Board Highlights 02/11/25
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting. The following are highlights of the meeting held at 5:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Union High School District Board Room.
Presentations: A Presentation was given on Artificial Intelligence.
Highlights from the Artificial Intelligence Presentation:
Vice Chancellor, Educational Services & Technology, Dr. Cherry Li-Bugg, introduced a team of three professor representatives from each NOCCCD campus for the presentation on Artificial Intelligence: Fullerton College Professor, Gary Graves, Cypress College Professor, Dr. Jeanie Mitsch, and NOCE Professor, Afraim Sedrak.
All three campuses hosted AI-centered events in 2024 with great success. The District will present an AI Expo on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
BOARD ACTIONS
The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below.
The Board passed Resolution No. 24/25-08 which stated: “the Board of Trustees of the North Orange County Community College District joins with the nation in affirming, recognizing and celebrating February as Black History Month by acknowledging the significant and impactful contributions of Black/African Americans to this nation, to our higher education community and to the North Orange County Community College District, and encourages its campuses and student organizations to promote historical and cultural awareness by featuring various programs, exhibits, and other relevant activities and by participating in events sponsored by local communities.”
Human Resources: Approvals were given by the Board for Cypress College to hire Aahren Rhodes as Admissions and Record Analyst and Fullerton College was approved to hire Johnathan Krok as Director, Campus Safety. Regina Russel from Cypress Collegewas promoted to Administrative Assistant III- Instructional Support. Congratulations to all!
Chancellor Staff Comments:
NOCE President, Valentina Purtell, reaffirmed NOCE’s support of undocumented and mixed status families. NOCE’s website has been updated to feature an undocumented student support page. On February 12, she is attending the Los Amigos event to share NOCE programs and seeking support for students. NOCE Staff attended a training titled “Leading with Purpose: Enhancing Efficiency and Strengthening Leadership.” Interim Associate Dean I, Tina McClurkin and Executive Assistant III, Julie Shoepf launched a new onboarding site for NOCE employees. NOCE Facilitated its first Regional Non-Credit 101 Training where CCC Chancellor, Sonya Christian commented on NOCE’s efforts, thanking them for “doing incredible work in supporting development of non-credit programs.”
Fullerton College President, Dr. Cynthia Olivo, reported that their Spring Convocation was held in January and featured talented singers and fun presentations where the college introduced the “North Star” program. Staff participated in the 45th Annual Orange County Black History Parade which kicked off events being held at Fullerton to continue the celebration. Fullerton was featured in Amazon Prime’s “The College Tour,” a series that highlights the experiences of students on campuses across the nation and has won several awards. A watch party was held for the episode featuring Fullerton College complete with a blue carpet entrance, refreshments, and an award ceremony for the cast and crew. An NSF Grant for $170,000 to was awarded to Fullerton to support STEM. The website now features a new undocumented student support page.
Cypress College President, Dr. Scott Thayer, reported that there are several upcoming Black History Month celebrations. This year’s theme for Black History Month at Cypress is “Good Trouble” in honor of the legacy of John Lewis. On Thursday, February 13, 2025 the campus will be celebrating “A Day of Recognition and Triumph.” Cypress Men’s Baseball is on a five-game winning streak. Women’s Basketball is on a three-game winning streak. Men’s Basketball is on a four-game winning streak. Starting in April, Cypress will be represented at the John Wayne Airport in a display put together by staff, students, and faculty. He closed out his report by inviting everyone to attend the grand opening of the Cypress AAPIDA Resource Center on February 19, 2025 from 4-6 p.m.
RESOURCE TABLE
The NOCE College Academic Senate President, Michelle Patrick-Norng shared that the NOCE Senate voted to approve a recertification process related to online teaching. A survey was conducted on student experience with distance learning with 520+ students participated and will be used to improve offerings for classes. She also shared that the NOCE Faculty look forward to attending the governance workshop.
The Fullerton College Faculty Senate President, Bridget Kominek, reported on updates from the workgroup that is drafting the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan for Fullerton College
California School Employees Association President, Elaine Loayza, reported that CSEA negotiations will continue on Feb 20. There is a new CSEA chapter logo in process using a design contest with member participation. The chapter is planning events for classified staff appreciation. She closed out her report by wishing everyone a happy Black History Month to everyone.
BOARD REPORTS
NOCE Student Trustee Robert Johnson shared that NOCE Black History Month event was reimagined due to rain as a walk-through open house where students could learn about Black History and thanked Dr. Breland for personally sponsoring the catering for the event. NOCE developed a plan to respond to immigration officers visiting campus. He stated that he is proud to be a student trustee in a District that protects and supports all students. He wrapped up his report wishing everyone a happy President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month.
Fullerton College Student Trustee Sharon Kim reported that the Associated Students hosted their welcome week last week, elections are about to happen in, Buzzy Hornet meals options have been expanded, and a drink station has been introduced. Associated Students put together a guide to executive orders that will impact community colleges that was made by ICC Staff and Inter Club Council.
Trustee Mark Lopez attended a meeting for the Fullerton Museum Center and shared upcoming events: a Johnny Cash exhibit on February 22, every Thursday in February there will be a Blues event, and on March 8, from 2-6 p.m. there will be a Women’s Festival. He wished everyone a happy National School Counseling Week and Black History Month.
Trustee Evangelina Rosales commended Fullerton College’s and Cypress College’s seven-year re-accreditation and invited everyone to a fundraising dinner event for the Fullerton College Foundation featuring a private chef that she will be hosting.
Trustee Ryan Bent was interviewed by the Fullerton Hornet and thanked the journalism students for their work. The interview can be found on the Fullerton College website.
Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath encouraged everyone to attend the 50th Americana Awards and the Women’s Caucus International Women’s Day event in Saratoga, CA on March 7, 2025. She marked the occasion of Black History Month by reading a quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character- that is the true goal of education.”
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Fullerton College Professor Gary Graves promoted Entrepreneurship Week and invited everyone to attend, especially students interested in starting their own businesses as many resources will be offered at the event. He also promoted the first-ever Hornets’ N.E.S.T. Career Showcase on April 7, 2025.
Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath closed the meeting by acknowledging the passing of Rufus Whitehurst, Jr. who was a Campus Safety Officer for Fullerton College for 37-years, and Melissa Utsuki who worked in Public Affairs and marketing communications for many years.
NEXT MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Anaheim Union High School District Board Room.
Board Highlights is produced by NOCCCD Public & Governmental Affairs as a summary of the Board actions and reports. It is not intended as a replacement of the official minutes of the Board meeting. For more information on the NOCCCD Board of Trustees, please visit the website.
