Faculty Spotlights Archives | Page 4 of 11 | Accredited California College | San Joaquin Valley College

Helping high schoolers is true calling for SJVC advisor

by Nyla on February 16, 2016

It was not that many years ago that Kevin Caldwell was struggling to find his way toward a meaningful and successful future – not unlike so many of those high school seniors he now advises in the course of his position at SJVC’s Temecula campus. At the time, he and his wife Marcella were expecting …

Posted in Faculty Spotlights / Temecula

General Education instructor shares the benefits of a rich family history

by Nyla on December 15, 2015

SJVC students who take a seat in Russell Grimes’ classroom soon realize that they will be getting a lot more than the General Education lessons they signed up for. In addition to basic math and business communication skills, they will learn life lessons that will serve them equally well on the job…and in life. Russell’s …

Posted in Bakersfield / Faculty Spotlights

A tradition of families thrives on the Bakersfield campus

by Nyla on November 17, 2015

It is not at all unusual to see multiple generations of family members walk through SJVC doors and leave months later with a certificate or degree. It is a little more unusual to see multiple family members working at the same campus. But that is exactly what SJVC Bakersfield has been enjoying for the last …

Posted in Bakersfield / Faculty Spotlights

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Instructor Darrell Reed

Diagnostic Medical Sonography instructor goes above and beyond to make sure students succeed

by Nyla on October 6, 2015

Darrell Reed can relate to new students trying to overcome their discomfort of speaking up in class. After a little over two years at the front of his Diagnostic Medical Sonography class, he has learned to relax into his front-and-center position at the podium. “It was rough at first, but I got used to it …

Posted in Bakersfield / Diagnostic Medical Sonography / Faculty Spotlights

Hesperia General Education-instructor Frank Castanos

Hesperia General Ed instructor pays it forward

by Nyla on September 29, 2015

Frank Castanos admits he was not exactly the best student in high school. “Growing up, I never knew exactly what I wanted to be in life,” says Castanos. “I struggled in school, not because of ability, but because I wasn’t motivated.” At an important time in Frank’s life, Mr. Kurtz came along. “He was patient …

Posted in Faculty Spotlights / Hesperia

Online Business Administration graduate Sadiah Gavin

SJVC Business Administration grad brings special skills to Delano campus

by Nyla on September 10, 2015

Saidah Gavin has covered many desks at SJVC over nearly eight years. She started part time at the Bakersfield campus as a Tuition Planner, then moved to First Contact, Dean’s Assistant and whatever position needed a temporary fill-in. During this time, she also completed SJVC’s Business Administration program online. “I’ve done everything,” she laughs. “From the …

Posted in Business Administration / Faculty Spotlights / Grad Success / Online Division

Medical Office instructor Tawny Williams

Military wife put her needs last until she joined SJVC’s Medical Office program

by Nyla on August 25, 2015

Tawny Williams is her family’s support system. Her military husband, Melvin, and their 14-year-old son, Melvin, depend on her to keep “all systems go” at home. “A military wife is one of the biggest honors in the world, but it is a selfless life,” says Tawny. That busy life was rushing by. “By the time …

Posted in Faculty Spotlights / Grad Success / Medical Office / Temecula

Madera campus supports single mom’s big career dreams

by Nyla on August 18, 2015

Admissions Advisor Teresa Martinez knows something about what it takes for single moms to make it alone. Her mom, Paula, took care of her and her brother without any help. At 18 years old, Teresa found herself alone with her young son, Michael, when she and her son’s father separated. It was up to her …

Posted in Business Administration / Faculty Spotlights / Madera

Licensed Vocational Nursing-instructor Denise Scrimshire

Licensed Vocational Nursing instructor balances tough with tender

by Nyla on July 14, 2015

Some 25 years ago – when Licensed Vocational Nursing instructor Denise Scrimshire was a nursing student – her instructor was a real whip-cracker. “Ms. Gandy had very high expectations and everybody feared her, but she was highly revered, and I wanted to be as good as she was,” says Denise. “It was tough, it was strict …

Posted in Faculty Spotlights / Licensed Vocational Nursing / Visalia

Faculty Spotlights