Tag: Recognition

Sierra College Receives CAL FIRE Partnership Award

Posted on May 27, 2025May 29, 2025

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.

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

Posted on April 4, 2025April 4, 2025

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 21^st 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 President Receives Statewide Award for Distinguished Community College Leadership

Posted on February 28, 2025April 16, 2025

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 President Receives ‘Community Partner’ Honor from International Economic Development Council

Posted on February 21, 2025February 27, 2025

Award Recognizes Collaboration and Leadership

Sierra College Superintendent/President Willy Duncan has been honored with the “Community Partner Award” by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for collaboration and leadership in the areas of economic growth, workforce development and education to help build lasting prosperity in Placer County and the greater Sacramento region.

“Economic development thrives on bold leadership, and Willy Duncan exemplifies this through his ability to inspire progress and push for meaningful change,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “His unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community impact has set a high standard for the profession. Willy doesn’t just respond to challenges—he anticipates them, forging solutions that strengthen economies and improve lives. This award reflects his profound influence on both the industry and the people he serves.”

“This award is a true honor that reflects the tremendous efforts of our Sierra College community and our regional partners,” said Duncan. “I believe that a primary role of our community colleges is to serve as economic engines for their communities. Collaborating with economic development leaders in Placer County and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) has allowed us to align our region around key principles for building an inclusive economy. This award symbolizes what can be achieved when stakeholders unite with a shared vision.”

IEDC is the largest membership organization of its kind serving economic developers. Its annual Industry Leaders awards recognize individuals for their dedication, innovation and significant contributions to the field. IEDC’s “Community Partner Award” annually honors one individual whose efforts—through leadership, financial support, local investments, or workforce development—have significantly advanced regional economic development, contributing to long-term growth and prosperity.

President Duncan was nominated for the Community Partner Award by Placer County and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, citing his work in regional economic development and workforce training, including his role in helping to attract Bosch’s $1.9 billion investment to transform an existing fab in Roseville to begin produce silicon carbide wafers in 2026. Sierra College has collaborated with Bosch to provide skills training for its associates through a fast-track Mechatronics program.

Placer County CEO Daniel Chatigny stated, “Throughout his distinguished career, Willy has demonstrated steadfast dedication to economic growth, workforce development, and educational excellence. His visionary leadership has driven impactful initiatives that have strengthened regional economic development and laid the foundation long-term prosperity.”

GSEC President and CEO Barry Broome stated, “President Duncan’s ability to unite regional business and political leaders has advanced inclusive economic growth, making him a driving force behind the region’s prosperity. His dedication to collaboration, innovation and community betterment has had a profound and lasting impact on our region’s economic development. He is truly deserving of IEDC’s Community Partner Award.”

About Sierra College

Sierra College District 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.

Four Sierra College Students Awarded with 2024 Emerging Journalist Fellowship

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024

California Humanities 2024 Journalism Team — From left to right: Aidan Puentes, Jeralynn Querubin, Miranda Ricks, and Greg Micek.

Achievement Marks Third Year Sierra’s Journalism Program, Student Fellows Have Been Awarded

Sierra College students Miranda Ricks, Greg Micek, Aidan Puentes, and Jeralynn Querubin were named recipients of the 2024 Emerging Journalist Fellowships. They were among 22 recipients from six California Community Colleges to receive the fellowship from the California Humanities Foundation.

Sierra College was awarded fellowships for four students, the maximum the grant allows. This was the third year Sierra College students have been awarded funding from the California Humanities Foundation.

Presented in partnership with California Community Colleges, this statewide initiative provides financial support, professional training, and mentorship to student journalists as they conduct in-depth reporting projects on subjects and issues of importance to their campus and community.

For this year’s project, Micek said, “Our team from Sierra College are working on a series of pieces on the state of Fentanyl in our local Northern California community.”

The team project aligns well with Rick’s future plans as a journalist.

“My hope is to be involved in harm reduction through journalism, destigmatizing drug use by sharing stories and covering news regarding the opioid epidemic in California,” Ricks said.

The Emerging Journalist Fellowship program first launched in 2019 as part of the national Democracy and the Informed Citizen initiative, with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation through the Federation of State Humanities Councils. The fellowship program has since grown to include partnerships with community college campuses throughout the state.

California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, promotes the humanities—focused on ideas, conversation, and learning—as relevant, meaningful ways to understand the human condition and connect people to each other to help strengthen California. California Humanities has provided grants and programs across the state since 1975.

Dr. Melissa Leal Honored with 2023-24 Hayward Award for Excellence in Education

Posted on April 2, 2024July 24, 2024

Melissa Leal Hayward Award Recipient — Melissa Leal, Sierra College Ethnic Studies Instructor and 2023-24 Hayward Award Recipient.

Recognized for Her Commitment to Serve, Empower Students

Sierra College Ethnic Studies Instructor Dr. Melissa Leal was honored with the 2023-24 Hayward Award for Excellence in Education for the California Community Colleges. 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.

Dr. Leal has served as a part-time faculty member and Tribal Liaison for Sierra College since 2015 and became Sierra’s first Ethnic Studies department faculty member and chair in 2021. Dr. Leal has additionally been involved with many community efforts and statewide workgroups focused on increasing Native American education opportunities and success.

In her submission to the nominating committee, Dr. Leal shared the following reflection on her commitment to empowering students from diverse backgrounds: 

I am a first-generation college graduate. I think back to when I was in college working on my undergraduate degree. I was in a course titled ‘Anthropology of California Indians.’ The professor of the course taught us that ‘Esselen people and language no longer exist.’ I sat there invisible. I am Esselen and I exist. My ancestors endured multiple genocides, but we are still here. I knew from that day forward that my goal and duty as an instructor (whether it be in K-12 or higher education) was to ensure that no student ever felt invisible like I did that semester. My commitment to serving and empowering students from diverse backgrounds and experiences comes from that moment. I was blessed to eventually take a course with an instructor who was also a California Indian woman and the fact that she “saw” me made all of the difference in the world. I vowed to always see and hear students as they come. I share this story with them in hopes that they will understand their academic journey a little better. 

“Dr. Leal is an inspiring educator,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College Superintendent/President. “She brings her personal experiences and her passion for students into her work, and it’s impacting her students’ lives far beyond her classroom.”

The Hayward Award for Excellence in Education program was established in 1989. Award recipients, annually nominated by their college academic senate and selected by representatives of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as active participation on campus.  

Up to two full-time and two part-time faculty members may be selected each year to win the award. The Hayward Awards are supported through a grant from the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Each recipient will receive a $1,250 cash award and a commemorative plaque. The award is named in honor of Gerald C. Hayward, who served as chancellor of the California Community Colleges from 1980 to 1985.

Dr. Leal was honored at a California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on March 25, 2024, in Sacramento. This is the third year in a row in which an instructor from Sierra College has been honored with this award. Dr. Leal’s recognition follows Dr. Jane Le Skaife in 2022-23, and Dr. Winsome Jackson in 2021-22.

About Sierra College

Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Roseville, 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.

Brandon Johnson of Sierra College Honored as 2024 California Community College Athletic Trainer of the Year

Posted on April 2, 2024August 8, 2024

Brandon Johnson, Sierra College athletic trainer and kinesiology instructor

Johnson Has Supported Sierra College Athletes for 25 Years

Sierra College is proud to announce that Brandon Johnson, athletic trainer and kinesiology instructor, has been recognized as the 2024 California Community College Athletic Trainer of the Year by the California Community College Athletic Trainers Association (CCCATA). Brandon has supported athletes at Sierra College for 25 years as a certified athletic trainer and as president of CCCATA for three years.

“I’m grateful to the California Community College Trainers Association for this recognition and am very fortunate to be able to continue working with such great student-athletes, coaches and staff at Sierra College,” said Johnson.

Prior to Sierra College, Brandon worked at a high school in Phoenix, Arizona and the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York.

“Brandon is more than deserving of this honor. We are fortunate to see his hard work and dedication every day, so it is no surprise that his peers throughout the state have also recognized his dedication to our student athletes, the 3C2A and the field of Athletic Training,” said Rachel Johnson, Dean of Kinesiology/Athletic Director at Sierra College.

About Sierra College

The Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Roseville, 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

Bobby Singh Gosal of Sierra College Recognized with Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence from ACCCA

Posted on February 29, 2024March 1, 2024

Bobby Gosal News — Bobby Singh Gosal, Dean of Student Services at Sierra College

Bobby Singh Gosal, Dean of Student Services at Sierra College, was recognized at the annual conference of the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) with the Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence.

The ACCCA Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was established in 1996 to honor an administrator or manager who has consistently shown leadership in the face of adversity, and whose commitment to professionalism in community college administration has stood out among their peers.

During the presentation of the award at the ACCCA conference, Bobby addressed the audience and said, “Leadership is not just about navigating obstacles; at its core, it’s about fostering meaningful relationships and embodying values that uplift our students, our professional team members who are leaders in their own right, and our communities. It’s about being a mentor, a role model, a cheerleader, and a faithful supporter, guiding others toward their own paths of excellence and allowing them to become the best version of themselves, in the way they seek.” 

Nominees for the Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence should consistently demonstrate the following qualities:

A high degree of applied knowledge and expertise as a community college manager or administrator;
Creativity and innovation in their work;
Volunteerism that benefits the college and their profession;
A high level of commitment to their institution and community; and
Service as a role model or a mentor.

About Sierra College

New and Longstanding Sierra College Employees Recognized at Spring 2024 Convocation

Posted on January 17, 2024May 2, 2024

Sierra College welcomed our newest employees at Spring 2024 Convocation with a standing ovation.

As a place where people build long-term careers, Sierra College also recognized employees who have 20 or more years of service with a longevity plaque as a thank you for their contributions.

Welcome New Employees

Classified Professionals

Alicia Bagley
Amanda Hobbs
AJ Jurado
Olena Mazur
Matthew Morgan-Pegues
Joey Villaseñor
Tyler Zachte

Full-Time Faculty

Dalaina Agostinho
Katie Davis
Jane Le Skaife

Management

Kelly Moulton
Beth Namei
Janith Norman

Longevity Award Recipients

20 Years

Katherine Bailey
Chris Bauer
Dawn Blunk
John Clark
Chalmer Dececco
Brian Gonsalves
Don Hanaumi
Kris Hansen
Donna Knifong
Hector Pinon
Mark Springsteel
Peter Uram
Tatyana Uram
Joshua Wormley

25 Years

Rebecca Bocchicchio
Faye Bozorgzad
Scott Bramlett
Ronald Brown
Dominic Calabrese
Katy Chamberlin
Mary Conway
Mike Fischer
Cynthia Flores
Anthony Gill
Darren Gottke
James Huber
Brandon Johnson
Susan Keller
Harry Kellogg

25 Years (Continued)

Sarah Konst
Betsey Lekan
Sandra McDonald
Sandy Muraki
Melissa Prinzing
Laurel Seban
Donna Smith
Valeria Smith
Christian Speck
Johnnie Terry
Thor Tivol
Binh Truong
William Whitaker
Mark Yeager

30 Years

Linda Belton
Paul Cooper
Kimberley Paton-Bayer

35 Years

Ninette Dollesin
Ray Gonzales
Dean Perkins
James Sullivan
Phil Yorde

40 Years

Gary Donnell

Sierra College Nursing Program Ranked #1 in California by RegisteredNursing.org

Posted on December 4, 2023February 8, 2024

Sierra College is proud to announce the recognition of the Sierra College Registered Nursing (RN) program as the number one program in the “15 Best ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Programs in the Western Region for 2024,” by RegisteredNursing.org.

RegisteredNurse.org ranked the top nursing schools in California by analyzing several factors, including current and historical NCLEX-RN “pass rates,” academic quality, the nursing school’s reputation, and affordability. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an associate in nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

The complete methodology for the ranking is available at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

“Nursing students at Sierra College start from the first semester practicing board type questions, making them think critically,” said Nancy James, MS, RN, NP, Dean, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Sierra College. “Critical thinking is imperative to effective nursing, and this recognition shows that Sierra College nursing students are ready when they leave our campus to immediately contribute as employable nurses.”

The Allied Health Pre-Nursing program is one of the most popular at Sierra College with more than 1,500 students each year, with many students earning their degree in Registered Nursing and going on to pass the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses.

“Our program’s continued success relies entirely on our dedicated nursing faculty, who ensure excellence both in the classroom and clinical settings, and the smart, intuitive and committed students who value so highly, the role of the registered nurse and the importance of patient advocacy at every level,” added James.

More information on the nursing program at Sierra College is available at https://www.sierracollege.edu/nursing

About Sierra College