College News
College Presidents’ Board Report
At each Board Meeting, the college presidents give a report on their college, highlighting events and news around the college.
⏩You can view Woodland Community College President Navarette’s report here.
⏩You can view Yuba College President Dotson’s report here.
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District Office News
Chancellor Announces Interim Yuba College President
I am pleased to share that Karissa Morehouse will serve as Interim President of Yuba College. She will assume this role effective July 1, 2026.
Karissa Morehouse currently serves as Vice President of Student Services at Yuba College and is a valued member of the college’s Executive Leadership Team. In her current role, she has demonstrated strong, student-centered leadership and a deep commitment to advancing access, equity, and success for all students. She has led the Student Services division with a focus on improving the student experience, strengthening operational effectiveness, and fostering a more unified and collaborative culture across the college.
Throughout her career, Karissa Morehouse has brought a thoughtful and innovative approach to institutional leadership. Her experience spans both student services and instruction at multiple community college districts, including service as Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation Liaison Officer. She has led efforts to strengthen enrollment, support student success, grow community partnerships, and ensure compliance with accreditation and Title 5 requirements.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to the mission of community colleges—particularly in serving rural communities and creating pathways to economic mobility through workforce and educational opportunities. She is recognized for building collaborative partnerships, cultivating inclusive campus environments, and aligning resources to support student-centered outcomes.
Karissa’s familiarity with Yuba College, combined with her demonstrated leadership across the California community college system, uniquely positions her to provide continuity, stability, and forward momentum during this interim period.
Please join me in congratulating Karissa on this appointment and in supporting her as she steps into this important leadership role.
I want to thank members of the Search Committees*, members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, and Trustees Cassidy and Teagarden for devoting time to making this successful search possible.
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Welcome Dr. Ryan Poirier, Director of Institutional Effectiveness
The VCEP Office welcomes Dr. Ryan Poirier as our new Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Ryan arrives at the DO on July 1st after serving for more that 15 years at Strayer University, a private for-profit institution, where he served as Distinguished Professor of Psychology, School Dean, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Associate Provost, and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. Please welcome Ryan as he joins the Yuba Community College Family.
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Update On SB 226
SB 226 is not moving forward this year. The Bill is gutted and amended for consideration in future legislative session. Senator Cabaldon will very likely introduce an amended bill next year. By then, the report of FCMAT Study (sponsored by the State Chancellor’s Office to analyze the fiscal impact of transferring Woodland Community College to Los Rios Community College District) should be completed and made available. We will continue to monitor any possible movements this and next year.
A Lasting Impact: Celebrating Dr. Dotson
Dr. Tawny Doston began her tenure as President of Yuba College in 2020, and the Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) Board of Trustees named her as MSJC’s Eighth Superintendent/President on May 14, 2026. Dr. Dotson assumed her new role on July 1, 2026.
During her six years as President of Yuba College, Dr. Dotson championed initiatives that advanced student success, increased enrollment, strengthened partnerships with K–12 districts, aligned workforce education with regional needs, and modernized campus facilities. Her leadership has left a lasting and meaningful impact on Yuba College, the Yuba Community College District, and the communities the College serves.
At the June 11 Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Dotson was recognized for her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment, forward-thinking vision, and many contributions to the College and District. We thank her for her years of dedicated service and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.
Annabella Cruz Takes Oath of Office as Student Trustee
Student Trustees play a pivotal role in bringing perspectives of students into the board room. Student trustees attend all Board Meetings and cast advisory votes. You can read more about a student trustee’s roles and responsibilities, here – Administrative Procedure 2015. We are excited to welcome the 2026-2027 Student Trustee representing Yuba College – Annabella Cruz. She took her Oath of Office at the June 11, 2026 Board Meeting.
The Board Celebrates Retirees
At the June 11, 2026 Board Meeting, the Board proudly honored the 2025-2026 retirees, celebrating their remarkable careers and countless contributions. The District joins the Governing Board in congratulations on all retirees’ well-earned retirement and thanking them for their years of unwavering dedication and service!
District Services
Helene (Lani) Aquinaldo, Educational Services Analyst – 25.5 years of service
Sonja Lolland, Vice Chancellor of Education and Planning – 8.5 years of service
Yuba College
Valerie Harris, Counselor – 20 years of service
Douglas Joksch, Computer Science Faculty – 27.5 years of service
John Thoo, Mathematics Faculty – 31 years of service 
Woodland Community College
Cheryl Blake, Children’s Center Site Supervisor – 13 years of service
Gregory Gassman, History Faculty – 21 years of service
Nelida Gonzalez-Diaz, Counselor – 20 years of service
Cay Strode, Language Arts Faculty – 22.5 years of service
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The Final 2026-2026 State Budget
The Governor has signed the 2026-27 State Budget, concluding this year’s budget process and reaffirming California’s commitment to its community colleges. The final budget includes significant investments that strengthen student access, expand workforce opportunity, and improve the long-term fiscal stability of the system.
Key investments included in the final budget include:
- $153.1 million ongoing to support 2.5% enrollment growth over the next two years.
- $120.7 million one-time for deferred maintenance projects, helping colleges preserve and modernize campus facilities.
- $36 million one-time and $5 million ongoing to continue implementation of the Common Cloud Data Platform.
- $35 million one-time and $2 million ongoing for Credit for Prior Learning.
- $100 million one-time to continue expanding dual enrollment opportunities.
- $30.1 million ongoing to support the Student Equity and Achievement Program through a cost-of-living adjustment.
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Notice: Chancellor Pan’s Monthly Virtual “Open Door” Sessions
Chancellor Pan will resume virtual open-door sessions in September 2026, providing employees with an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue.
District Holiday Closures
June 5 – July 31: YCCD summer work schedule; offices will be closed on Fridays
Thursday, July 3: 4th of July Holiday
Next Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees next regular meeting is on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Lake County Campus. The agenda will be released 72-hours prior to the meeting here.
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—– For current open positions, visit our hiring webpage for more information. —–
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Mission Statement: Yuba Community College District provides all individuals in our diverse communities access to high-quality, affordable higher education that is responsive to student needs. Our mission is to inspire and advocate for student success through our passion and commitment to teaching, learning, and social justice.
Vision: Our vision is to empower our students and strengthen our communities by providing equitable, student-centered learning opportunities.
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Would you like to have an event highlighted in a future newsletter? Email dwilliam@yccd.edu for consideration.