Critical Conversations on Community Colleges

Episode Description Dra. Susana Muñoz facilitates a critical conversation about the vital role that community colleges play with three scholars/community college leaders.  Suggested APA Episode Citation Muñoz, S. (Host). (2021, August 4). Student Affairs at Community Colleges. (No. 52) [Audio podcast episode]. In Student Affairs NOW https://studentaffairsnow.com/community-college/ Episode Transcript Case Willoughby:I mean, there were students who were real high flyers coming in, and there were students who were struggling with basic literacy, right? I mean, it's that incredible gamut hugely diverse racially ethnically. And I was sort of bitten by the bug and found the mission to community college to be super important. I did work at a four year institution between there and my current job, but I have a real passion for community colleges and the potential we have, which we do not always live up to, but the potential we have to really open doors for people, for whom the doors really are largely closed. Susana Muñoz:Hello, and welcome to Student Affairs Now. I'm your host Susana Muñoz. Today on the podcast. We're discussing community colleges, why they're important and what the future holds for community colleges. Student Affairs Now is the premier podcast and learning community for thousands of us who work in alongside or adjacent to the field of higher education and student affairs. We hope you'll find these conversations, make a contribution to the field and are restorative to the profession. We release new episodes every week on Wednesdays. Find us at studentaffairsnow.com or on Twitter. This episode is brought to you by two of our sponsors, Anthology and EverFi. As I mentioned, I'm your host, Susana Muñoz. My pronouns are she her hers, ella. I'm broadcasting from Fort Collins, Colorado. And you have the campus of Colorado state University. CSU occupies the ancestral Homeland of the Cheyenne Arapaho and Ute people. From wherever you're listening today, we are due to investigate the original occupants of the land. I am thrilled to have the following individuals present for today's conversation. Let me introduce our panelists today. Joining me are John Hernandez, Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, and Case Willoughby. As each of you introduce yourself to our listeners. Please tell us a little bit about your interests at community colleges and how you're entering into the conversation. Let's start with John. John Hernandez:Well, hello, Susana. Thank you for having me. My preferred pronouns, are he him, his, el. My interest in community colleges, frankly, started as a community college student. I've always felt extremely proud of being a product particularly of the California community college system. And I feel that that experience is probably what triggered you know, genuine commitment and passion for this work, particularly at the community college. A first-generation immigrant, and like many of our students that come from that background education was something that was instilled in my home. And it became almost a way to fulfill the dreams and the aspirations of my parents. And part of the reason for coming to this country was to provide for better opportunities. And it really helps me, I think,