News Stories

Arianna Aguilera is a Communications and Theater Arts student at Crafton Hills College, set to graduate in December 2026. A first-generation college student from Redlands, Arianna's journey to higher education has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a deep appreciation for community.

On Jan. 31, Crafton Hills College unveiled the newly minted Captain Mike Orland San Manuel Fire Department Engine Bay to hundreds in attendance at a naming ceremony hosted by the Yucaipa-based college, including Orland's mom, Margie, and colleagues.

Becoming a certified paramedic is not given, it's earned. That's what Amanda Ward emphasized during her remarks as she spoke to the 28 who comprised Crafton Hills College's 107th Paramedic Class during the cohort's graduation celebration on Jan. 30.

On January 28, Crafton Hills College welcomed 24 Chinese students as part of a two-week Youth Cultural Exchange (YCE) program. The visit included a structured morning workshop featuring a mock debate on U.S. gun control and the American education system.

When Jennifer Solis first stepped onto the Crafton Hills College campus, she didn't yet know that her time there would ignite a lifelong passion for education, advocacy, and leadership. Now serving as the Assistant Director of First-Year Admissions at the University of Redlands, Solis is committed to helping first-generation and low-income students access the same kind of transformative college experience that changed her own life.

During Crafton Hills College's Spring 2026 In-Service Day on January 16, the campus community came together to reaffirm its commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success by celebrating the 2nd Annual Equity Champion Awards.

If you've taken a class in Crafton Hills College's Respiratory Care program, odds are you've met Professor Rey Bell. And if you have, there's a good chance he already knew your name within the first week.

The 18th Annual NATCON Conference, hosted by Student Veterans of America (SVA), took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from January 8-10. The conference brought together student veterans from colleges and universities across the United States.

Graduating from an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program is not the finish line but the starting point for making a difference in the community. And Crafton Hills College's most recent crop of EMT graduates is ready for the challenge.

Celeste Reid's connection to Crafton Hills College started simply: it was close to home, and it made sense as her next step. "I lived in Calimesa, and Crafton Hills was my closest and best option for a collegiate experience after I graduated high school," she said.

Crafton Hills College's Fall 2025 Emergency Medical Technician class cohorts were locked in and ready to go from their first day of instruction. As they gathered for their final meeting as program students, Crafton's Monday and Wednesday cohorts were given one final instruction before officially becoming graduates: "Have fun."

Crafton Hills College kept a full calendar throughout the month of December as the campus prepared for the end of the semester and the close of the year. Throughout the month, the campus community had many opportunities to connect, give back, and spread holiday cheer.

It takes a village to help those looking to pursue a career in the field, a lesson Crafton Hills College's 113th Fire Academy shared when looking into the crowd of loved ones and teachers who supported them along the way.

A respiratory therapist must have the motivation to care. That's the core message Dr. Michael Sheahan, Director of Crafton Hills College's Respiratory Care Program, hoped his students keep in mind as they embark on a career as respiratory therapists.

Twenty-eight new Roadrunners from Crafton Hills College's Nursing Services Career Pathway are ready to enter the medical field after successfully completing program requirements.

In both fall and spring semesters, our Crafton Hills Student Art Exhibit showcases student artwork from each studio class. Pieces created in sculpture, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design, painting, life drawing, and drawing classes are on display highlighting the technical and conceptual skills the students developed throughout the semester. The fall 2025 exhibition culminated in a reception for the student artists on Dec 10 in the Art Gallery located in the Learning Resource Center. The artists invited their family and friends to join and celebrate their work.

In the months since Crafton Hills College opened its new Finkelstein Performing Arts Center, the building has hosted graduates, musicians, and much more. But a two-day arts festival on Dec. 5 and 6, focused exclusively on the Yucaipa-based college's arts community during a special housewarming celebration.

Crafton Hills College art professor Yuki Toyooka Smith recently celebrated the publication of her book, The Secrets of Artistic Anatomy, with a book signing and solo exhibition hosted by The Artlands Creative.

Crafton Hills College's annual Student Research Conference on Dec. 5 brought months of hard work to life when students presented their research projects to their peers and site faculty and staff.

On Dec. 2, Crafton Hills College (CHC) celebrated a moment of partnership and generosity during a check presentation at the CHC Fire Academy. The Redlands Professional Firefighters Association presented a $12,500 endowed gift to the CHC Foundation to establish a permanent scholarship fund for Fire Academy cadets.

As Legislative Affairs Manager for the Campaign for College Opportunity, Crafton Hills College alumna Valerie Johnson is leading statewide efforts to expand college access and advance equity in higher education.

This November, the Basic Needs Center at Crafton Hills College stepped up in a big way to ensure students had the support they needed heading into the holiday season.

The CHC Library Juried Art Exhibition celebrates and supports the visual arts on campus by showcasing the creativity and accomplishments of student artists. The 3rd annual exhibition was on view in the CHC Library from October 13, 2024 - November 21, 2025.

The College Honors Institute hosted a faculty and student luncheon on Nov 19, 2025. Over 90 students and faculty members filled the Barbara L. Smith Event Center for food and networking opportunities.

Crafton Hills College celebrated Native American Heritage Month with a meaningful series of events designed to help students connect with Native culture and history. The month began with a virtual opening ceremony on Nov. 6, where storyteller Jacque Nuñez shared captivating tales, taught basic Native language, and showcased traditional instruments.