OCTOBER 2026

Chancellor Mehdizadeh to Retire After 39 Years with 4CD

Following a decades-long career with the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD), Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh has announced that she will retire on Dec. 30. At their September meeting, the 4CD Governing Board appointed Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Micaela Ochoa to serve as interim chancellor while the District conducts a search for the next permanent chancellor.  

The District will honor Chancellor Mehdizadeh at an official retirement party and fundraiser that will benefit 4CD students through the Contra Costa College Foundation, the Diablo Valley College Foundation, and the Los Medanos College Foundation. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8 and tickets are now available. 

The Enduring Impact Campaign aims to raise funds to help 4CD students facing financial barriers to their education. Funds raised will support students’ greatest needs, such as food insecurity, rent, scholarships, and other financial needs that obstruct their ability to stay in school, along with other programmatic support on 4CD campuses. 

Read the full press release.

Colleges Support Justice-Impacted Students Through New Program

Diablo Valley College recently celebrated the launch of Scholars for Justice, a new program supporting justice-impacted students as they pursue their education and career goals.  

Funded by the statewide Rising Scholars Network, programs that support justice-impacted students are now offered at all 4CD colleges.

Scholars for Justice serves currently and formerly incarcerated students, individuals currently or formerly on probation, and youth who are in or transitioning from juvenile justice facilities.  

“This program offers a supportive community where students can build connections, navigate college, and access personalized academic guidance at every stage of their educational journey,” said Dean of Social Sciences Dr. Lisa Ratchford (pictured here), who led the development of DVC’s program.  

Services include college transition and financial aid assistance, career exploration, transfer and career education pathways, priority registration for eligible students, counseling referrals, tutoring, technology support, and connections to campus and community resources. Together, these services and pathways support students in pursuing meaningful careers and contribute to building stronger, more equitable communities. 

Read the full article.

Sentinels of Freedom Celebrate Veterans, Donors

Student veterans and leaders from across 4CD recently attended the Sentinels of Freedom Donor Appreciation Dinner—an event to recognize the donors and supporters who help post-9/11 veterans achieve their educational, personal, and professional goals.

With representatives from each college, the 4CD team joined fellow veterans, active-duty service members, community members, corporate partners, educators, Blue Star Moms and Gold Star Parents for an evening focused on connection, gratitude, and shared commitment to veteran success.

The program featured remarks from Sentinels of Freedom Founder, Chairman, and CEO Mike Conklin, along with veterans who shared their personal stories of resilience, academic achievement, and the transition from military service to civilian life. Their experiences highlighted the powerful impact that education, mentorship, and community support can have as veterans build new futures beyond their military careers.

“The dinner provided a meaningful opportunity for 4CD student veterans to connect with fellow service members and engage with the individuals and

organizations committed to supporting their continued success,” said DVC student veteran Mani Santiago.

Sentinels of Freedom maintains a strong partnership with Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College, supporting the Student Veteran Resource Centers at all three schools.

View more photos from the Sept. 24 Sentinels of Freedom event.

Colleges Join East Bay Early Childhood Education, Teacher Preparation Network

Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College are teaming up with seven other community colleges to help more people become early childhood educators in the East Bay.

The new East Bay Early Childhood Education and Education Regional Network, led by Berkeley City College, will bring colleges and community partners together over the next two years to expand access to careers in early childhood education, preK–12 schools, and expanded learning programs—helping meet the region’s growing need for qualified teachers.

“Our three colleges offer early childhood education programs that equip our students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in the field. Through this regional network, we can learn from one another, share expertise, and implement proven practices that strengthen our future workforce," said Kelly Schelin, Contra Costa Community College District Executive Vice Chancellor, Education and Technology. 

Read the full press release.

LMC Named 2026 Pathway Champion of Placement

The Campaign for College Opportunity named Los Medanos College a 2026 Pathway Champion of Placement for its Latinx Student Success in English. This award recognizes colleges where Latinx students are completing transfer-level English at the highest rates, with particular attention to closing racial equity gaps.

As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, LMC prioritizes improving transfer-level English completion for this population but has not done so in isolation. The college’s Student Equity Plan includes strategies designed to address shared and intersecting barriers to completion of all students.

“I’m especially proud of our English faculty and colleagues who have embraced the opportunity to rethink how we support students, remove barriers, and create pathways to early success in college-level English,” said LMC Vice President of Instruction A’kilah Smith.

Read the full press release.

CCC Honored with 2026 Black 'EdCellence' Award

Contra Costa College (CCC) has been recognized with the California Association of Black School Educators’ (CABSE) 2026 Black EdCellence Award “in recognition of groundbreaking leadership in advancing education equity for Black students.”

CABSE is dedicated to advancing educational equity and excellence, particularly for Black students. Its annual Black EdCellence Awards celebrate educators and educational leaders making meaningful contributions to student success in their schools, colleges, and communities.

The recognition follows another significant milestone for CCC: its designation in December 2025 as one of California’s first Black-Serving Institutions (BSIs).

Read the full article.

Ballot Boxes Open, Available on All Campuses

Make your vote count this election season!

Did you know that all 4CD colleges have official ballot drop boxes available?

Students, employees, and community members can return their completed ballots at one of our main college campuses. Official ballot drop boxes are available through Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, until 8 p.m.

Contra Costa College: Located along Comet Way, across from Parking Lot 2 near the bridge.

Diablo Valley College: Located in Parking Lot 8.

Los Medanos College: Located in front of Police Services