9-26-2011

College presidents Tod Burnett and Glenn Roquemore, SC Vice President of Instruction Don Busche, Academic Senate members Lisa Davis Allen and Bob Cosgrove and IVC Dean of Academic Programs Kathy Werle presented an overview of the colleges' follow up reports to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) in response to the warnings and recommendations issued in January 2011. During the presentation, IVC President Glenn Roquemore commented how the ACCJC warnings "triggered an amazing event, one that I have never experienced before in this district, and that is paying strict attention to what's asked of us" with an unprecedented, collaborative effort among the colleges and district services to resolve these issues. SC President Tod Burnett commented on the effective district-wide effort in putting together the report with widespread input. Both presidents thanked the chancellor for his leadership in addressing the concerns.

The six presenters provided an overview of: the colleges’ processes to address the concerns and complete the follow up report; new initiatives to ensure that resources are tied to planning; increased communication and collaboration; and efforts to incorporate continual improvement and annual evaluation. The group reviewed each recommendation, outlined specific task force outcomes and identified actions and planning agendas. The group commented that they feel confident that the issues have been resolved and hope that the warnings can be lifted next January when ACCJC issues its follow up summary.

Dr. Kris Leppien-Christensen Saddleback College Professor of the Year A psychology instructor who has taught at Saddleback since 2005, Dr. Leppien-Christensen's students describe him as “amazing,” and “approachable." He has so inspired his students that they often follow in his footsteps to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology. Dr. Leppien-Christensen was a nominee for 2012 Orange County Teacher of the Year.
Teresa Bear Saddleback College Associate Professor of the Year A chemistry instructor (now tenure track, full-time) whose students rave about her energy and passion for her subject, Teresa Bear attributes her passion for teaching and compassion for her students to having once been a Saddleback College student herself. She also credits the influence of some very special instructors who were pivotal in helping her succeed.
Kay Ferguson Ryals Irvine Valley College Full-Time Professor of the Year An English instructor who is a finalist for the 2012 Orange County Teacher of the Year award, Kay Ferguson Ryals is known for her informal teaching style that fosters a safe atmosphere for students to question, learn and share, putting them at ease through methods of critical analysis and understanding course readings.
David Lacy Irvine Valley College Part-Time Professor of the Year David Lacy has served Irvine Valley College with great distinction since 2008, introducing students to the art of writing well by bringing his past experience as an award-winning newspaper reporter and columnist for The Davis Enterprise into the classroom.
Richard Caramagno Irvine Valley College Emeritus Professor of the Year Richard Caramagno’s passion for the past 25 years has been Tai Chi and his students describe him as caring, dedicated, kind, patient, respectful and always encouraging as he builds their confidence through supportive and gentle instruction.
Bill Hewitt CA Assembly Resolution Assemblyman Donald P. Wagner presented Bill Hewitt, retired faculty from Irvine Valley College, with a resolution from the California Assembly in recognition of Bill's significant contributions to the students of California. Bill's wife, Pam, and son, Gary, joined him for the honor.