Student Equity & Success
Student Equity and Success at Crafton Hills College. At Crafton Hills College, our mission is to change lives. The Student Equity and Achievement Committee (SEAC) brings this mission to life by championing the recruitment, retention, and academic success of all students.
We are charged with developing and overseeing the college’s Student Equity Plan, a strategic roadmap designed to close achievement gaps and support students as they transition to higher levels of learning. Through initiatives like the Vision Alignment Reporting and our network of Completion Coaches, we are dedicated to removing barriers to success.
Above all, we strive to create a campus culture where every student feels they belong. We are committed to promoting a welcoming environment through equitable and antiracist practices in every aspect of our work.
Student Equity Plans
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Past Years
Archived Content
Equity Champion Awards
The Student Equity and Achievement Committee (SEAC) is charged with developing and overseeing the implementation of the college’s Student Success Plan and Student Equity Plan, addressing recruitment, admission, retention, and success for all students.
The Equity Champion Awards celebrate not only individual and departmental accomplishments, but also the collective effort of those who submitted nominations and contribute daily to fostering a culture of equity, collaboration, and belonging. Congratulations to all nominees, honorees, and recipients—your work continues to set a powerful standard for Crafton Hills College.
Classified Professional Equity Champion Award
Rosemarie Hansen, Laboratory Technician II Biological Sciences
Nomination Statements
- “Rosemarie Hansen goes above and beyond as a science lab tech. She is always looking for creative ways to help students, whether they can't afford the high cost of science materials, or because they simply don't know what to do”.
- “In department, committee, and senate meetings, Rose always has students' needs in mind. Students are her priority and helping reach and support our diverse student population is a natural part of who she is.”
Faculty Equity Champion Award
Dr. Christopher Olivera, Professor of Microbiology and Chair of Kinesiology & Public Education
Faculty mentor for First-generation, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ students, Academic Senate VP of Support
Nomination Statements
- “Dr. Olivera’s daily actions exemplify the heart of an Equity Champion, someone who leads not through position, but through purpose.”
- "Dr. Olivera is known for his consistent, personal investment in student success. He arrives early, stays late, and regularly tutors and mentors' students often beyond his own advisees."
- He models academic excellence while maintaining genuine compassion, creating a learning environment where students feel seen and supported. Many of his mentees have gone on to graduate school or professional roles in public health and healthcare, crediting his guidance as transformative.
Classified Professional Equity Champion Award
Dr. Danae Hart, Assistant Professor in Ethnic Studies
Dr. Hart advises Student Clubs, serves on Academic Senate, Student Equity Committee, and the Labor Union.
Nomination Statements
- “Dr. Hart's comprehensive impact as an equity leader in policy, curriculum, students and colleagues show a deep commitment to transforming Crafton Hills College into a place of justice, inclusion, and belonging. It is my privilege to nominate her as the Faculty Equity Champion.”
- “Dr. Hart exemplifies every criterion for this award through her tireless advocacy, innovative leadership, and genuine commitment to creating an inclusive campus community”.
Administrator Equity Champion Award
Dr. Willie Blackmon, Dean of Student Services
Dr. Blackmon serves as a mentor to many students and employees, Co-Chair of the A2MEND Conference, Co-Chair of Black History Month Workgroup, member of Dual Enrollment Committee.
Nomination Statements
- “He goes above and beyond to ensure the success of staff and students.
- “Dedicated, personable and humble, he treats every student with the utmost respect.”
- “Willie is one of the most welcoming people I have ever met. He can be seen greeting and waving to students that he passes in the hallway.
Department Equity Champion Award
Counseling Department
Students Served
Fall 2024: 6,370
Fall 2025: 7,185
Nomination Statements
- The Counseling Department not only employs a variety of employees with diverse and multicultural backgrounds, but they also celebrate diversity.
- Students of all cultures are treated with utmost respect regardless of their backgrounds.
- Employees are welcome to practice their first language with other employees, and we are grateful that they utilize their multilingual skills to serve students.
- Every member of the counseling department is both competent and caring. The environment is highly warm and welcoming. Working as a student worker, I have never felt for any moment anything other than supported and encouraged to meet challenges and goals.
Equity Champion Honorable Recognition
Honorable Recognition was awarded to individuals and departments whose work also reflects outstanding commitment to equity and inclusion:
Administrator: Nicholas Reichert
Classified Professional: Rebecca Abeyta
Faculty: David Gerhartz and Marina Kozonova
Department: Tutoring Center
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