February 2026

New Progress Through Partnership

Across our campuses and throughout the Central Coast, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our students, employees, and community partners who advance our shared mission each day.

At Cuesta College, we recognize that education intersects directly with workforce development, housing stability, and economic mobility. Our work is grounded in expanding opportunity while strengthening the long-term vitality of our region.

In October 2025, we received eligibility for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, a meaningful validation of our measurable student outcomes and ongoing commitment to equitable access and success. We are also proud to introduce the Bachelor’s Pathway Program, a locally delivered solution you can read more about below.

I look forward to sharing more about these initiatives at the Chamber of Commerce's Good Morning SLO event Feb. 26. Our work continues to be guided by partnership-driven solutions that strengthen both student success and the communities we serve.

Thank you for your continued support of Cuesta College.

Warm regards,

Program Expanding Local Access to Bachelor's Degrees

Cuesta College is addressing a significant regional need through the development of the Bachelor’s Pathway Program, which expands access to public bachelor’s degrees for Central Coast residents.

Many local students face barriers to completing a bachelor’s degree due to limited local options and the financial and housing challenges associated with relocation. In response, Cuesta College has partnered with Cal Poly to design a model that allows students to complete lower-division coursework at Cuesta before transitioning to upper-division Cal Poly instruction delivered onsite at Cuesta's San Luis Obispo campus.

The program’s first cohort, focused on Liberal Studies, will launch in Fall 2026. The program is expected to expand into additional workforce-aligned pathways over time.

The Bachelor’s Pathway Program demonstrates the direct connection between education, workforce sustainability, and regional talent retention. By expanding access to advanced education, Cuesta College continues to strengthen its role as a talent engine for the Central Coast while supporting local economic and community needs.

Campus Standouts

Paramedic Program Class 19 Heads into the Workforce

Cuesta College’s Paramedic Program Class 19 was honored at a completion ceremony on Feb. 6 at the San Luis Obispo campus. Graduates are now entering the region’s emergency response workforce, strengthening local healthcare and public safety capacity while addressing critical community needs.

Journalism Professor Gets National Recognition

Journalism instructor Dr. Jeremy Shermak was named a Center for Community News Champion, recognizing his leadership in journalism education and civic engagement. This national distinction reflects Cuesta College’s commitment to community-centered learning and the development of informed, engaged citizens.

Music Director Speaks at National Conference

Music faculty member and winds director Jennifer Martin recently spoke at a national band and orchestra conference in Chicago, where she also autographed 200 copies of The Hill We Climb. Her work reflects Cuesta College’s ongoing contribution to arts education and national professional dialogue.

Faculty Excellence & Tenure Achievement

At the February Board of Trustees meeting, six faculty members were awarded tenure, and 31 additional faculty advanced in the tenure process. Tenure reflects Cuesta College’s long-term investment in instructional excellence and student success.

Newly tenured faculty represent a wide range of disciplines, including Automotive Technology, Ethnic Studies, Nursing and Allied Health, Journalism and Communications, Biology, and Academic Counseling. Their work strengthens academic quality and supports meaningful student outcomes across the college.

Student Support in Action: Financial Aid Day

Cuesta College continues to expand initiatives that support student access, persistence, and well-being.

Financial Aid Day on Feb. 11 focused on FAFSA and CADAA outreach, increasing awareness of financial aid opportunities and helping remove affordability barriers for first-generation and low-income students.

More Financial Aid Help

Leaders Speak at National Community College Conference

Cuesta College’s leadership continues to contribute to national conversations on higher education access. Dr. Jill Stearns and Dr. Kevin Walthers, superintendent/president of Allan Hancock College, recently presented at the Community College Baccalaureate Association conference, sharing insights on California’s community college bachelor’s degree model. The session drew participants from California, New York, Michigan, and Illinois, reflecting growing national interest in scalable, community-based pathways.

Explore Measure L and Its Impact to Cuesta College and Our Community

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