Instruction Matters October 2026 Newsletter

October 2026

Bank of America Awards $100,000 to Support Aspiring Medical Professionals

The Bakersfield College Foundation has received the 2026 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders grant for $100,000 to support BC’s Aspiring Medical Professionals (AMP) Pathway. The funding will expand access to educational opportunities, reduce financial barriers, and help students gain valuable hands-on experience as they pursue careers in healthcare.

Through these experiences, students can build skills, confidence, and professional connections while preparing to serve Kern County’s healthcare needs. Thank you to Bank of America for investing in our students and a healthier future for our community!

Kern Shakespeare Festival Spotlight in The Bakersfield Californian

Spotlighted in The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield College’s Kern Shakespeare Festival brought fresh interpretations to two classics: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set in the disco era, and Titus Andronicus, reimagined in the Old West. This year, we started a new BC tradition, and 20 members of BC’s Educational Administrators Council (EAC) and their family members attended a show together of the festival’s incredible comedy.

For our BC students, these productions offer the distinctive opportunity to perform with experienced BC faculty and community actors. This collaboration allows our students to learn from seasoned performers while bringing Shakespeare’s stories to life.

Bakersfield College Named a 2026 Pathway Champion

Bakersfield College has been named a 2026 Pathway Champion of Transfer by the Campaign for College Opportunity. The college received recognition in the Overall Associate Degrees for Transfer Awarded category, which honors colleges awarding the greatest number of ADTs. This achievement celebrates the dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators to helping students reach their transfer goals and expanding equitable opportunities for student success.

Celebrating Our Wasco State Prison Graduates

Congratulations to the eight students at Wasco State Prison who earned their Associate of Arts degrees from Bakersfield College. The September ceremony also recognized a BC alumnus who earned a Master of Business Administration from Adams State University. These accomplishments reflect our Rising Scholars’ persistence and the dedication of the faculty and staff who support them. Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration possible.

Yuki Takeuchi received the 2026 Excellence in Advocacy Award

The Northern California Japanese Teachers’ Association (NCJTA) awarded the Excellence in Advocacy award to Yuki Takeuchi, BC’s Japanese Faculty. The NCJTA is a professional organization devoted to encouraging quality instruction in Japanese throughout Norther California.  Currently in her first year as a tenure-track faculty member, Yuki worked with us first as an adjunct faculty for years, and she led the effort to bring Japanese classes to the students of Bakersfield College. Congratulations Yuki!

Dr. Karis L. Clarke Selected for UCLA Leadership Academy

Dr. Karis L. Clarke, Dean of Instruction, has been selected to participate in the 2026–2027 UCLA Women’s Community College Leadership Academy. Through workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with fellow community college leaders, she will explore student success, equity, and institutional innovation. Her selection recognizes her leadership and commitment to advancing student achievement and workforce education. She looks forward to bringing new insights and professional connections back to Bakersfield College to support students, faculty, and the college community.

Kei Jackson-Ashby Named 20 Under 40 Honoree

Congratulations to Kei Jackson-Ashby on being named a 20 Under 40 honoree for her dedication to making a difference in Kern County. As a Bakersfield College sociology adjunct and Umoja assistant coordinator, she supports student success and educational opportunities. She also co-founded and leads Lions Elite, providing no-cost competitive cheer, mentorship, and college and career preparation for local youth. Her work reflects a commitment to removing barriers and helping young people reach their potential.

Ariel Dyer’s Fulbright Visit to Taiwan

Bakersfield College’s Library faculty Ariel Dyer spent two weeks in Taiwan this summer as a Fulbright Specialist hosted by the National Library of Public Information in Taichung. Dyer presented seven lectures and workshops on American library services, artificial intelligence, and media literacy, exchanging ideas with Taiwanese library professionals.

Visits to libraries, universities, and cultural institutions highlighted creative ways to support students and strengthen community connections. The experience offered fresh perspectives and opportunities for continued international collaboration.

Celebrating Doctoral Achievements

The Office of Instruction proudly recognizes our instructional faculty, staff, and management who have earned a doctorate. Congratulations to the following colleagues on this significant academic achievement:

• Chris Doyen - English/BCSW
• Brynn Schock - Counseling/BCSW
• David Torres - Mathematics/Delano
• Leah Carter - Nutrition
• Chris McCraw - Agriculture
• Keith Wolaridge - Business Education
• Brandon Hall - Business Education
• Holli Gonzalez - Education
• Kailani Henry - Business Education

We celebrate their dedication and the expertise they bring to Bakersfield College.

More Faculty Achievements!

• Dr. Holli Gonzalez has been appointed 2-Year College Director for the California Association of Science Educators (CASE).
• Jennifer Rachal has been elected BC’s faculty representative to the Districtwide AI Task Force and contributes through AI panels, online teaching conferences, and distance education review.
• Dr. Bernadette Towns will present at the 25th Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education.

And this is just a small snapshot of the remarkable accomplishments of BC’s Instruction team. 
Until next time!
-Jessica & Yvette