Benerd Bulletin
A Message from the Dean
The 2024-25 academic year has wrapped up. What another great year for Benerd College! Inside this edition you’ll read about some of our most recent highlights. Significantly, bucking the current trend in higher education of decreasing enrollments, Benerd experienced a 27 percent enrollment increase over the previous year. Our biggest increases came in our teacher education and counseling and school psychology programs. We increased the amount of scholarship funding we provide our students through a grant from the US Department of Education and through our ongoing partnership with San Joaquin’s Health Force Partners. We continue to partner with local, regional, and state-wide educational districts and organizations, including Elk Grove, Bay Area Teacher Training Initiative (BATTI), California Association of Private Special Education Services (CAPSES). Our Center for Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) continues enrolling more than 20,000 students each year. This year, we graduated one of our largest classes in many years. We also held our biggest Math Steeplechase event. More than 1000 5th graders, their teachers, and parent chaperones enjoyed a special presentation by Astronaut Jose Hernandez along with Math, Science, and athletic competitions. During a time of uncertainty across higher education, Benerd College is thriving. We hope you enjoy reading this and hearing a bit more about the work we do at Benerd.
Patricia Campbell, Dean, Benerd College
Dean Patricia Campbell with Jose Hernandez ’84
Assistant Dean Laura Hallberg and Mishi Chua ‘25
Counseling & School Psychology
HealthForce Partners Executive Director Paul Lanning ’07 and President Christopher Callahan
New Healthforce Scholarship Benefits Students at Benerd and School of Health Sciences
Pacific students studying social work and psychology will receive help paying for their education with a recent $200,000 donation from the nonprofit HealthForce Partners Northern San Joaquin Valley. The scholarships are intended to address the shortage of behavioral health care workers in San Joaquin County by educating students who will live and work in the region.
Ten scholarships will be awarded annually for the next two years—$10,000 each for five students in the School of Health Sciences’ Master of Social Work program and five students in Benerd College’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and/or Marriage and Family Counseling program.
Scholarships will be awarded to students beginning in the fall semester.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity because price can sometimes be the barrier for students,” said Patricia Campbell, dean of Benerd College. “These students will get the opportunity to walk into the field without a bunch of debt weighing on them, and hopefully, it keeps people in the community.”
HealthForce Partners was launched in 2018 to reduce the shortage of health care workers in the region. University of the Pacific was a founding member. The goal is to develop a workforce pipeline to serve the community.
“Those who grow up in this area are more likely to remain in this area if they have opportunities for education, financial support and employment,” said HealthForce Partners Executive Director Paul Lanning ’07, a Benerd College alumnus. “Our role is to mitigate the challenges that health care employers see across the region, and that is a shortage of trained professionals in every level and discipline.”
DOE Cuts Affect Benerd Grant
In 2023, Benerd College at the University of the Pacific was awarded a landmark $5.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This five-year grant was designed to dramatically expand access to mental health services for K-12 students in California’s San Joaquin Valley, a region facing a severe shortage of school-based mental health professionals. The funding was set to cover tuition for graduate students in Benerd’s counseling and school psychology programs, enabling them to provide muchneeded services in high-demand school districts.
However, in early 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced the cancellation of 18 grants under the Comprehensive Centers Program, totaling $226 million. While the Department’s official statement cited concerns about “divisive and wasteful” spending and programs allegedly promoting controversial social agendas, the move has had a direct impact on many valuable programs, including at Benerd.
The cancellation of the grant means that the planned expansion of mental health services in San Joaquin Valley schools will not proceed as envisioned. Graduate students who were to receive tuition support and hands-on training opportunities now face uncertainty, and local districts will continue to struggle with a critical shortage of counselors and psychologists. The loss is particularly acute for highneed communities such as in San Joaquin County, where schools are often the only source of mental health care for children.
By the Numbers
4 Cohort partnerships with area school districts & organizations
New Degree Completion Program Helps Educators Launch their
Career
Last year Benerd unveiled a groundbreaking accelerated degree completion program, enabling students to finish their Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, earn a Master’s in Education, and obtain a California teaching credential-all within just 2.5 years-significantly faster than traditional pathways.
This new program addresses the needs of non-traditional students and those interested in a career change, offering an accessible route to meaningful, in-demand careers in education. By reducing the time and cost required to earn both undergraduate and graduate credentials, the program helps diversify and strengthen California’s teaching workforce, while also enabling new teachers to begin their career higher on the salary pay scale than with a BA alone.
12 Months to complete MA in Education with CA Teacher Credentials Click here for more information about Education Programs at Benerd
101 years of helping educators
Other program features include a fully online course format, 8-week courses taught both asynchronously and synchronously, and a cohort format to keep students connected.
Students are benefiting from more than just an accelerated career course, they are creating a bright new future that touches everyone in their life. Current student Martha Robles states “I am returning to finish what I started, not just for myself, but for my children, my husband, and my parents, who sacrificed so much to bring my siblings and me to this country. Their sacrifices deserve to be honored with success and achievement.”
“California is facing a significant teacher shortage crisis, and it’s way past time we appropriately invest in our schools and teachers.” — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
Leadership
Meet the Changemakers (and recent graduates!) of Benerd’s MA in Leadership, Leading for Social Justice program, Cohort 2. Students in the program begin to enact positive change before they even leave the program, which is built on experiential learning. Learners collaborate with faculty and peers in project-based courses, contributing to impactful change in their work and communities. Read below to learn about some of these projects.
Nia Presa
Nia’s work has addressed the lack of access to mental health support in low-income communities, focusing on Stockton, CA. She created and shared brochures listing free or low-cost resources—like hotlines, drop-in counseling, and support groups—and distributed them at schools, churches, shelters, and community centers. She also started an Instagram campaign to raise awareness and make the guide easy to find online. Nia Presa is a Human Resources Analyst II at Pacific, and is passionate about creating supportive environments where people feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Dolly Greenhalgh
As a resident of Utah, Dolly became concerned about anti-DEI legislation being passed (prior to recent nation-wide cuts to DEI). She developed an action research project dedicated to gathering data to better understand thoughts and feelings around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs/initiatives in Utah and discover possibilities to combat misinformation by educating Utah citizens on DEI and its importance. Dolly works for national nonprofit Playworks, where she is the Compliance & Systems Manager for AmeriCorps grants that allow individuals to serve communities and ensure each kid has access to safe, healthy, meaningful play.
Chantelle Comeau-Boylan
Chantelle is currently serving within the Office of Health Equity in the California Department of Public Health, where she is tasked with implementing an Equity framework throughout the department through policies and programming. Inspired by her time in the LSJ program, Chantelle is currently designing the LOCUS Lab (short for Leadership in Organizational Change Uplifting Social Justice). In its founding stages, the LOCUS Lab is intended as a collaborative, human-centered space for learning, healing, and creativity. The LOCUS Lab will serve as a vibrant hub for connection, collaboration and co-creating for current students, prospective scholars, and alumni of the program.
Ashwina Khapre
As a higher education professional passionate about international education, Ashwina became interested in the effect that U.S. Academics has on international students at the collegiate level and the unique struggles they face as they acclimate to a new living situation and academic environment. Her experience advising international students and encouraging students to study abroad gave her a unique vantage point for her research. Currently she recruits students for Samuel Merritt University helping them pursue their desire for a career in the healthcare industry.
Center for Professional & Continuing Education
New Courses for Educator Development Added to CPCE Catalog
Benerd College at University of the Pacific has announced exciting new partnerships with MirrorStart Educational Consulting, LLC and Professional Inspiration, expanding its Educator Catalog with innovative professional development opportunities for educators at all stages of their careers
Established in 2021, MirrorStart Educational Consulting is dedicated to disrupting cycles of inequity within educational systems by empowering leaders and educators to create transformative, equitable environments. Courses cover school improvement and sustainability, anti-racist leadership, and transformational leadership, equipping participants with actionable strategies for equity and student success.
Professional Inspiration joins Benerd College’s Educator Catalog to address the critical needs of teacher wellness, burnout prevention, and personal growth. With a proven track record of engaging workshops and coaching sessions for educators nationwide, Professional Inspiration offers self-paced, online courses, interactive workshops, and flexible credentialing. Professional Inspiration’s approach centers on L.I.F.E.—Learning, Inspiration, Fun, and Empowerment—ensuring that every participant leaves with actionable insights and renewed motivation.
For more information on CPCE’s Educator Catalog, visit pacific.edu/teacher.
Benerd Partners with Community Medical Centers for Substance Abuse Counseling Program
Benerd College at University of the Pacific has announced a new partnership with Community Medical Centers (CMC) to provide targeted scholarships for students pursuing careers as substance abuse counselors. This initiative is designed to address the urgent need for more qualified professionals in the field of substance use disorder counseling-a need that has reached critical levels in many communities.
Through this collaboration, CMC will fund scholarships for 10 students to complete Benerd College’s Substance Abuse Counselor program. The program, which covers essential topics such as treatment planning, crisis intervention, and client education, equips graduates with the skills and knowledge required to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
The demand for substance use disorder counselors has surged in recent years, driven by the increasing prevalence of substance abuse issues nationwide. According to Lei McMiller, CMC Director of Substance Use Disorder, the situation is dire. “Issues related to substance-use disorder are at epidemic proportions in our communities. There’s a pressing need for more substance-use disorder counselors in our area, and the partnership between Community Medical Centers and University of the Pacific is addressing this need. Together, we are training additional staff members who will have a long-lasting, positive impact for those in need of substance-use disorder counseling.”
Impact and Opportunities
By providing scholarships, CMC and Benerd College are not only supporting individual students but also investing in the health and well-being of the broader community. The program aims to:
• Increase the number of trained substance abuse counselors in the region.
• Reduce barriers to entry for students passionate about making a difference.
• Strengthen the local workforce dedicated to combating substance use disorders.
17th Annual Math Steeplechase
University of the Pacific’s Math Steeplechase is an annual event organized and hosted by Benerd College, the Department of Mathematics, and Pacific Athletics. Thousands of students have attended the half-day event, participating in science experiments, athletics challenges, and the culminating Math Steeplechase math-a-thon competition, where teams of fifth-grade students solve complex math problems in a matter of minutes in order to bring home the Victor’s Cup for their school.
This year, students were delighted to be greeted by astronaut and Stockton native Jose Hernandez, who gave a riveting speech about his journey to working for NASA and going to space.
Brookside Elementary School brought home the Victor’s Cup this year, presented to them by none other than Powercat!
Commencement 2025
Newly minted Benerd graduates walked the stage at commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Benerd College Faculty even came together to throw up their Tiger Paws! Congratulations to our new Alumni!
Benerd College Second Annual Pickleball Tournament
Dinking for Dollars, Pickleball is Back!
After a successful inaugural year, Benerd College is hosting our 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament on Pacific’s Stockton campus on September 27th, 2025. Last year brought together Pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels for a fun day of competition and camaraderie. This year we want to go even bigger, with more teams and more skill divisions, all while raising support for scholarships to help provide a Pacific education to under served students.
In today’s uncertain climate, the challenges facing students and their families have never been greater. As financial pressures continue to rise, providing access to higher education through scholarships has become more critical than ever. This year, focus will be on raising funds for the Giovannoni Family Endowed Scholarship.
We hope you will save the date and join us for the tournament (Registration information coming to your inbox soon!). It is sure to be another fun and exciting day!
Interested in sponsorship? Showcase your organization’s commitment to educational opportunities for our community. Benerd offers a variety of flexible sponsorship levels to fit your organization’s needs. Please contact Kyle Harkness at kharkness@pacific.edu for more information.
Giving to Benerd
David Giovannoni and Kathy Sheram
New Endowed Scholarship at Pacific Benefits Benerd Students
The Giovannoni Family Endowed Scholarship, established by alumnus David Giovannoni ’76 and his wife, Kathy Sheram, stands as a testament to the power of giving back and investing in the next generation of educators. Created specifically to support students at Benerd College at the University of the Pacific, this scholarship is designed to ease the financial burden for those pursuing careers in education, enabling them to focus on their studies and professional growth.
The Giovannoni Family Endowed Scholarship at Benerd College exemplifies how targeted support for future educators can transform lives, strengthen communities, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. By reducing financial barriers, validating the aspirations of future teachers, and enabling academic excellence, this scholarship is not just an investment in individual students—it is an investment in the future of education itself.
The Power of Philanthropy at Benerd College
At Benerd College, we offer programs that address the most urgent needs of the Central Valley: We prepare educators, leaders, counselors, school psychologists, and lifelong learners who go on to shape classrooms, communities, and industries across California and beyond. But behind every inspired student and every innovative program is a community of supporters who believe in what we do.
$429,633 was given out in scholarships to Benerd students thanks to the philanthropy of so many Benerd alums and supporters!
Philanthropy fuels our mission. It provides scholarships that reduce financial barriers and helps to provide access to life changing opportunities for learning and economic, profession, and personal development.
As we close out the fiscal year, we are mindful of the challenges facing so many as they strive to improve their lives through education, and with that in mind, we invite consider a gift to Benerd College. Your support — at any level — directly impacts students and the future of teaching, learning, and mental wellness in our communities.
On behalf of all of us at Benerd, thank you!
Click here to be directed to our giving page
In Memoriam
Fred Muskal
June 8, 1939 – May 25, 2025
Dr. Muskal was a popular and well known professor at Pacific for over forty years, with much of that spent at Benerd teaching Education Administration. Dr. Muskal was known for living a life devoted to education, fairness, and love.
Elmer Clawson
Feb. 24, 1935 – April 27, 2025
Dr. Clawson was a beloved member of Benerd’s faculty from 1975-1995. Known for his dedication to teaching, He was given the distinguished professor award in the School of Education, as well as the Order of the Pacific, the University’s highest honor, and granted Professor Emeritus status.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Muskal and Dr. Clawson’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing or learning from them.