Chaffey College Umoja Leader Named State Faculty of the Year Finalist
Photo caption: From left, Brent McLaren, Dr. Teresa Aldredge and Dr. Erin Charlens
The African American California Community College Trustees and Administrators on Jan. 27 recognized Chaffey College Interim Director of Cultural Programming and Belonging Brent McLaren as a faculty of the year finalist.
McLaren was honored at the Black Educator Excellence (BEE) Awards in Sacramento for his advocacy, leadership and dedication to Chaffey students.
The inaugural awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of CEOs, trustees, faculty, classified professionals and administrators.
McLaren joined fellow finalists Dr. Erin Charlens from San Diego City College and Dr. Teresa W. Aldredge from Cosumnes River College in the category of “Full-Time Faculty of the Year for Counseling.”
“On behalf of Chaffey College, we are so proud to call Brent one of our own,” said Chaffey College President/Superintendent Dr. Henry Shannon. “Brent’s dedication to growing our Umoja program and his special connection to our students is truly inspiring.”
McLaren was nominated for his reputation of being a champion for Black student success and his proven track record of increasing successful student outcomes through his leadership with Umoja.
Prior to his current role, McLaren served as a counselor for several years and has been instrumental in growing Chaffey’s Umoja program. Under his leadership, the program has grown 300 percent in recent years and has led to a significant increase in transfer rates among Chaffey’s Black graduates.
Additionally, through McLaren’s work with Umoja English pathway courses, the number of students successfully passing transfer-level English courses has also significantly increased.
“I am so proud of Brent for receiving this nomination. It is well-deserved and both Chaffey and our students are grateful for his ongoing commitment to student success,” said Associate Superintendent of Student Services and Strategic Communications Alisha Rosas.
