CCSG Celebrates Retirement of Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon

When Tamia Newman looked out in the crowd of people gathered for a Black Lives Matter protest she helped organize as a student in 2022, she spotted someone she only knew by reputation.

It was the first time that Newman, who would go on to become Chaffey College Student Government president and student trustee, saw Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon. She called it one of countless examples of how Shannon has supported students during his 19 years at Chaffey.

“It’s a testament to his passion for education, his passion for making leaders and making education accessible by meeting people where they are,” she said.

Newman, now a UC Berkeley undergraduate student, traveled from the Bay Area to wish Shannon well in his retirement during a CCSG-sponsored event Oct. 7 in Chaffey Student Life. She was one of about 60 people who came to congratulate him.

Student after student spoke of a man who served in Chaffey’s highest role, but kept his door open for students.

“He made a point of being visible and accessible to students on campus,” said Shara Mae Quiambao, CCSG senator.

Matthew Caddell, who served as CCSG president/trustee in the 2025-2026 academic year, remembers the feeling of being honored for leadership alongside Shannon by the African American California Community College Trustees and Administrators Caucus in Sacramento.

“Everyone in that room knew Dr. Shannon. Everyone had a relationship with Dr. Shannon and I literally felt like a VIP because I was telling everybody I was from Chaffey, and I felt so proud,” he said.

Political science major Dylan Hollie, who is the current CCSG president/trustee, says he admires Shannon because of all he has achieved in the face of adversity.

“My first impression was that he was pretty tall,” he said. “The next thing I noticed was how gracious and humble he was, and as a leader I looked up to him.”