapi
By PHYLLIS BELCHER Nicole Griffin shared her enthusiasm and that has made a difference in inmate
Contributing writer to the Tehachapi News about working at Cerro Coso College at attitudes. High school students can take
Feb 13, 2022 the February meeting of the American classes to earn credits toward future
Association of University Women. She is degrees or certificates. There are many
dean of Career-Technical Education, a options, and at $46 per unit, education
recent promotion since joining the college is affordable. Griffin and her husband,
staff in 2017. She declared that education Alec Griffin, moved to Tehachapi in 2017
is transformative. One of AAUW’s main when they both accepted jobs at Cerro
goals is promoting education for women Coso. He is a professor of anthropology.
and girls, so all were in agreement with her They are thrilled to be living here and said
statement. Griffin gave several examples of they appreciate the beautiful scenery and
students who were able to turn their lives wildlife. Membership in AAUW is open
around, find satisfying employment and to both women and men with a 2-year
new interests after graduating from Cerro or higher degree from an accredited
Coso. She explained the many classes and institution. Information about Tehachapi
majors which are offered and encouraged Mountain Branch AAUW may be found at
checking www.cerrocoso.edu for a www.tehachapimountain-ca.aauw.net.
complete listing. The college serves a large Call 714-313-0456 for more information.
area at various sites besides Tehachapi Phyllis Belcher is involved in several
with locations in Ridgecrest, Mojave, and community organizations.
Nicole Griffin, who shared information about elsewhere. Students can attend in person
Cerro Coso, was introduced to AAUW by Anne or online. Classes are even offered at CCI,
Marie Novinger, right.
Collaboration Equals Innovation
Cerro Coso Community
College and Bakersfield
College hosted a
student information
session via Zoom to
introduce students to
the Medical Assisting
program at Cerro
Coso. Jackie Stoner,
Vanesa Hernandez,
and Kylie Campbell
from Bakersfield
College coordinated the
event for BC students
interested in health
careers to assist them
with exploring Cerro
Coso’s online program.
Matthew Wanta led the
information session
along with BC’s Dean
of Nursing, Carla Gard. With a high demand for Medical Assistants clinical skills not only needed to be an effective medical assistant,
in the Bakersfield area, Cerro Coso’s program is certainly gaining but also to attain state certification. Terri Hack (CTE Career
the attention of the Bakersfield community. Designed around Counselor) and Jennifer Marshall (Job Development Specialist)
the Model Curriculum established by the California Community also presented an overview of the student services available at
College Chancellor’s Office for preparation for the State Exam for Cerro Coso. More than 100+ students were in attendance! Cerro
Medical Assistants (CCBMA), the program provides students with Coso is excited to be able to launch another late-start cohort of
the opportunity to develop the necessary administrative and Medical Assisting this spring.
COYOTE HOWLER 3
CC Reaps Benefits of Garden Club Efforts
the denser vegetation, a diversity of birds have returned to the
area, as observed by members of the Kerncrest Audubon Society
during their regular walks in the area. The main objective of
the Garden Club is to create a campus garden to teach students
sustainable gardening skills and to provide hands-on experience
in growing their own food. This garden was constructed last fall
on the east side of the campus: Cody Pauxtis and his team leveled
the ground, fenced off the area, and set up a programmable
watering supply to the area. CCCC Hunger Free Program funded
the purchase of materials for building planter boxes, and with
Cerro Coso's Garden Club was established in Jan 2021 with the technical advice from Don Seymour, professors Claudia Sellers and
support of Phi Theta Kappa and President Hancock, and since Guck Ooi built fourteen raised planter boxes in the Art Building.
then members have been active with two projects – rehabilitation The CCCC Foundation provided funds for the purchase of vegetable
of the pistachio grove, and establishing a garden plot with raised seeds, resulting in the seeding of eight of these planters for the
planters. To revive the forgotten pistachio grove, Garden Club fall and winter growing season. They are all showing optimistic
members dug watering trenches around each of the 30 pistachio signs of growth! It has been a productive growing season despite
trees. These trenches not only define the beds but also hold everyone vegetating during the cold winter break, and we hope
excess water near the trees to prevent run-off. Furthermore, to update you on the progress. If you wanted to branch out and
because pistachio trees grow best with infrequent, deep watering, do something down to earth, join the Garden Club. To participate,
members fine-tuned the watering schedule and periodically email us at gardenclub@cerrocoso.edu, connect with us through
fertilized the trees. These efforts paid off as the trees recovered, Pronto (group code EUQ9CJ), and follow us on Instagram cccc_
showing lush foliage growth and flowers during early spring. With gardenclub.
Fifth Graders from Inyokern Elementary School
that participated in the virtual I’m Going to
College Day received their t-shirts and some
Cerro Coso swag for their attendance and
signed the 2022 banner that serves as a symbol
of their commitment to consider Cerro Coso
Community College after graduation, and the
college’s commitment to be there for them when
they are ready. Shout out to Katie Bachman
coordinator of the event and all those who made
this a truly memorable affair for the children.
4 COYOTE HOWLER
Cerro Coso
Admissions FOUNDATION
& Dream Act FEATURE
Workshop Promise Scholarships Helping
Students Achieve Their
Dreams
A typical Cerro Coso College student?
That would be impossible to describe
The Cerro Coso Community College as our students hail from different
student body is made up of a variety of backgrounds, possess a variety of skills
students from many different backgrounds, and talents, and each pursues their
including those who are undocumented? education and interests on their own
At Cerro Coso, we honor and celebrate terms. Yet, they all found their fit at Cerro
the wide variety of students we serve. The Coso Community College through a
College held an Admissions and Dream variety of educational options, delivery
Act Workshop on Thursday, February 17th modes, and dedicated faculty. Like
from 9 to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom to provide Promise student Kylie Koch, who is
a step-by-step demonstration on how to pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse.
apply to Cerro Coso Community College While the hours required to become a
and the California Dream Act. Admissions nurse are challenging, Kylie knows the
Technician Jessica Kawelmacher guided time and effort will be worth it in the end.
the demonstration and was available Like all nursing students, Kylie will help people when they need it most. Whether they
to answer questions, she shared best are sick, injured, experiencing pain or joy. Nurses entering the healthcare industry know
practices for admissions and the AB they will always be essential and make a significant impact on people’s lives. The Cerro
540 residency process, which includes Coso Promise scholarship has “helped me get involved in the community, meet new
undocumented students. A Financial Aid people, and provided financial help,” said Kylie. She ran across the Promise application
representative provided an overview of while searching the college website for scholarship opportunities. She encourages other
the California Dream Act application. full-time students to consider the Cerro Coso Promise program, “Promise scholarships
The California Dream Act is a state- help students not working, financially. Gives you a chance to show your face in the
based financial aid program for eligible community, and share what Cerro Coso has to offer.” Getting into the nursing program at
undocumented students and can help ease the college is one of Kylie’s favorite memories at Cerro Coso. One step closer to making
the financial burden of attending college. her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) come true. “Cerro Coso offers a lot of
Cerro Coso Counselor Jesus Gaytan was great classes locally that you can take towards your degree before moving on,” she said.
on hand to answer questions and translate One of Kylie’s favorite classes was Anatomy and Physiology with Professor Guck Oui,
information. For more information on the “very fun and he is a very smart teacher.” Born and raised in Ridgecrest, the ability to
admissions process at Cerro Coso contact pursue her dream of becoming a nurse and getting the education she needed locally
the Admissions & Records Department was important, because she is part of a family-owned business. She is grateful for the
at 760-384-6374. For information on the opportunities and support that she has received from Cerro Coso and the Promise
California Dream Act contact the college’s program and hopes to graduate this May with her certificate in nursing. Education opens
Financial Aid Department at 760-384-6221. minds and possibilities. The Cerro Coso Promise program helps students remove a
barrier to pursuing their higher education – by making it affordable. Full-time students
Daylight Saving Time who hold to their “promise” receive $1,000 per semester, for up to 4 semesters, (even
if they are not eligible for financial aid), to help with enrollment fees, books, and more.
Begins March 13th Certain restrictions apply. Find out more today at www.cerrocoso.edu/promise.
About this Publication
The Coyote Howler is a publication of Cerro Coso Community College.
For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE
information in this publication, contact CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Natalie Dorrell, Public Relations Director, PORTERVILLE COLLEGE
at 760-384-6260 or email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.
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