Announcing My Retirement
August 14, 2026
Dear Friends of Chaffey College,
This week I made the announcement during our Fall Convocation that I will be retiring after nearly 20 years of serving as Superintendent/President of Chaffey College.
When I accepted this position in 2007, I knew how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to lead this remarkable institution. Nearly two decades later, I feel that gratitude even more deeply. It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve Chaffey College and this community through many triumphs and successes, as well as through challenges that have tested us, strengthened us, and helped shape the institution Chaffey is today.
Throughout my time here, I have been continually inspired by the unwavering dedication of our faculty and staff, and the immense support of the community we serve. Your support of Chaffey has made, and continues to make, all the difference in our ability as an institution to offer students in this region a quality and accessible education.
I am forever grateful to all those who helped support the passage of Measure P in 2018, which provided $700 million to expand our capacity to meet the growing needs of current and future generations of students. That investment is already reshaping our campuses and the student experience. At the Rancho Cucamonga campus, we have opened new and transformed facilities, including the Library Learning Commons, MACC Dining Commons and Aquatic Center. At the Chino campus, the new instructional building opened last year supporting our world-class nursing program. And there is more ahead for our community as we work toward establishing a new campus in Fontana and returning to Ontario.
While this is a time of transition, Chaffey College’s commitment to student success and to the communities we serve remains unwavering. The Chaffey College Governing Board will announce an Interim Superintendent/President at the September 24th board meeting, which will mark my final day as Superintendent/President. Following that date, I will continue supporting the District through a special assignment through December 31, 2026.
It is a poignant moment for me personally because I love this College and the extraordinary
community of people who make Chaffey such a special place. Few things have brought
me greater joy than witnessing the transformational milestones of students culminating
when they cross the stage at Commencement. Knowing that Chaffey will continue changing
lives, opening doors, and creating opportunities for generations to come gives me
tremendous pride and confidence in its future.
For now, I just want to express my gratitude to each of you for your partnership,
investment in our students and for the trust you have placed in me throughout the
years. It has been the honor of my career to serve this community.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Henry D. Shannon, Ph.D.
