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Sierra College Expands Access to Affordable Student Housing with Grand Opening on Rocklin Campus

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Project More Than Doubles On-campus Housing Units; “Endow-A-Bed” Effort Raises $2M

Amidst a years-long building program to modernize its Rocklin campus, Sierra College today celebrated the Grand Opening of a new, centrally-located, 358-bed student housing facility. The student housing project – funded by the State of California and Sierra College – will offer a majority of beds at below market rents, providing affordable and stable housing options for hundreds of students while bringing 24/7 vibrancy to campus life. The first residents will move in for the Spring 2026 semester in January.   

“Expanded housing in the heart of campus will be a game changer for Sierra College and our students,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “Many of our students lack secure housing, perhaps couch surfing or living in their cars, and tell us they are also struggling with food insecurity and lack of reliable transportation. We are committed to helping meet these basic needs for our students so they can pursue their educational and career goals. We are grateful for the state’s investment in expanding affordable, on-campus housing, which will be transformational for these students and our entire student body.”

In addition to having access to on-campus housing, students will have expanded dining options, transit that directly serves the campus, as well as access to academic resources and on-site student services located in the student housing building.

Project More Than Doubles On-Campus Housing Units from 120 to 358

The State of California provided $80.5 million for the project under the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, with Sierra College contributing $27 million in district funds (Measure E facility bond funds were not utilized). 

“Sierra College shows what’s possible when community colleges step up to address housing insecurity for the millions of students we serve,” said Sonya Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. “Stable housing is a basic need and meeting that need is essential to keeping students on track to reach their goals. Equity in support sits at the heart of Vision 2030, and expanding student housing is a vital part of creating real opportunity for every student.”

Data shows that more than 63% of Sierra College students are economically disadvantaged, including former foster youth, historically underrepresented, or first in their family to attend college. The majority of the units (269) will be offered at rents significantly below market rate for income eligible students, with rents capped at 30% of 50% of the Average Median Income. Monthly costs for both room and board, including expanded food service that will provide daily meal options, will be offered at $823 per month for these students. The 89 market-rate beds will be offered at $1,242 per month for room and board.

“Endow-A-Bed” Effort Raises $2 Million to Permanently Offer Free Room and Board for Several Students Each Year

Each year, several students with the greatest financial need will be eligible to receive free room and board as a result of the “Endow-A-Bed” program spearheaded by the Sierra College Foundation. The program aims to raise $250,000 to endow one bed in perpetuity for students in need – with a goal of endowing 10 beds in total, including one reserved for a military veteran.

To date, the program has raised more than $2 million to endow eight beds from donors, including the Associated Students of Sierra College, Elizabeth Kinstler Trust, Frederik G Sahlberg Living Trust, Mikuni Charitable Organization, Sierra College Foundation, SCF-Taste of Excellence, and Sutter Health. The Foundation also has raised community support to fund free room and board for an additional nine students for one year.

“Sierra College Foundation is so grateful that members of our community are stepping up to make these life-changing investments for students in need – something that we will be able to offer students every year in perpetuity,” said Sierra College Foundation Executive Director Sonbol Aliabadi. “By addressing the anxiety, stress and stigma of housing insecurity, these students can focus on reaching their goals and flourish right here in our community.” 

“Sutter Health is proud of our deep roots in Placer County and thankful for our partnership with Sierra College to educate and train the future healthcare workforce for our community,” said Tammy Powers, CEO for Roseville Sutter Medical Center. “We are honored to sponsor a stable place each year for a student enrolled in Sierra’s Allied Health program to rest their head so they can achieve their dreams.”  

The student housing building features a three-story central staircase paired with two elevators for convenient, equitable access to all floors. The building is comprised of three wings that converge at a central feature called the Hub, a welcoming glass beacon and center of activity. Individual residential wings feature generous hallways punctuated with natural light and shared study alcoves on all floors.

Each unit houses six students in total. Residents share a furnished living room, a kitchenette, and three separate bedrooms—each designed for two students to share. The unit also includes one toilet room, one shower room, and one combination shower-and-toilet room to support shared living while offering flexibility and privacy. All units are fully accessible and ADA-compliant. Security is a top priority. The building will be accessible only through the main entrance, and residents will need to use their key card to gain entry. Security cameras will be installed at strategic locations to help ensure the safety and peace of mind of all residents.

To date, Sierra College has received 298 applications with approximately 200 students on the interest list. The first students will move in on January 22, 2026. A community open house will be held on Tuesday, January 20 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  

The project team included AP Architects (concept architect), Cypress Construction Management (project manager), DPR Construction (general contractor), HKS (design-build), and SWA Group (landscape architect).  

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.

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Pictured (left to right): Bob Sinclair, Sierra College Board President; Pamela Haynes, California Community College Board Member; Ben Rosario, Sierra College Student Trustee; Joe Patterson, Assemblymen; Rachel Rosenthal, Sierra College Trustee; Sonya Christian, Chancellor of California Community Colleges; Scott Leslie, Sierra College Board Vice President; Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President; Bob Romness, Sierra College Trustee; Cari Dawson Bartley, Sierra College Trustee; Paul Bancroft, Sierra College Trustee; and Carol Garcia, Sierra College Trustee.
Student Housing Kitchenette Livingroom Pr
The apartment-style units provide kitchenettes with a sink, refrigerator and shared eating and living spaces to relax in, study and hang out with roommates.

Sierra College Students Ride Free on Local Transit

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After Successful 3-Year Pilot, Students Vote to Provide Ongoing Funding

Sierra College and regional transit partners in Placer and Nevada counties are working to address a key barrier to educational access: reliable and affordable transportation. Simply by presenting their student ID with current student activity sticker, any Sierra College student can ride free on buses operated by Placer County Transit, Roseville Transit, Auburn Transit, Nevada County Connects and Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit.  

“Sierra College is committed to serving our students in ways that go beyond instruction,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Often, student success hinges on meeting some of their most basic needs, whether that is food, housing, health or reliable transportation. If a student does not have access to reliable transportation, the free ride program helps remove a barrier that might prevent them from continuing their educational journey toward a high-value career.”  

First launched as a pilot in 2022, the program has provided more than 111,000 free rides to Sierra College students over the past three years. During the pilot period, transit providers were reimbursed by Sierra College at a 50% discounted rate. The highest utilization provider was Placer County Transit, which provided more than 75,000 rides. In 2024-25, Sierra students made up 19% of total ridership for Placer County Transit.

According to Ken Broadway, City of Rocklin Councilmember and member of the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency (PCTPA), “This program has been an excellent demonstration of the important partnerships maintained between the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, Sierra College, and the region’s transit operators, offering a beneficial transportation option for our region’s college students. I am excited that this effort has transitioned into an on-going free ride program that will continue to benefit the region moving forward.”

 “The over 100,000 free transit rides provided to-date is a testament to the successful investment this program has made to address the mobility needs of our region’s Sierra College students,” said Mike Costa, Principal Transportation Planner for PCTPA. “This would not have been possible without the dedicated financial commitments and extensive coordination efforts made by Sierra College, the region’s transit operators, and the Western Placer Consolidated Transportation Services Agency.”

Due to the success of the pilot program, the Sierra College students voted earlier this year to provide an ongoing source of funding through a student assessment that will provide a 100% reimbursement of the average fare to transit providers.        

“It’s a step in the right direction to providing equitable transportation options for all Sierra College students,” said Ben Rosario, President of Associated Students of Sierra College (ASSC) and Student Trustee on the Sierra College Board of Trustees.

 “I am happy the program has continued, and I am grateful for the effort of the school in incorporating non-credited students as well,” said Kevin Hill, ASSC Executive Vice President.

In addition to the free transit program, Sierra College has reached agreement with Uber to provide discounted rides during evening hours. Under the agreement, Sierra College students receive up to five $5 credits per day.

More information about free and discounted transportation options for Sierra College students can be found on the Transportation page.

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.  

Sierra College Selected to Join Aspen Institute Initiative Working to Increase Student Success in High-Value Programs

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Sierra College has been selected to join the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Unlocking Opportunity network—an initiative designed to help community colleges improve student outcomes by increasing the number of students entering and completing high-value workforce and degree transfer programs.

“Sierra College is honored to be selected by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program to partner with community colleges around the country for this important work,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Sierra College is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to ensure our programs provide highly relevant and impactful instruction for students to achieve their educational and career goals. We look forward to further unlocking the power of inclusive, transformational education for our community.”

Aspen Institute logo

The network of 65 community colleges from across the nation (10 pilot colleges and 55 newly selected colleges) will work to align their educational programs and student​ advising with the two primary goals community college students say is important to them: ​leaving college with a credential and​​​ ​​a good job or ​transferring and/or ​completing a bachelor’s degree. As a member of the network, Sierra College will use the next three years to assess its programs, set goals and implement research-based actions to increase student enrollment success and completion in high-value workforce and transfer programs.

To date, the 10 Unlocking Opportunity pilot institutions are on track to collectively move over 20,000 students into high-value programs of study​ that lead to good jobs​. With this expansion, Aspen will engage college leaders and teams through a series of virtual and in-person sessions focused on scaling efforts to align their community college programs that link to good family-sustaining jobs and bachelor’s degree pathways in their regions.  

Learn more about the Unlocking Opportunities network.

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.  

Sierra College Foundation Raises More Than $3 Million for Local Students

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Student Scholarships, Endow-a-Bed Program, Career Technical Programs, Basic Needs Center All Receive Funding

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) closes out Academic Year 2024-25 by awarding nearly $350,000 in scholarships to more than 200 local students to help pay for school, as well as living costs such as rent, utilities, gas and food. As an organization, SCF serves as the advancement office for Sierra College and is committed to aligning with Sierra College’s mission: Student success for all while closing equity and achievement gaps. Students often struggle, and financial limitation is the biggest hurdle to student success.

Founded in 1973, SCF raises money to support students, college programs, and the future of Sierra College. SCF does this through individual donations, corporate funding, grants and events such as the President’s Circle Gala, which raised over $400,000 for the Foundation’s Endow-A-Bed Program in early May.

SCF announced that it had raised more than $2 million for its Endow-A-Bed program for the College’s new affordable housing facility that broke ground in April of 2023. The facility will house 354 students paying below market rate, approximately $550 a month. The Endow-A-Bed Program ensures 10 beds remain gratis for students in dire need. The President’s Circle Gala in May raised enough funds to ensure one of those 10 beds remain reserved for a Veteran in perpetuity.

“We’ve had an absolutely exceptional year,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, SCF Executive Director. “In addition to the generous gifts we’ve received from donors, we also launched our Sierra College Alumni Association and the prestigious President’s Circle. The community, our partners and Sierra College alum have mobilized quickly to support both efforts with a deep passion to support our students. The Foundation, and our Board, end this academic year with a deep sense of gratitude.”

This year SCF received many additional notable gifts including:

  •  $400,000 to establish the Joshua Cohen Memorial Endowment Fund to support Sierra College students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields, as well as faculty in the specified areas of study. Cohen, a former Sierra College student, passed away in a plane crash 20 years ago, Feb. 22, 2005, at the age of 27. The gift was received from Cohen’s cousin, Noah Youngs.
  • $198,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology designed to increase opportunities for local students to break into the field of cybersecurity. 
  • $100,000 from the Bosch Community Fund to the Career and Technical Education Support Fund.
  • $50,000 from Sutter Health for the Basic Needs Center.
  • $30,000 from U.S. Bank to support Work Force Development Construction Boot Camp and the Basic Needs Center.
  • $15,000 from the Sacramento Chapter of the American Public Works Association for a GPS Surveying System.
  • Tri-Counties Bank and South Placer Rotary gave diapers, formula, and other goods for the Basic Needs Center.

Sierra College Foundation is independently audited and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Sierra Joint Community College District of Placer, Nevada, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. Join us online for the SCF Back to Basics Auction supporting our Basic Needs Center from Aug. 18 – Sep. 3, 2025.  Learn more about SCF, by viewing the 2025 Annual Impact Report. For more information about Sierra College Foundation and how to give, visit: www.sierracollege.edu/foundation.

Educators, Employers Stress “One Team” Collaboration at Workforce Summit

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Nearly 300 regional educators, employers, business and workforce training leaders convened for the second “Sierra Workforce Summit” on June 3 to align workforce development efforts for Placer County and the broader Sacramento Region.

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan reported how the region is progressing toward the goals established at the 2024 Summit, including:

  • Employer Engagement: More than 350 employers are working directly with educators through Sierra College’s Employer Advisory Boards, with additional employer engagement happening with workforce development agencies, area chambers of commerce and local high schools.
  • Career Connections for Students: More than 5,000 high school students are taking college-level courses through Sierra College dual enrollment, with more than 1,100 enrolled in Career Technical Education courses directly connected to potential careers. 
  • Clear Educational Pathways: Thirty-nine (39) area high schools are offering Sierra College courses through dual enrollment, which are accelerating student progress toward degrees at Sierra, transfer to four-year universities, and job skills training through Career Technical Education.
  • Adult Upskilling: Sierra enrolled 5,800 students above the age of 24, many of which are receiving education for career upskilling or job transitions. 
Sierra Workforce Summit at Sierra College

“Our goal for the Summit is to encourage educators, employers, and community partners to think and act as one team to meet our regional workforce needs,” said Duncan. “These results highlight how our strong partnerships are preparing students with the practical, relevant skills needed to fill good-paying jobs at our regional employers. But we can’t stop here—there is more work to be done.”

Sector-Based Strategies Solving Specific Challenges

Summit speakers discussed high-impact strategies to meet workforce needs in specific sectors like precision manufacturing, utilities, food production and health care. These include Sierra College’s Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Apprenticeship program and its new surgical tech program, which was born out of the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Pipeline Management program with area health systems. Surgical techs are in high-demand and can expect starting salaries of $90,000 after a one-year program.

Sector-based workforce strategies funded through Valley Vision’s We Prosper Together initiative were also discussed. These include SMUD’s Lineworker Scholarship Program, Sierra Commons’ resilient rural food systems and food entrepreneurship accelerator, and the Roseville Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management program for Precision Manufacturing.    

Dual Enrollment Broadening Opportunities for All

The Summit also spotlighted the opportunities created by the increase in Dual Enrollment (DE) courses, where high school students take a Sierra College course at their own high school for free. More than 5,000 high school students at 39 area high schools were enrolled in 80 Sierra College DE course in 2024-25. Roseville Joint Union High School District is currently deploying more than $2 million in grant funding to build Mechatronics DE programs at Antelope and Oakmont High Schools, complete with labs that replicate the lab at Sierra College. More than 200 students have expressed interest for Fall 2025. Sierra College and Roseville Chamber are also collaborating on building the workforce pipeline for cybersecurity careers through dual enrollment at local high schools. 

New Report Highlights Impact of Career Technical Education Programs

Sierra College presented its first-ever report on its Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, which blend academic learning with technical and career-specific skills training. The goal of CTE programs is to better and more quickly prepare students for career fields by mixing classroom instruction with hands-on learning, improving academic results.  

The new report finds that nearly half (47%) of Sierra College students are enrolled in one of its 21 CTE programs of study, which offer 140 different degree and certificate options. Sierra’s CTE programs include nursing and allied health, precision manufacturing, public safety, building industries, applied arts, business and information technology.

In February, Sierra College celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students who will be working at Bosch’s new semiconductor facility in Roseville.

Recent Graduates Share Their Career Success

The Summit culminated in a panel discussion of recent Sierra College students who shared their journeys from education into the workforce, which Summit attendees said left them feeling hopeful and inspired. 

Mathew Gray, a graduate of Sierra’s Fire Academy at its Nevada County Campus, is now working for Sacramento County Airport Fire. Angel Ruano, who secured an internship at Swinerton while studying at Sierra College, is now a full-time Swinerton information technology (IT) employee. Noelle Witcher, a local  small business owner who participated in Sierra’s entrepreneurship programs and is preparing to launch her own line of cosmetics. Nursing program graduate Sierra Gartrell announced during the panel that she had just accepted a job offer from Sutter Health.

“A traditional four-year degree program and job hunting on my own were not working for me. Thanks to flexible programs and an internship placement, I have the skills I need and am succeeding at a job with room to move up,” said Angel Ruano.

Visit the Sierra Workforce Summit webpage to see the full agenda, speakers, supporting partners and highlight video of the 2025 event.

Sierra College Receives CAL FIRE Partnership Award

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Recognized for Commitment to Safety, Community Service

Sierra College and Superintendent/President Willy Duncan were honored by the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit with its 2024 “Partnership Award” for the college’s commitment to public safety and community service, its longstanding Fire Academy program, and recent efforts to bring a Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County.

“Throughout his tenure, President Duncan has championed initiatives that strengthen emergency response training and preparedness, playing a pivotal role in elevating Sierra College’s reputation as a leader in public safety education,” said Brian Estes, Fire Chief for CAL FIRE’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit and the Placer County Fire Department. “Sierra College’s Fire Academy has trained generations of first responders and remains a cornerstone of regional emergency services training.”

Chief Estes added, “Under President Duncan’s visionary leadership, Sierra College will partner with Sacramento State University, Placer County Sheriff’s Office and the Placer County Fire Department, as well as regional public safety agencies to bring the historic Regional Public Safety Training Center to Placer County. His strategic guidance has secured vital resources and partnerships, laying the groundwork for the future of training the next generation of first responders. Willys unwavering leadership and energy is inspiring and it is a pleasure to have him as a strong professional partner with CAL FIRE and the Placer County Fire Department.”

Presented annually, CAL FIRE’s Partnership Award recognizes leadership and dedication in working towards building a cooperative emergency response as defined in the mission, vision and values of CAL FIRE. This year’s award was presented at the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit’s all-hands meeting on May 14.  

“Sierra College deeply values our partnership with our regional public safety partners and is honored to receive this award from Chief Estes and CAL FIRE,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Together we are working to train the firefighters and law enforcement professionals needed to keep our community safe and provide meaningful careers pathways for those who want to serve. The Regional Public Safety Training Center is a testament to how education and public safety can work together to promote the latest in skills training for our current and future workers.”

Sierra College currently offers degrees, certificates and skills certificates in Fire Technology, including a Firefighter 1 and 2 Academy, an Administration of Justice program that includes two levels of police academy training, and a Emergency Medical Technician program.

In February, Sierra College announced that it had entered into a land purchase agreement for 50 acres in western Placer County to construct a Regional Public Safety Training Center in partnership with regional safety agencies and local governments.  

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.  

Sierra College Men’s Swim Team Scores Fifth Straight State Championship

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Hard Fight to the Finish Leads to Team Victory

The Sierra College Men’s Swim and Dive Team won its fifth consecutive state title on May 3, taking first at the California Community College Athletic Association’s (3C2A) 2025 State Swimming and Diving Championship at Santa Rosa Junior College.

“Five consecutive championships is a source of tremendous pride for Sierra College,” said coach Chris Breitbart. “Against very good competition and a close finish, our athletes continued to fight hard at every event over three days and delivered a true team victory.”

In addition to securing the top overall team score for the championship, Wolverines also won the 800-yard freestyle relay, swam by Brock Sippola, Rhett Wildenradt, Tyler Nattrass, and Troy Quintana. The team also had top three finishes in four other events: 

  • 200-yard freestyle: Troy Quintana, 2nd place
  • 500-yard freestyle: Troy Quintana, 3rd place
  • 200-yard breastroke: Michael Hansen, 2nd place
  • 200-yard butterfly: Genoa Nixon, 2nd place

At the 3C2A 2025, points are awarded on a sliding scale for each event, with 20 points awarded for first place in individual events (40 points for team relays) and one point awarded for 16th place. In total, the Sierra College Men’s team finished the championship with 443 points. 

View the full list of 3C2A 2025 men’s and women’s swim and dive championships results.

Dr. Denise Bushnell Honored with 2024-25 Hayward Award for Excellence

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Recognized as Champion for Removing Barriers for Student Success

Sierra College business professor Dr. Denise Bushnell has been honored with the 2024-25 Hayward Award for Excellence in Education. Sponsored annually by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, this award honors community college full-time and part-time faculty who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to their students, college and profession.

Hayward Award honorees must be nominated by their college academic senate, and nominees are selected by representatives of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges.

In nominating Dr. Bushnell for the award, Sierra College colleagues recognized her decades of work in removing barriers to student success and championing numerous initiatives to help historically underrepresented students reach their educational and career goals. These initiatives include:

  • The Invention and Inclusive Innovation (i3) program to integrate social entrepreneurship, equitable access and 21st century skills
  • Aligning CTE curriculum to be more inclusive and meet local workforce needs
  • Growing Sierra College’s Dual Enrollment programs to bring more Career Technical Education (CTE) courses to local high schools – particularly under-resourced high schools
  • Working with other programs to help remove educational and cultural barriers to empower underrepresented student populations   

“Dr. Bushnell’s commitment to increasing opportunities has left a lasting impact on all our students by forging equitable pathways that connect them to meaningful and successful careers,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Sierra College is grateful for her many years of outstanding service and thrilled for her to receive this statewide honor.”

In supporting the award nomination, Sierra College colleagues recognized Dr. Bushnell’s “unwavering dedication to student equity,” and “broadening access to diverse learners to accelerate their connection to the workforce.” Colleagues also credited Dr. Bushnell for “courageous leadership and commitment to equity that have expanded opportunities for CTE students, strengthened employer connections, and fostered enduring cultural change.”

Dr. Bushnell has been a faculty member at Sierra College since 1999. She provides leadership in the Business Department in the areas of entrepreneurship and CTE. She serves as an Academic Senator for the Business and Technology Division, chair of the CTE Committee, numerous Sierra College committees, task forces, and regional efforts with other community colleges.  

The Hayward Award for Excellence in Education program was established in 1989 in honor of Gerald C. Hayward, who served as chancellor of the California Community Colleges from 1980 to 1985. This year, the Academic Senate selected three winners. Award recipients must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as active participation on campus. The Hayward Awards are supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each recipient receives a $1,250 cash award and a commemorative plaque. Dr. Bushnell plans to donate the cash award to Sierra College’s Basic Needs Center.  

This is the fourth year in a row in which an instructor from Sierra College has been honored with this award. Dr. Bushnell’s recognition follows Dr. Melissa Leal in 2023-24, Dr. Jane Le Skaife in 2022-23, and Dr. Winsome Jackson in 2021-22. 

Dr. Bushnell was honored at a California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on March 25, 2025, in Sacramento.

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu. 

Sierra College Elevates Amy Schulz to Executive Dean, Workforce and Strategic Initiatives

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Schulz Will Focus on Building Connections With Local Employers, Implementing New Workforce Development Programs

Sierra College has promoted Amy Schulz to a newly created position of Executive Dean for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives. In this role, Schulz will focus on regional workforce strategic planning, building connections with local employers, and the implementation of new workforce development programs.

“Workforce development is critical for regional economic growth, and Amy is uniquely qualified to cultivate the necessary partnerships with employers, economic development groups and educators at every level from high school through university to make it happen,” said Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “Through this role, Amy will expand Sierra College’s leadership in workforce development which will increase equitable access to high paying, rewarding jobs for our students.”

Previously, Schulz served as Dean for the Business and Technology Academic Division, where she oversaw 13 academic programs, including business, computer science, IT, human development, public safety, advanced manufacturing, welding, building industries and mechatronics. Schulz also oversaw Career, Continuing and Technical education programs, including managing CTE funding for Sierra College’s 21 Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.

As Executive Dean for Workforce and Strategic Initiatives, Schulz will take on an expanded strategic and relationship role for the college, while continuing to oversee CTE programming and funding as a critical element of regional workforce development. She also will continue to oversee Sierra College’s Learning Independence for Future Employment (LIFE) program, which provides training, support and community integration programming to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, Schulz will coordinate sector and employer engagement to identify skilled workforce needs and implementation of guided academic pathways for students, including dual enrollment with local high schools, transfer and degree completion efforts, as well as related grant-funded workforce programs.

“Sierra College is in a special position to provide individuals at all stages of life and career with the training and skills needed to secure good-paying jobs, matched to the evolving needs of our local employers,” said Schulz. “Partnerships are the ‘secret sauce’ to making sure we are providing practical, relevant education and building the workforce pipeline that will keep our regional economy thriving. I’m thankful for the tremendous advantages in this region, where education, industry and community are willing to work together to create many different, equitable pathways to quality jobs.”

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.

Sierra College President Receives Statewide Award for Distinguished Community College Leadership

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The Award Honors Leadership and Significant Contributions to the Local Community, Economy, Workforce and Equitable Access to Higher Education

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan has been honored with the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award by the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) for transformational community college leadership and significant contributions to the local community, economy, workforce, and equitable access to higher education.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor from California’s community college leaders,” said Duncan. “I have been fortunate to work with – and learn from – talented, innovative and visionary professionals at Sierra College, within Placer County and the greater Sacramento region, and alongside fellow community college leaders across California through ACCCA. What we accomplish, we accomplish together, and I appreciate the opportunities I have been given to make a positive impact for students, our region, and the community college system.”   

Susan Bray, Executive Director of ACCCA commented, “Willy Duncan is much loved by ACCCA and throughout our system, and it was a joy to see him get this recognition from ACCCA. We were fortunate to hear from his family and 2024 recipient, Ron Gerhardt, Chancellor of the Chabot Las Positas CCD, who all spoke in detail of his impact on the Sierra district, but also the community and especially his family and friends. As he leaves the ACCCA Board, but never our ACCCA family, he has set a standard for our organization and our Commission for Finance Legislation and Advocacy that he has chaired for over a decade.”

ACCCA established the Buttimer Award to honor the late Harry Buttimer, former Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District, and a leading advocate for the modernization of operating principles and practices, and the fair funding of California’s community colleges. The Buttimer Award is a prestigious, statewide honor that recognizes outstanding achievement by a California community college leader. As this year’s recipient, Duncan was recognized for his 15 years of leadership positions within the ACCCA organization, through which he has helped to provide leadership to other community college leaders and the system as a whole.

Specific to his tenure as the Superintendent/President of the Sierra Joint Community College District since 2011, Duncan was recognized for several achievements, including:

  • Achieving historic student enrollment numbers
  • Major reinvestment to modernize and expand its Rocklin campus, with new educational buildings, affordable student housing and gym facilities
  • An innovative partnership with Sacramento State to plan and build a comprehensive joint campus in growing western Placer County
  • Collaboration with law enforcement and fire agencies to develop a regional safety training center for public safety professions
  • Workforce training programs, such as the collaboration with Bosch to help upskill associates who will work in the company’s silicon carbide wafer fab in Roseville
  • Launch of LIFE, a new support program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Duncan was also recognized for his work with regional business, economic development and community-based organizations and leadership roles in statewide higher education organizations. In supporting ACCCA’s recognition, Sierra College community members submitted letters praising Duncan’s vision, integrity, innovation and empathy.

According to Sierra College Board of Trustees President Bob Sinclair, “President Duncan is deeply compassionate, consistently demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being and success of all members of the college community. He has made an indelible mark on our institution and our community, and his leadership continues to inspire and uplift everyone.”

About Sierra College

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.