Drexel University Sacramento Announces Three Recipients of Civic Engagement Scholarships

Drexel University Sacramento today announced that three Sacramentoarea women have been awarded the Civic Engagement Scholarship.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson and Stephanie Landrum of Sacramento, and Kristine Cassidy of Yuba City, will each receive $15,000 scholarships to attend Drexel’s graduate program in Sacramento. The scholarship can be applied to tuition for any of the part-time graduate degree programs offered by Drexel.

Drexel University Sacramento offers the scholarships as a continuation of its effort to develop the next generation of business, nonprofit and civic leaders whose skills will be of great importance to the future of the Sacramento region.

Kristine Cassidy

"Drexel takes tremendous pride in being acknowledged for its innovation and the many ways we partner with community groups in the Greater Sacramento region,” said Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of Drexel University Sacramento. “We are proud to welcome three accomplished women like Kristine Cassidy, Becky Johnson and Stephanie Landrum. I’m delighted that we can provide these scholarships to such deserving recipients. Our dynamic program will give them the opportunity to position themselves as leaders in both their careers and communities.”

  

Stephanie Landrum

Scholarship finalists were interviewed by the award committee, which was comprised of leaders of the Sacramentoregion’s chambers of commerce and civically engaged partners.

Johnson is enrolled in Drexel’s MBA program. She is the Senior Manager for PG&E’s Sacramentodivision, which includes Sacramento, Yolo, Solano and Colusa counties. She heads up the Energy Solutions & Service group and the division leadership team, which is focused on energy efficiency and resolving customer and public safety issues.

Johnson has worked in the field of urban infrastructure for two decades, with previous positions in the construction, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

She is a senior fellow and executive committee board member of the American Leadership Forum. Previously, she served as chair for Leadership Sacramento, president of the Junior League of Sacramento, and she is a graduate of Sacramento’s City Management Academy and the FBI Citizens’ Academy.

An avid runner, she has completed more than 25 ultramarathons (longer than standard 26.2 mile distance). She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley.

A driving reason for choosing Drexel is the university’s commitment to the community.

“My family has always been civically engaged, and Drexel’s values closely align with my own,” said Johnson, who grew up in Auburn. “Plus, the curriculum and cohort structure will enable me to learn new concepts and skills.”

Landrum has been employed by Kaiser Permanente for the past six years and is currently the Community Benefit Health Specialist for the South Sacramento Service Area. She feels Drexel’s Executive Masters program in Public Health (MPH) will be a tremendous asset to her career.

Cassidy, an MBA student at Drexel, has enjoyed a long, fulfilling career in healthcare, working just over 25 years for the Rideout Health group in Yuba City. She and her husband, John, have been active volunteers in Yuba City, where they have lived since 1985. She has been a Yuba City Rotary member for seven years and the Cassidys frequently volunteer for local fundraising efforts.

“I’m so appreciative of being awarded this grant by Drexel,” Cassidy said. “Drexel shares my passion to help the community. I really look forward to the formal, critical thinking skills that I will learn at Drexel. The MBA program was exactly what I was looking for in a graduate program.”

Cassidy was born in Yuba City, but her family quickly relocated to Ukiah. She attended California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and departed with a degree in nutrition. Cassidy returned to the classroom at California StateUniversity, Chico and earned a masters degree in nutrition.

Cassidy has held numerous management and administrative positions with Rideout Health and is currently the Vice President of Extended Care Services. In her spare time, Cassidy is an avid hiker and also enjoys cycling and golf.

All of Drexel’s academic programs are focused at the heart of Greater Sacramento’s growth and economic development initiatives – health, entrepreneurial business, human resources and education.

Drexel – a top-ranked, national comprehensive university – currently offers students seven master's, one doctorate and one post-baccalaureate program designed for working professionals in the fields of entrepreneurial business, human resource development, higher education and health care.

In September 2013, Drexel launched its first full-time undergraduate program in business for students who have finished at least the first two years of their undergraduate education.

For more information about Drexel University Sacramento’s programs in California, visit www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (916) 325-4600.

William Jessup University Reports Record-Breaking Enrollment

Momentum Continues Amid Expansion and New Programs

William Jessup University's record-breaking student
enrollment on their first day of school

William Jessup University on Wednesday, August 28 began its 2013-14 academic year with the largest enrollment in the university’s 74-year history. The university has reported continued growth in enrollment during the past four consecutive years.

William Jessup’s enrollment is up 10 percent from last fall to over 1,100 students, including the largest number of new students (just over 300) attending the Greater Sacramento region’s only private four-year, residential university. In addition, this is the largest incoming first time freshmen class to date.

"William Jessup University continues to be recognized for the excellent higher education value we are providing in Northern California, the Western United States, and in Canada,” said Jessup’s President, Dr. John Jackson.  “As we continue to make progress to being a Distinguished Christ-Centered University, an increasing number of students and family are seeing us as the provider of choice for affordable excellence in higher education.  We are excited at the ongoing story of growth and expansion that is happening at the University.”

As the university continues to expand its’ reach, incoming students are represented from 17 different states across the United States and Canada.

William Jessup has regularly added to its curriculum and now offers degrees in a variety of disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family and Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry.

Earlier this month, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) unanimously approved William Jessup University for full membership in the prestigious higher education organization.

Three of the largest majors declared by the incoming students are Business, Psychology, and Liberal Studies or Teacher Education. William Jessup University offers over 50 majors and programs in its traditional program including an accelerated degree program geared for working professionals.

New programs including Biology and Creative Arts have attracted students and exceeded anticipated projections. The new biology lab and creative arts studio in addition to a new media lab provide students with state-of-the-art facilities.

Last fall, William Jessup unveiled a $17 million campus expansion that added new dining, athletic and classroom facilities to accommodate a growing number of students to its 128-acre campus.

Known as a military-friendly university, William Jessup welcomes approximately seven new students honoring the latest provision to the GI Bill, known as the Yellow Ribbon Program. Overall, there are 41 students enrolled in the program that allows any veteran who has served on active duty for at least 36 aggregate months since 9/11 to have the complete cost of tuition covered in any program the University offers.  

Of the new students, 74 are student athletes joining the ranks of the substantial sports program Jessup continues to build, that includes volleyball, men and women’s soccer, men and women’s basketball, golf, cross country/track and softball.

For more information on William Jessup University, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations include Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

Jazz Musician and Steinway Pianos Artist Jim Martinez Joins Faculty at William Jessup University

Pianist Jim Martinez joins William Jessup University faculty

William Jessup Universityannounced today it has hired pianist Jim Martinez as the accompanist for the Music Department. He will play an integral role for the University Choir and Orchestra that performs more than 30 times per year.

Martinez will practice, perform and work with the more than 100 students in the Music Department.

“I want to share everything I've learned from my career and teach students,” said Martinez, who has studied classical music for 18 years and has an extensive jazz background. “I take the approach that every student is different. I look forward to working with the students individually and also in a group setting.”

Martinez has performed or recorded with numerous well-known jazz musicians, including Lionel Hampton, the Stan Kenton Alumni, Christian McBride, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Benny Golson, Roy Hargrove and Ed Thigpen, the first drummer for the Oscar Peterson Trio.

“I've been able to work with some amazing jazz players,” said Martinez, who lists his parents, Dave Brubeck and Lionel Hampton as his major musical influences.

Martinez has also performed with the Sacramento Symphony and toured as a featured guest with the U.S. Air Force Jazz Band from Travis Air Force Base.

“He has this incredible performance career,” said Tom Ruscica, chair of the Music Department. “William Jessup has never had someone who represented the genre of jazz. It allows us to do some different things, especially if we want to try something in that style.”

Martinez is a Steinway Pianos Artist, a designation awarded by the legendary piano company to elite pianists.

“It gives us a level of prestige having him on the WJU team,” said Ruscica, a fan and friend of Martinez.

Martinez, who has 12 CDs available on the iTunes Music Store, started Invisible Touch Music Software in 1989. The company arranged and recorded files for digital and acoustic player-pianos, from classical to Dixieland music. He recently sold the company.

Martinez performs across the country with his jazz trio and as a soloist.

“I have always felt that music was my calling,” he said. “Music is my ministry, my livelihood.”

Martinez grew up in Fair Oaks. He and his wife, Suzy, have two sons and live in Rocklin. 

Drexel Presents Annual Leadership Award To Homeless Advocate Dr. Addie Ellis

Addie Ellis

Addie Ellis was presented with the Carl “Tobey” Oxholm III Leadership Award at Drexel’s University’s recent commencement in Sacramento.

The award was created by the Graduate Student Association to recognize “leadership in the classroom and in the community.”

The Leadership Award is a large silver bowl, mounted on an impressive wooden base that has the names of all the recipients. Tobey Oxholm was the inaugural leader for Drexel University Sacramento.

Ellis, who earned her doctorate degree in the Education Leadership and Management program, was one of the 127 graduates who were awarded master’s level diplomas on June 22 at Sacramento’s historic Crocker Art Museum.

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Liberty Utilities Awards Six Scholarships to Students

Liberty Utilities is pleased to announce the winners of its first annual high school and community college scholarships for students living within the utility’s service territory.

• South Lake Tahoe High School – Sean Doyle
• Loyalton High School – Thomas Ketchum
• Coleville High School – Brenda Pineda
• North Tahoe High School – Camille Joubert
• Portola High School– Klint Williams
• Lake Tahoe Community College – Gina Niceforo 

Each high school senior received a $250 award, and the community college
student received a $500 award.  A Liberty Utility representative attended
each of the school’s awards ceremony to personally congratulate the
student and present the check.

“We’re very pleased to be able to offer these scholarships to deserving
students,” said Mike Smart, President of Liberty Utilities-California.
“This is just one of the ways we can support the communities we serve.”

Former Stanford University Standout Mitch Pleis Joins William Jessup University as Athletic Director

William Jessup Universityannounced today it has hired former Stanford University football standout Mitch Pleis as its athletic director.

Mitch Pleis

A Granite Bay resident, Pleis will oversee the athletic department at William Jessup, expanding its programs and engagement with supporters. The Warriors currently have five men’s teams and six women’s teams.

Pleis grew up in an athletic family atmosphere in Lafayette, CA where his father, Wendell Pleis, was a highly successful high school football coach. Mitch was a three-sport standout at Del Valle High, where he and his two younger brothers played football for their father. All three later played collegiately in the Pac-10 Conference.

Mitch Pleis’ football background includes an association with a who’s who of high profile college and NFL coaches. He was a standout tight end for two seasons (1977-78) at Stanford under head coach Bill Walsh and one of his top assistants, George Seifert. Pleis also was coached by or was a member of the Stanford coaching staff that included Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Rod Dowhower, and Ray Handley, who all became NFL head coaches.

“We’re very excited to have someone with Mitch Pleis’ athletic pedigree join our leadership team at William Jessup,” said Eric Hogue, William Jessup’s Vice President for Development. “He has been mentored by very special coaches like Bill Walsh and George Seifert, and comes from an amazing athletic family. Mitch is going to be a great resource for all our coaches and athletes. And his background as a highly successful businessman will aid William Jessup in our effort to build a top-notch athletic program.”

After playing two seasons at Stanford, Pleis was reunited with his college coach in the spring of 1979 as a free agent in Walsh’s first year as San Francisco 49ers head coach. But Pleis suffered a career-ending knee injury before summer training camp. Walsh went on to win three Super Bowls with the 49ers and was a Hall of Fame coach.

Unable to play in 1979, Pleis joined the Stanford coaching staff where one of the players he helped coach was freshman quarterback John Elway. Pleis’ coaching resume also includes one season as an assistant football coach at Granite Bay High School and eight years as a Eureka Youth Soccer Club coach. Pleis’ four children were all soccer standouts; two of them played soccer at the collegiate level.

“What I learned from Bill Walsh and George Seifert was their strong belief in hiring the best assistant coaches available. Friendship took a back seat to hiring the most capable person for the job,” Pleis said. “I’ve taken that same approach in my business career – hire the best people available I’ll be driving the hiring process at William Jessup with that line of thinking as part of my philosophy.”

Utilizing his Stanford undergraduate degree, where he specialized in Urban Development and Planning, Pleis enjoyed a successful business career that spanned 33 years in real estate investment management. The scope of his experience is very broad, including real estate development, finance, asset and portfolio management for multiple property types and locations all across the United States. 

Pleis was the Director of Real Estate for the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) for nine years. He was responsible for redesigning the real estate investment program and changing the implementation strategies for investment managers. 

He also founded Pleis and Company, which provided consulting services to real estate operators.

“My business career includes directing organizations at the management committee level and managing property and portfolio budgets. I will draw on that experience as athletic director at William Jessup,” Pleis said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the Jessup coaching staff, interacting with its wonderful student-athletes, and returning to an academic and athletic environment. The athletic program has so much potential for growth. This is an exciting time to be joining the William Jessup team.”

Pleis is an Eagle Scout and enjoys spending time with his wife Carole, who is an adjunct professor at William Jessup, daughter Jessica, and his three sons, Zachary, Jacob and Joshua. He has been teaching men’s Bible studies for many years since moving to the Granite Bayarea.

Robert Burris Elected Chairman of Board of Advisors for Drexel University Sacramento

Bob Burris

Drexel University Sacramento announced today that Robert Burris has been elected Chairman of its Board of Advisors. 

Burris, a Senior Vice President of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization, will lead the 24-member board, which advises Drexel on its programs and plans for the future. He was elected as chairman by his peers on the Board of Advisors.

“Bob Burris is a tremendous ambassador for the Sacramento region and we are thrilled to have him take on this leadership role as Board chairman,” said Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of Drexel University Sacramento. “We appreciate Bob and the entire Advisory Board’s commitment to ensure that the education we provide here is not just top-ranked in the country, but closely calibrated to the practical business needs of this region.”

“I’m honored that Drexel has given me the opportunity to serve as Chairman of its Board of Advisors and to continue working closely with an excellent group of leaders from the greater Sacramento region,” Burris said. “I share in Drexel’s passion for creating an environment of civic engagement for its students and the university as a whole.”

Read more »

Rethinking Our Approach to College Education

By Sandra Kirschenmann and John Jackson

It’s easy to name what we believe is wrong with American higher education today – a bachelor’s degree costs too much, takes too long to complete, encourages students to take on too much debt and doesn't guarantee a job on completion.

John Jackson is president
of William Jessup
University in Rocklin

Concerns about cost, time to completion, debt, and usefulness are pretty powerful objections to a college education.

However, most of our society recognizes the virtually unassailable truth that a college education is the premier portal to career success and personal prosperity. Michael Greenstone and Adam Looney of the Brookings Institution estimate that “the return on a bachelor’s degree is equivalent to an investment that returns 15.2 percent per year – more than double the average return to stock market investments since 1950, and more than five times the returns to corporate bonds, gold, long-term government bonds, or home ownership. Over a lifetime, the average college graduate earns roughly $570,000 more than the average person with a high school diploma only.”

Sandra Kirschenmann
 is associate vice provost
of Drexel University Sacramento 

The return on this investment is clear. But the choice of how and where to invest in a college education is less clear.

Maybe it’s time for us to look at a college degree differently. Maybe it’s time to realize that as with all products and services, there is not a single version in the American marketplace that makes sense for all people.

What do we want from a college degree?

Without a doubt, Americans want college degrees linked to good jobs because good jobs lead to prosperity and self-sufficiency. According to a 2010 survey by Hart Research Associates, successful performance in good jobs requires the very things students should learn in bachelor’s degree programs: good thinking skills, the ability to write and speak clearly, to read critically and with comprehension, and to synthesize and analyze data from a variety of inputs.

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Calling All Medial Inventors

Over $25,000 in awards are being offered to inspire the next generation of medical innovators. The 2013 National mecroMedic contest is an opportunity to show the country what citizens can do with new technology - encouraging technical innovation with significant use of microcontrollers and sensors in the medical industry. This contest is a perfect practical application for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) students around the nation.

Parallax Propeller Board of Education

Inventors and students are encouraged to participate by creating medical applications and prototypes for possible use in the healthcare industry, medical simulation training, and the battlefield. These technologies have the potential to benefit service members, wounded warriors and patients in general. STEM teachers are encouraged to get their classes involved. Over 100 free contest kits will be given away by Rocklin-based Parallax on a first come first serve basis to qualified applicants. Use your favorite microcontroller or apply to receive a free kit that includes either the Parallax multi-core Propeller chip or a shield for use with the Arduino microcontroller. The kit also contains various sensors, LED displays, infrared emitters, a blood pressure cuff, heart rate monitor and many other components to spark your imagination. Use of the official contest kit is not required to win.

Read more »

Sierra College Natural History Museum Open House Jan. 26

Saturday, January 26

10 am to 2 pm

Sierra College Natural History Museum Open House

FREE event!

This is your day to check out all we have to offer!

Event Details

Have you ever had a chance to visit the Sierra College Natural History Museum? Have you ever attended one of our lectures before? This is your day to check out all we have to offer. We are conducting tours of both our Museum and Nature Preserve (weather permitting). You will even have an opportunity to view our fossil preparation room. Two family friendly lectures will be given during the open house. There will even be activities specially designed for kids! We can't wait to show you our wonderful collection that has been built up from donations, students and our faculty. During the event we will be signing up new Museum members and renewing existing ones. If you like what you see, sign up to become part of our family. Members who sign up during the open house will receive a special gift. Information will be posted on our website at www.sierracollege.edu/museum or you can call 916-660-7923 or email kcarroll@sierracollege.edu for more information.

Event Program

Tours will be conducted every hour on the hour:

Take a guided tour of our Museum facilities with one of our Museum Docents. They will show you our collection, teach you a bit about the ecology of our area and even entertain you with stories of the plants and animals of our region. To take a tour of the Museum, meet your Docent under the Grey Whale in Sewell Hall.

Would you rather explore the outdoors? Meet your Docent at the Cactus Garden in front of Sewell Hall to take a tour of our outdoor facilities. These tours may take you out to explore our Rock Walk, the Arboretum or you can take a short hike on our Nature Trail. These tours will be weather dependent, heavy rain will cancel outdoor tours.

Attend one of our family friendly lectures:

To give you an idea of the types of lecture programs we offer, two lectures will be offered during this event.

The first of these lectures is scheduled for 11:00am and will be given by Professor Richard Hilton, author of Dinosaurs and Other Mesozoic Reptiles of California. He will discuss the dinosaurs of California and the habitats that they lived in.

The second lecture will be at 1:00pm and be given by Emeritus Professor of Biology and Editor-in-Chief of the Sierra College Press, Joe Medeiros. This lecture will be an illustrated program of Earth’s incredible variety of life with a special focus on how important these life forms are to our very existence on this beautiful blue and green planet.

Both lectures are free to all!

Participate in activities for the younger explorers:

All day long we will have activities for children occurring throughout the Museum. From touch tables to art activities, children will find much to discover in the Museum!

Sierra College Natural History Museum

Rocklin Campus (Sewell Hall)

5000 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin, CA 95677

Drexel University Sacramento Names Carvana As Manager of Career Services

John Carvana

Drexel University Sacramento today announced that it has named John Carvana to a newly created position as Manager of Career Services.

Carvana will play a key role when the university launches its full-time undergraduate program in business for students who have finished at least the first two years of their undergraduate education. He will also play a vital role in job placement and career advancement for students in Drexel’s graduate degree program.

The undergraduate program, which begins in Fall 2013, will include a cooperative education (co-op) experience where each student receives six months of paid professional experience.

Carvana joins the Drexel staff after spending the last three years as Executive Director for Career Development Services at Loyola Marymount Universityin Los Angeles. Before starting his tenure at Loyola Marymount, Carvana served as Director of the Career ResourceCenter from 2002 to 2009 at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

“John brings an incredible amount of experience in helping students develop their career paths,” said Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of Drexel University Sacramento. “At Drexel, John will be able to leverage our nationally recognized co-op program to help students gain the experience they need to compete and be leaders in their respective fields.”

Before moving to California, Carvana worked as a college and university relations manager and employment development director for Corning Inc., and worked in career development positions for SetonHall University, Emory Universityand Texas State Technical College.

“Drexel has a tremendous national reputation as a top-ranked institution and I’m thrilled to be joining its Sacramentoteam,” Carvana said. “Drexel is an innovative university that not only provides high-quality education, but also invests in helping its students gain the experience they need to be successful in their careers. I am looking forward to working with the Drexel team and further connecting the university with the business community.”

Drexel University Sacramento’s undergraduate degree program follows the launch in September 2012 of a specialized Master’s in business administration for health care. Drexel currently offers students five master's, one doctorate and one post-baccalaureate program designed for working professionals in the fields of entrepreneurial business, human resource development, higher education and health care.

All of Drexel’s academic programs are focused at the heart of Greater Sacramento’s growth and economic development initiatives – health, entrepreneurial business, human resources and education.

For more information about any of Drexel University Sacramento’s graduate programs in California, visit www.drexel.edu/sacramento or call (888) 389-3781 or (916) 325-4600.

Roseville Parent Honored at International Conference

Roseville resident Leticia Martinez, center, was honored at the
Parents as Teachers International Conference

Every year at the Parents as Teachers International Conference three parent educators are honored for their outstanding work in their community. This year Leticia Martinez, who has worked at KidsFirst for the past 15 years, was one of the three honorees, along with two other parent educators from Connecticut and Switzerland. “We are so proud that Leticia was singled-out for her outstanding work. Not only do we receive positive comments from the families she works with, but we also see the results as the children of the families she serves enter pre-school better prepared and ready to learn, “ said Lisa Velarde, CEO of KidsFirst.

Every month Leticia Martinez visits on average 30 families in their homes in her assigned area of Roseville, Lincoln, Sheridan and Loomis where she works with them one-on-one to provide the support, encouragement and tools they need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years. “As an immigrant myself I know how difficult some home situations can be and how little information young parents have about the role they themselves play in developing their children’s minds and bodies. I love talking with them and opening up their world bringing the resources they need to succeed as their child’s best advocate. But the real heroes, in my opinion, are the parents who actually use the tools to empower their children,” said Leticia Martinez.

Since 2007, KidsFirst has been using the Parents as Teachers (PAT) service model to deliver support and resources to over 1,000 parents and children in Placer County. Open to all families, the PAT Program not only teaches parents much-needed parenting skills, but also conducts regular assessments to detect as early as possible any developmental delays, so the child can begin treatment and therapy immediately to improve school readiness. The program serves families throughout pregnancy until their child turns three-years old.

The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is just one of the many services KidsFirst offers the community. KidsFirst also offers parent education, family counseling as well as children's health insurance and CalFresh enrollment programs to provide families solutions to real-life shallenges that achieve lasting results. To learn more about KidsFirst to to www.kidsfirstnow.org.
  

About Parents as Teachers

Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., Parents as Teachers champions the critical role of parental involvement and early intervention in a child’s development. Parents As Teachers supports a network of professionals and organizations who serve more than 300,000 families across the country and around the world through a proven parent education model. For more information, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.

Drexel University Sacramento To Launch First Undergraduate Program in Sacramento

Drexel University Sacramento today announced it will begin offering its first undergraduate program in Sacramento in the fall of 2013.

The university will launch a full-time undergraduate program in business for students who have finished at least the first two years of their undergraduate education.

The bachelor’s in business administration degree program will be offered at Drexel University Sacramento’s location at One Capitol Mall in downtown Sacramento and will include a co-op experience where each student will receive six months of paid professional experience.

For Drexel, a 121-year-old not-for-profit university based in Philadelphia, the program expansion marks a new chapter in the university’s growth and development in downtown Sacramento.

Read more »

William Jessup University Reports Record-Breaking Enrollment

  

Congrats to William Jessup University and its continued success. The UC and CSU systems could learn a thing or two from Jessup, a Rocklin-based Christian private 4-year college.

William Jessup University on Wednesday began its 2012-13 academic year with the largest enrollment in the university’s 73-year history.

William Jessup’s enrollment is up 12 percent from last fall to just over 1,000 students, including the largest incoming numbers with 270 new students attending the Greater Sacramento region’s only private four-year, residential university. In addition, this is the largest incoming first time freshmen class to date.
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New Jessup professor will give business department a boost

News from Placer County's very own William Jessup U:

William Jessup University has hired Manuel Salazar as an Assistant Professor in the university’s Business Department.

Salazar comes to Jessup from Grand Canyon University’s Ken Blanchard College of Business, where he served as an adjunct business professor. He has taught graduate and undergraduate college courses in financial, managerial, cost and tax accounting, corporate and managerial finance, micro and macro economics, operations management, project management, and public budgeting-financial management.

“We are looking forward to Manuel joining our vibrant Business Department here at Jessup,” said Dr. Dennis Jameson, Vice President for Academic Affairs at William Jessup. “As Business continues to be one of WJU’s most popular majors we have opted to grow our faculty to support this need.”
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State Ed Department launches web site to connect students, career info

Earlier this week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson unveiled the new California Career Center Web portal to help middle school and high school students explore their options and plan their next steps toward productive careers.

Torlakson said:

"Studies show that helping students connect their schoolwork to their future in the workforce helps keep them on track and headed for success.  

"The California Career Center Web portal gives students, parents, and teachers a one-stop shop to help demystify the process of moving from the classroom to careers."

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The Art Docent Program enrich children's education in Placer County

"If you don't learn art now, you will never learn to breathe!”  -- Laurie Halse Anderson.

Here is some useful information about a local art education programs: 

The Art Docent Program has a great history with Placer Schools since the program was created 25 years ago. Thousands of kids in the Auburn, Ophir, Newcastle, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin and Roseville schools have enjoyed it, and refrigerators of proud parents throughout the county have been decorated with their brilliant art. 

This year, the Loomis Union District has been beta-testing the digital version of the program.
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Online college classes called "important" in state agency report

The Legislative Analyst's Office released a report today that calls online college classes (known as distant learning) "an important alternative means of providing instruction that can complement existing formats and expand options for the state’s students and segments."

Placer County's Sierra College offers more than 100 online courses. Subjects include math, political science, art, Spanish, psychology and more. (See a list of Sierra online classes here).

But there's room for improvement, the LAO report indicates.


Read more »

For Sierra College students, governor's signature makes transer to CSU smoother

We agree with the Contra Costa Times editorial that praised Governor Schwarzenegger for signing a bill that streamlines the transfer process for students looking to move from a California Community College to a CSU.

For the 17,000 students at Rocklin's Sierra College (and its satellite campuses), the bill means they'll save time and money (including taxpayers' money) on their educations, which enables them to jump-start their careers and move on with their lives a little faster.

Sierra College is already ranked first in Northern California in transfers to the University of California and California State University systems. The governor's signing of Senate Bill 1440 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) gives them one more tool for success.

Chief of staff earns nearly $200K a year at board of ed

The Auburn Journal reports a chief of staff for the Placer County Office of Education earns nearly $200,000 per year.

“What do you do all day to justify that?” asked Mary Flannigan, who is also a special education teacher for the Placer County Office of Education. “There are a lot of directors and people with these job titles where you are like, ‘What the heck (do they do)?’”

Keith Bray receives an annual base pay of $173,667. In addition, Bray is paid $3,400 for having a professional license, $2,000 in a doctorate stipend, $7,200 for a vehicle allowance, $2,500 for a cabinet stipend and $4,926 in lieu of health benefits. His total annual salary is $193,693, according to the Journal.

Read the story here.