Victor Valley College (VVC) has embarked on an exciting journey towards operational and institutional excellence with the introduction of the Pursuit of Excellence Team (POET). The team’s mission is to uphold a standard of continuous improvement across all aspects of the college, ensuring that the staff, faculty, and students thrive in an environment conducive to success.
The Pursuit of Excellence Team was formed in response to the Results of the Excellence Essential Practices Survey, deployed in November 2021, which shed light on areas in need of improvement. Among the notable findings, the survey revealed that only 35% of respondents agreed that benchmarks and student data tracking were consistently shared across key initiatives. Similarly, only 34% agreed that VVC’s governance structure enabled swift implementation of new practices and programs.
To address these concerns, POET has set its sights on improving these results through a standardized and continuous pursuit of operational and institutional excellence. One of their primary goals is to ensure that VVC continuously seeks ways to free up resources, particularly human
resources, from labor-intensive tasks, allowing more time and attention to be focused on students’ needs.
Collaboration lies at the heart of POET’s strategy. The team is dedicated to fostering cross-collaborative strategies and activities across all units, departments, and divisions at the college. This approach ensures that operational and institutional excellence becomes a shared effort, benefiting every corner of the campus. 10 people were broken down into 5 teams to move forward with the Pursuit of Excellence Project. Those teams consisted of Dr. McKenzie Tarango, Associate Vice President of Instruction at Victor Valley College and Professor Tracy Davis. Team Two was comprised of Jonathan Scott from the Access Department and Antonio Herrera in Information Technology Services. Team Three consisted of Dr. Daniel Walden, President of Victor Valley College and Michelle Painter, Sr. Executive Assistant to President Walden. Team Four consisted of former VVC Foundation Executive Board president Shannon Shannon and VVC Executive Vice President of Instruction, Innovation, and Student Success, Dr. Todd Scott. And finally, Team Five was made up of Brian Quarles, Professor
and Department Chairperson of Business Administration at VVC as well as Mason Blanche who serves as the Director for Student Services CalWorks department at VVC.
POET has set its sights on improving these results through a standardized and continuous pursuit of operational and institutional excellence.
Transparency is another key pillar of POET’s pursuit. The team is committed to promoting full transparency of operational accountability and results. Regular communication, both internally and externally, will ensure that the progress made is widely known, and successes will be celebrated together.
Taking action based on survey feedback, POET has developed a comprehensive action plan. This plan includes drafting surveys, collecting feedback from stakeholders, and systematically addressing specific areas of concern. The team’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in their engagement with 111 participants from various segments of the VVC community, including CSEA, full-time faculty, management/administration, and part-time faculty.
A brief analysis of the survey responses revealed insights into the areas that required attention. Among the common themes were issues related to communication, lack of support, consistency, and interdepartmental challenges. However, the POET team is determined
to address these concerns head-on. The Pursuit of Excellence Team is already making strides in various departments across the campus. From Student Services to EOPS, Access Resources, Information Technology Services, Financial Aid, and General Counseling, each department is actively working to enhance the student experience and operational efficiency.
In alignment with their goals, POET has outlined a series of action plans. These plans encompass sharing excellence activities, creating an integrated planning manual, tracking and sharing student data, and improving communication across the campus committees, Foundation, and stakeholders.
In essence, Victor Valley College’s Pursuit of Excellence Team is steering the institution toward a brighter future. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement, VVC is poised to create an environment where staff, faculty, and students can thrive and achieve their highest potential.
Beyond the pursuit of excellence, Victor Valley College has achieved remarkable success. Chancellor Sonya Christian recently extended her congratulations to Superintendent/ President Daniel Walden for VVC’s outstanding accomplishments in equitable course placement. VVC received 6 Campaign for College Opportunity Excellence in Placement Awards for its commitment to implementing equitable course placement practices.
These awards underscore the hard work and dedication of VVC’s faculty, staff, and students. They also highlight the pivotal role that community colleges play in providing access to higher education and supporting student success.
Victor Valley College’s achievements extend further. It is the only community college in Southern California to receive a superior rating in Campuswide Transfer-Level Math Enrollment. This signifies that VVC has effectively supported 100% of its students in enrolling directly in transfer-level math coursework, while
also enabling 100% of students to enroll directly in transfer-level English coursework.
Earlier this year, VVC was honored with the 2023 John W. Rice Award from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors for its innovative studentcentered strategies. These strategies, including robust tutoring programs, vibrant math and writing centers, and an innovative student-run call center, provide immediate support to students and have played a significant role in expanding access to higher education and improving student outcomes.
Victor Valley College’s commitment to excellence and student success is evident in its ongoing efforts and its well-deserved recognition. The institution’s future is undeniably bright, promising a learning environment where staff, faculty, and students continue to excel and achieve their highest potential.
POET plans to send out a followup survey in November 2023. the team is hopeful they will see a positive increase in the results based on new strategies of excellence.
JOB PLACEMENT RATES
DID YOU KNOW? VVC IS EXCEEDING ITS GOAL OF HELPING STUDENTS IN JOB PLACEMENT IN BOTH COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Hundreds gather to honor the fallen during annual patriotic tradition on campus
In an era characterized by divisions that have strained relationships among family and friends due to political differences, Victor Valley College boldly continues to defy the norm and foster unity for the 22nd anniversary of September 11th. Against all odds, VVC succeeds with acknowledgment of what happened on that tragic day. Throughout Labor Day weekend, on the upper campus, on a grassy knoll directly to the left of the High Desert 9/11 memorial, around 200 students and community members held up traditions and gathered as early as 6:00 a.m. for three consecutive days to remember and honor those who perished in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. over two decades ago.
VVC Public Information Officer and ASB Advisor Robert Sewell says that’s
important for the campus to continue this tradition of putting up all 3,000 flags each year not only to remind us as a community what happened on September 11, but to also let all first responders know just how important they are to the community, risking their lives each day to make sure we’re safe.
A couple of months prior to the weekend, students of the Associated Student Body (ASB) at VVC volunteered their time to write out the names of nearly 3,000 people who died on 9/11. Each index card, with the name of a fallen loved one, was attached to its own American flag during the holiday weekend, and placed into the ground to honor that victim. 72-year-old High Desert community leader Frank Kelly moved to the High Desert in the late 1990s and brought his 9-year-old grandson to VVC to lay down some
flags. Frank says that he took his grandson to VVC to show him the memorial and explained the purpose of each flag to him “These people gave their lives on 9/11, we’re doing this in their honor.”
37-year-old VVC nursing student and mother Desiree Coley brought her 11-year-old son Dominic to VVC over the weekend to also participate. Dominic was asked if he understood the purpose of the college doing this for 9/11 since his generation had not been born or existed at the time the Twin Towers went down. Dominic says it’s important to remember these people “[because] they died in 9/11 so it’s important to remember because it was a sad day.”
Desiree says she remembers being in class on an unforgettable day, “It was
actually on the TV [and] the teacher had put it on right then in class as it was happening so it was crazy. You know when you’re that age it’s kind of like you don’t know what it all means, but it was super scary. I’m thinking like ‘Are we going to go to war?’” Desiree also says she wanted to make sure that her kids know what happened in American history, “It’s not even that far off distance wise and I think it’s really special remembering all these people.”
Those new to the community should be aware that the official September 11 memorial for the High Desert rests on Victor Valley College’s upper campus, in front of the library, which is next to the grassy knoll that is currently displaying nearly 3,000 American flags. The “United We Stand” monument, was designed by VVC student Joan Sowinski and was dedicated
on Monday, September 11, 2006. The concept behind the monument originated from the visionary Dr. Prem Reddy, Chairman of the Board of Desert Valley Hospital, who sought to create a memorial that would help heal the community’s wounds.
Jeffrey Crumbaker of the Patrician Group in Riverside brought Sowinski’s vision to life. The result is a magnificent memorial comprised of three pillars, each adorned with a metal arch extending from its top, culminating in a liberty bell at the pinnacle. Inscribed on the Liberty Bell are the words, “We will never forget the innocent lives lost on September Eleventh Two Thousand and One.”
Each pillar bears a word and a plaque. The leftmost pillar, when facing the library, is dedicated to “Strength” and commemorates the 184 people killed at the Pentagon. The adjacent pillar stands for “Freedom” and pays tribute to the 2,749 lives lost at the World Trade Center. The final pillar to the right symbolizes “Hope” and honors the 40 individuals who perished on Flight 93.
Curved benches crafted from the same material as the pillars flank each side, featuring marble tops. A marble plaque listing the generous sponsors adorns the Hope pillar.
The public is welcomed to the campus between now and September 12, 2023, to view the memorial and pay respects to those who perished 22 years ago.
The “United We Stand” monument stands today as a testament to the unwavering support from numerous donors.
Victor Valley College continues to ensure that the memory of September 11th, 2001 lives on and that the sacrifices made that day are never forgotten.
“These people gave their lives on 9/11, we’re doing this in their honor.”
-Frank Kelly
VICTORVILLE — In a thrilling matchup on September 5, 2023, the Victor Valley College Women’s Soccer Team demonstrated their skills and determination as they clinched a resounding 3-0 victory over West Los Angeles College.
From the kickoff, it was evident that Victor Valley was eager to secure a win on their home turf. The players showcased their dedication to the sport, and their teamwork was nothing short of impressive.
The opening goal came early in the first half, as Vanessa Piceno, one of Victor Valley’s standout performers, found the back of the net with precision. Raylene Amezqua provided the assist, setting the tone for an exciting match.
As the game progressed, Chloe Neos continued to shine for Victor Valley, demonstrating her scoring prowess. Neos scored two crucial goals, the first assisted by Lorena Ruiz and the second by Vanessa Piceno. These goals
solidified Victor Valley’s lead and put the game firmly in their control.
Elanna Armenta, guarding Victor Valley’s net, showcased her skills and resilience by keeping a clean sheet throughout the match. Her six saves played a vital role in preserving the team’s lead and securing the shutout.
The Victor Valley offense displayed their dominance with a total of 17 shots, nine of which were on target, while their defense, led by players like April Renteria and Leilani Sanchez, proved impenetrable for the West Los Angeles College team.
Victor Valley’s control of the midfield was evident as they consistently won possession battles and created numerous scoring opportunities. Players like Aracelli Sanchez and Michelle Vazquez contributed to the team’s overall success.
The final score of 3-0 was a testament to Victor Valley College’s skill, unity,
and determination. Their fans, though absent from the stands, undoubtedly cheered them on from afar, celebrating this remarkable victory.
This triumph marks another impressive chapter in Victor Valley College’s Women’s Soccer Team’s journey. With their current form and teamwork, they look forward to a promising season ahead. Victorious and filled with confidence, they are ready to take on their next challenges.
In unity and with exceptional teamwork, Victor Valley College continues to shine in the world of collegiate soccer, leaving their mark with every match they play.
VICTORVILLE — In an exhilarating match on September 5, 2023, the Victor Valley College Men’s Soccer Team displayed their exceptional skills and teamwork as they secured a remarkable 2-0 victory over Los Angeles City College.
From the first whistle, it was evident that Victor Valley was determined to emerge victorious on their home turf. The players exhibited unwavering dedication to their craft and a strong sense of unity that was truly commendable.
The first goal of the match came in the second half, precisely at the 45-minute mark, when Jacob Garcia found the back of the net with precision. Credit for the assist goes to Luis Piceno, who played a pivotal role in setting up the crucial goal.
Jacob Garcia continued to shine for Victor Valley as he netted his second goal of the match, sealing the victory. Alfredo Lopez provided the assist this
time, showcasing the team’s excellent coordination and offensive capabilities.
Sebastian Guzman, guarding Victor Valley’s goal, delivered a stellar performance, making four crucial saves that preserved the clean sheet for his team. His outstanding goalkeeping skills were instrumental in ensuring the victory.
While Los Angeles City College had a total of 11 shots, they were unable to breach the resolute Victor Valley defense, led by players like Ryan Callaway and Javier Gonzalez Morales.
Victor Valley’s midfield, commanded by Diego Perez and Kevin Amaro, controlled the tempo of the game and created numerous scoring opportunities for their team. This display of teamwork and skill was a testament to their dedication to the sport.
With this victory, the Victor Valley College Men’s Soccer Team improves
their overall season record to 1-3 (.250). They have shown great promise despite the challenges they faced earlier in the season, with a win now added to their accomplishments.
This win adds another chapter to Victor Valley College’s Men’s Soccer Team’s impressive journey. With their current form and unity, they look forward to an exciting and successful season ahead. Filled with confidence and determination, they are ready to take on all challenges that lie ahead.
In unity and with exceptional teamwork, Victor Valley College continues to shine in the world of collegiate soccer, leaving their mark with every match they play.
Renowned speaker and author, Gary Schoeniger, recently graced the halls of Victor Valley College with his inspirational presentation. Drawing from his wealth of knowledge and expertise, as showcased on his website, Schoeniger captivated the audience with insights on entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset. His engaging talk shed light on the power of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, not just in the business world but also in education and personal growth.
As a globally recognized thought leader, Schoeniger’s visit to Victor Valley College served as a testament to the institution’s commitment to offering its community transformative learning experiences. His presentation resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset as a pathway to unlocking personal and professional potential. With his thoughtprovoking ideas and engaging storytelling, Schoeniger left a lasting impression, inspiring both students and faculty to embrace entrepreneurship as a driving force for innovation and success in all aspects of life.
Image Source: Andrew Caravella
(Right Top) A photo of Schoeniger’s latest book “Who Owns the Ice House?” which was given away to several in attendance (Right Bottom) Schoeniger talks to students and staff at VVC about the value of Entreprenuership.
