Welcome Back to a New Year at Chaffey College

January 12, 2026

Dear Chaffey College Community,

As we begin a new year and welcome the start of the spring semester, I want to express my appreciation to our faculty, staff, and students, for the commitment and enthusiasm you bring to Chaffey College. The start of a new term is always a meaningful moment for our institution, offering an opportunity to reflect on our progress and to recommit ourselves to the work we do.

Over the past year, Chaffey reached historic enrollment milestones, earned regional and statewide recognition for student transfer support and continued to expand programs aligned with workforce and community needs. These achievements reflect sustained collaboration and a shared belief in the essential role community colleges play in advancing opportunity and economic mobility.

I want to commend the Professional Development Committee for their excellent work in helping the campus community usher in the new semester at our Spring Flex event on January 8. Seeing so many of you, and the energy you bring, truly inspired me for the year and the work ahead.

During my remarks at Flex, I was pleased to share some of the following College updates:

• Our MacKenzie Scott Advisory Group recommended more than $2.7 million in MacKenzie Scott funding to support nine project applications. Funding recommendations were approved by the Auxiliary Board and will be allocated during the next two years. Congratulations to the campus community members who submitted the following approved proposals:

• Textbook Transformation Project
• Bridging Futures
• Apprentice Success Fund
• Empowering Student Achievement Scholarships
• State of the Art Welding Center Equipment
• Title V Expansion Project
• Ensuring Digital Equity and Innovation
• Dress for Success

 

I want to thank everyone who submitted a proposal, and all our advisory members who dedicated many hours to assist in this selection process. More information on next steps will be available soon.

• Following the success of the MacKenzie Scott Advisory Group, we will be assembling another advisory group to review our current Academic and Career Communities (ACCs) model. As many of you know, we have heard about concerns brought forward at previous listening sessions regarding the transition from schools to ACCs, and it is important for us to look at where we are and how this change is benefiting our students and campus communities. This new advisory group will start meeting this spring.
• At our last fall Convocation, I made a promise to work on restoring childcare options for our students on campus. I am proud to share that we are launching an RFP this spring to bring a qualified provider to our campus. Thank you to our Child Development Faculty who have been instrumental in providing their input and collaboration during this process as we work to reestablish childcare services at the Rancho Cucamonga campus. More information will be forthcoming.
• Lastly, to promote greater transparency, accountability, and awareness of hiring practices across the district, the College will conduct a review of employee hiring practices to evaluate and determine potential improvements. Many may recall this review for faculty recruitment about five years ago, and it is time to replicate and expand this practice.

 

Chaffey’s mission is grounded in access, equity, and student success, but it is carried forward by people. It is evident in the quality of instruction in our classrooms, the expertise and care demonstrated across student services, and the strong partnerships we maintain throughout the region. Together, these efforts ensure that Chaffey remains a trusted public institution and a vital resource for the communities we serve. I am deeply grateful to our faculty and staff for the professionalism, adaptability, and commitment you bring to your work. Higher education continues to face complex challenges, yet time and again, Chaffey responds with integrity, resilience, and a focus on continuous improvement. Your leadership, in every role and at every level, is essential to our continued success.

I do believe that our work is critical to our communities and that each of us leaves a legacy from our time here. With the loss of our Associate Superintendent of Administrative Services and Emergency Operations Troy Ament this week, we are reminded of how precious life is, but also of the tremendous impact he made on our campuses. He will be greatly missed.

As we move into the new year, I encourage all members of the Chaffey community to remain focused on purpose, guided by our values, and open to innovation in service of our mission. In the weeks ahead, I will continue to share updates and reflections on the work underway across the College.

I wish you a successful start to the spring semester.

Sincerely,

Henry D. Shannon, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President