NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for October 27, 2026

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland shared updates from the District’s management retreat, during which over 100 managers from Cypress College, Fullerton College, North Orange Continuing Education, and District Services came together for a day of reflection, learning and planning. He thanked Rosanna Islas, Danielle Davy, Amita Suhrid, Dr. Gabrielle Stanco, Karen Bautista, Leslie Tsubaki, Dr. Flavio Medina-Martin, and all others who assisted with planning and facilitating the retreat.

Dr. Breland reported on the Chancellor’s Connect session at Cypress College, which gave faculty, Classified staff, managers, and students the opportunity to engage with the Chancellor. He thanked Dr. Scott Thayer and his leadership team, as well as Mercedes Milner, for the set-up and hospitality provided.

Chancellor Breland recognized Fullerton College’s inaugural "Viva! College Gala", which celebrated the culture, history and future of Fullerton College while raising support for students. He congratulated Dr. Cynthia Olivo, the Friends of Fullerton College Foundation, Dr. Lisa Nashua, staff members and volunteers for their work on the successful event.

Presentations

Recommendation of Enrollment Update

Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna, Vice Chancellor, Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness; Dr. Gabrielle Stanco, District Director, Research, Planning, and Data Strategy; and Dr. James Bunker, Strategic Enrollment Plan Implementation Lead, presented the “Recommendation of Enrollment Update,” providing an overview of District-wide enrollment trends, student demographics, and progress toward enrollment recovery. The presenters outlined topics for the next enrollment updates, including credit for prior learning, bachelor’s degree programs, dual enrollment, student unit completion, workforce development, and transfer initiatives.

Board Actions

The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below:  

• Resolution for Veteran’s Appreciation Week, declaring November 9 – 13, 2026 to be observed as Veterans Appreciation Week.  
• The potential expansion of Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee student representation from one member to three, with student members from each campus (NOCE, Fullerton College, and Cypress College).

Chancellor's Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell shared that NOCE partnered with PBS SoCal to host a community forum at the Anaheim Campus, bringing together community leaders and service providers to discuss food insecurity and its impact on community health. She also recognized NOCE team members Maria Hernandez, Student Services Coordinator, and Dr. Anacany Torres, Counselor, for co-leading a statewide webinar in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellors Office in support of Undocumented Student Action Week, highlighting the importance of noncredit education for undocumented and immigration-impacted students.

Additionally, President Purtell expressed appreciation to the staff, community partners, and support services whose efforts help expand educational access, strengthen community connections, and create meaningful opportunities for students.   

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo announced the passing of recently retired colleague Jeffrey Feaster, who served as a faculty member in the Biology and Horticulture departments for more than 25 years, recognizing his lasting contributions to students, interns, colleagues, and the campus community. She thanked everyone who supported the inaugural "Viva! Fullerton College President’s Gala," which raised $132,420 through sponsorships, auction, and ticket sales to support student scholarships. She also announced that Building 300 received the Construction Management Association of America Southern California Project Achievement Award, with recognition from Simpson and Simpson Management Consulting, Inc., and noted that Fullerton College was named one of the top three community colleges in Orange County by the Orange County Register.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer highlighted the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cypress College’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Building, thanking Board of Trustees President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Secretary Mark Lopez and Trustee Stephen T. Blount, along with the event planning team, for their support. He also shared that Holocaust survivor Eva Schneider recently spoke on campus through the Holocaust Educational Initiative, supported by Cypress College Foundation retirees Dr. Margie Lewis, Karen Kant, Gail Taylor, Raul Alvarez, and Clifford Lester. Dr. Thayer reported on recent athletic victories by the men’s and women’s soccer teams, women’s volleyball, and men’s water polo, as well as the women’s water polo team’s 2-2 tournament record.

Resource Table Reports

District Management Association

District Management Association (DMA) President Rosanna Islas reported on the October 16, 2026 Management Retreat, which brought together more than 100 managers for professional development, leadership discussion, and collaboration across the District. She thanked the Chancellor, executive leadership, campus presidents, Professional Development team presenters, DMA Executive Board, and participating managers for making the event a success. Looking ahead, she announced upcoming DMA “Ask a Manager” drop-in sessions, a Courageous Conversations series, and the second quarterly DMA newsletter scheduled for December 1.

Academic Senate

Michelle Patrick-Norng, NOCE Academic Senate President, reported that the NOCCCD Academic Senate’s November 3 meeting will include updates from Dr. John Parker on the District budget, as well as Jennifer Perez and the Campus Communications team on website procedures. Vice President Martha Gutierrez will also provide updates on planning for 2027 Commencement and student success events. She also thanked Maria Hernandez for providing additional conference shirts for NOCCCD faculty and staff.

Adjunct Faculty United

Marlo Smith, Adjunct Faculty United President, reported that the group hosted its first well-attended Zoom office hour on October 14 to answer contract-related questions and assist members. She shared that a recent bargaining survey identified salary equity and job protections as the top priorities among adjunct faculty ahead of upcoming negotiations with the District. Smith also highlighted her participation in NOCE’s initial discussions about exploring college status, noting the potential to expand student services and provide additional pathways for further education.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Yellckin Brenes reported that he attended the October 16, 2026, California Community College Student Success Summit at Long Beach City College, alongside 23 NOCCCD students and employees. He highlighted the summit as an opportunity to connect with students from other colleges and learn about resources supporting undocumented and immigration-impacted students, while thanking NOCE leadership for supporting student participation.  

Cypress College Student Trustee Ahmad Haidari shared that he has been visiting Cypress College clubs and affinity groups to gather student feedback, noting students’ appreciation for Associated Students, Student Life and Leadership staff, and college leadership, particularly Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath. Looking ahead, Haidari announced upcoming events, including the Halloween Parade and Illuminated Visions Light Show,  the Fall Feast Potluck Social, and Connect to Cypress night.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez shared that he had a great time at the Viva! Fullerton College Gala, as well as at the VAPA ribbon-cutting at Cypress College.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales expressed her appreciation to everyone who contributed to and attended the inaugural Viva! Fullerton College President’s Gala, recognizing the donors, sponsors, planning team, and staff whose efforts made the event a success. She congratulated Dr. Cynthia Olivo and Fullerton College on the celebration and expressed enthusiasm for growing the Foundation’s support for students.  

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent shared that he attended the inaugural Viva! Fullerton College President’s Gala, describing it as an enjoyable and well-organized event and congratulating the team on its success. He also reflected on his previous attendance at an Associated Students meeting, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with student leadership.

Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath praised the Cypress College Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Building opening, highlighting the arts performances and the newly donated Steinway grand piano, generously provided by donor Bobby Stollwell and performed on by student Grace Qi. She announced upcoming events, including the Associated Student Pumpkin Bash on October 29 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Women’s Caucus webinar, the Americana 2027 kickoff on December 9 at the Westin, and the Americana celebration scheduled for March 20, 2027. She also encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming elections, referencing an EdSource article emphasizing the importance of evaluating school board candidates based on governance, student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and their understanding of the role’s responsibilities.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Anaheim Campus.