Instruction Matters Newsletter
Instruction Matters
From the Bakersfield College Office of Instruction
July 2025 Edition
This monthly newsletter from the BC Office of Instruction highlights the incredible work happening across our academic programs, celebrates the contributions of instructional leaders, and shares important updates, recognitions, and opportunities.
As we reflect on milestones and look ahead to a new academic year, we remain grounded
in our shared commitment to academic success, and community innovation in teaching
and learning.
Thank you for all you do to make Bakersfield College a vibrant, inspiring place to
learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jessica Wojtysiak, Ximena Ortega and Yvette Colby
Celebrating Billie Jo Rice: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Heart
After 19 years of dedicated service, Billie Jo Rice has retired from her role as Vice President of Instruction, closing a remarkable chapter in Bakersfield College’s history. Her retirement is a time to reflect on and celebrate all she has given to our college, colleagues, and especially our students. A proud BC alumna, Billie Jo earned her associate degree here before completing her bachelor’s and master’s at CSU Bakersfield. She returned to BC in 2006 as a faculty member in Behavioral Sciences, quickly earning a reputation as an inspiring and engaging Psychology professor.
Beyond teaching, Billie Jo’s leadership emerged through successful roles such as Articulation Officer, Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, and Assessment Committee Co-Chair, where her thoughtful collaboration helped foster academic excellence and integrity. As Dean and later Vice President of Instruction, beginning in 2019, she led with vision and compassion, guiding transformative initiatives and mentoring faculty and staff through change.
From student to professor to administrator, Billie Jo’s deep love for Bakersfield College and commitment to student success have been the foundation of her legacy. When Billie Jo used the phrase, “We are BC!”, she meant it wholeheartedly. She encouraged so many of her family members to accomplish what she did at BC, including her sister, husband, two daughters, niece, and others. It was common knowledge that her favorite song was Edmund Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1”, as she knew first-hand how much work went into students accomplishing their dream of a college degree, and how the devotion of so many BC staff and faculty went into supporting each and every student journey. She believes that Bakersfield College is, and always will be, a community college first and foremost. A community that supports, uplifts, and encourages fellow Renegades in our mission of changing lives everyday by providing rich and meaningful education opportunities.
Vice President Rice left a lasting impact on programs, colleagues, and countless students. While we will miss her steady leadership and wisdom, we are grateful for her many years of Service and wish her joy and fulfillment in this next chapter of her journey.
Thank you, Billie Jo. Your legacy will always be part of Bakersfield College.
Thank you, Grace Commiso
In Spring 2025 Grace Commiso stepped into the role of Interim Dean of Instruction over the Education pathway. Her willingness to take on this responsibility and support the Office of Instruction has made a real difference. Grace’s collaborative approach, leadership, and dedication to students have been greatly appreciated. Her Interim role ended on June 30, 2025, and Grace returned to her permanent role of counseling faculty. We’re grateful for her flexibility and commitment during this transition—thank you, Grace!
Summer 2025 at BC: Heat, High Energy, and Higher Enrollment
Our Summer 2025 session is thriving—with more students filling classrooms, common spaces, and online courses than we’ve seen in recent years.
- Enrollment has reached 31,526, up from 29,834 in Summer 2024.
- Full Time Equivalent Students has increased to 3,049, compared to 2,644 last summer.
- Full-Time Equivalent Faculty has increased to 215, compared to 188 last summer.
- The number of courses increased to 1,168, compared to 1,056 last summer.
This growth reflects the incredible work of our faculty, staff, and student services teams in making summer instruction accessible, engaging, and supportive.
CISOA Award for Combatting Financial Aid Fraud
Kern Community College District and Bakersfield College have been recognized by the Chief Information Systems Officer Association (CISOA) of California Community Colleges for our innovative approach to preventing financial aid fraud.
A collaborative, cross-departmental effort led by IT, Institutional Research, Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Instruction, and the Academic Senate resulted in a custom AI-driven system that significantly reduced fraudulent student enrollments. This work protected access for legitimate students and served as a model for the statewide community.
Congratulations to all involved in this outstanding achievement. In this photo, Interim VPI Wojtysiak shares the award and announces the achievement during the Faculty Chair and Directors Council meeting.
BC Daycare Kids Dig into Gardening Fun
At the close of the spring semester, the Bakersfield College Edible Garden found a
heartwarming way to share the harvest—by donating leftover plants to the BC campus
daycare.
The little ones eagerly rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty, planting vegetables and herbs in their very own garden space. The daycare staff shared joyful photos of the children exploring, planting, and learning in the garden—a wonderful blend of play and early education.
This simple act of generosity from the Edible Garden team not only brightened the daycare’s outdoor space but also planted the seeds of curiosity and care in our youngest Renegades.
Theatre Students Attend Oregon Shakespeare Festival
In late May, Professor Cody Ganger and 18 Theatre students traveled to Ashland, Oregon to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the oldest and most respected nonprofit theaters in the country.
Thanks to support from the Renegade Innovation Fund, students experienced five days of professional performances, backstage tours, workshops, and artist discussions. The exposure to such high-level theater was transformative for our students, many of whom were attending a professional production for the first time.
This unforgettable opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of the Bakersfield College Foundation and the Performing Arts Department. We look forward to making experiences like this a regular part of the Theatre program.
Project HireUp Celebrates Record-Breaking Graduation
Bakersfield College’s Project HireUp will mark a major milestone on July 17 as it graduates its largest cohort yet—30 students in Cohort 15.
Launched in Spring 2020, the 8-week program supports individuals experiencing housing insecurity, offering training in personal development, education, and career readiness.
In partnership with CityServe Network and other community organizations, Project HireUp helps participants transition from homelessness to employment in as little as six months. With over 200 graduates to date, the program continues to show how education and community partnerships can transform lives and build pathways to stability and success.
BC Choirs Make Waves Locally and Abroad
This summer, the Bakersfield College Choirs had the opportunity to shine both internationally and locally through transformative musical experiences.
Several BC voice majors toured Ireland with the Bakersfield Master Chorale. Students performed in historic cathedrals, attended a workshop with Ireland’s top professional choir, Anúna, and one student, Krystal Grant, even sang solos and studied with a Gaelic language specialist. It was a truly unforgettable journey.
Back home, 60 BC students performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic, joining top student musicians from across Southern California. The experience included solos, small ensemble features, and unforgettable moments on one of the country’s most iconic stages.
The Choir is now gearing up for its next big goal: a performance at Carnegie Hall in July 2026. Upcoming fundraisers include a Panda Express night and a fireworks booth July 1–4. Thank you for supporting our incredible students as they continue to raise the bar!
Events Recap & Upcoming Highlights
Recent Highlights
- Commencement 2025 – One of the largest graduating classes in BC history walked the stage in a celebration of perseverance and achievement.
- Student Services Appreciation Week – A week of gratitude events honoring the incredible contributions of our student-facing support staff.
- Mental Health Awareness Workshops – Hosted by Student Health & Wellness, these events provided tools for resilience and self-care during busy academic seasons
Upcoming Events
July 9 at 12:00 PM – Virtual Express Enrollment
Get ready for fall or late-start summer courses with help from BC’s enrollment team via Zoom.
July 14 at 1:00 PM – Financial Aid Application Assistance Workshop
Welcome Center, Room 118. Guidance for new and returning students working on their aid packages.
July 22 at 9:00 AM – Financial Aid Application Assistance Workshop
A morning session in the Welcome Center to help you complete or review your financial aid application.
July 30 at 12:00 PM – Virtual Express Enrollment
Log in to Zoom to speak with counselors and register for classes before the summer session ends.
August 4 at 1:00 PM – Financial Aid Application Assistance Workshop
Need last-minute help before the new semester starts? Join us at the Welcome Center.
August 8 – Summer Session Ends
Final day of instruction for the summer term.
August 13 – Virtual Express Enrollment
One of your last chances to get enrolled before the fall semester begins.
August 23 – Fall Instruction Begins
The 2025–2026 academic year officially kicks off. Welcome, new and returning Renegades!
September 1 – Labor Day Holiday
Campuses will be closed for Labor Day.
This is a publication from the Bakersfield College Office of Instruction
Have a story idea, highlight, or announcement to share? Email us at jessica.wojtysiak@bakersfieldcollege.edu, Yvette.colby@bakersfieldcollege.edu, and ximena.ortega@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Together, we elevate learning at Bakersfield College.
