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Education
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MARYSVILLE, Calif. — Dr. Tawny Dotson, president of Yuba College, has been appointed to the National Commission on Small and Rural Colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges, or AACC.
Her term on the commission runs July 2024 through June 2027.
The commission plays a crucial role in the AACC’s decision-making process, ensuring the interests of member institutions are well-served.
Dr. Dotson’s designation is a reflection of her leadership, commitment and ability to impact the community college mission nationally.
“I’m grateful for an opportunity to make an impact for Yuba College and community colleges like it across the nation,” said Dotson.
“Supporting small, rural colleges like the one I’ve served for more than four years is incredibly important. These communities are where workforce development and social mobility are critical. I look forward to having a strong voice in advocating to support these colleges across the United States.”
Dr. Dotson has served as president of Yuba College since July 2020, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing significant improvements across the organization.
Enrollment is recovering significantly from COVID-19 declines under her leadership, seeing a year-to-year growth of 9% in the 2023-2024 academic year.
The college has also expanded its dual enrollment partnerships to include more than 2,500 high school students throughout Yuba College’s service area and has completed a series of facility upgrades at the Marysville Campus, with more in progress.
During her tenure, Dr. Dotson has secured $1.2 million in additional state funding for a STEM facility project and developed a comprehensive plan to use operating and bond funds to remodel student learning spaces.
She has also played a key role in launching the college’s largest fundraising campaign from private donors for additional facility needs in the kinesiology, health and athletics areas.
“I came back to this community for a reason. I wanted to be a part of the community that supported me as an active-duty Airman at Beale Air Force Base and to be a part of realizing the opportunity I knew was possible in Yuba-Sutter through education,” said Dotson. “This appointment will be a chance to expand that opportunity with a direct connection to advocate for policy decisions that support communities like ours at the federal level.”
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
This program offers one-on-one tutoring to learners ages 16 and older to improve their English language reading, writing, and conversation skills.
Program staff also plan to create new conversation clubs for learners to practice conversation and build peer support with other learners.
Volunteer tutors bilingual in Spanish are especially needed, though the program also has enrolled learners whose first languages originate from Turkey and Afghanistan.
No experience is necessary to become a literacy tutor as long as one has patience, a desire to help others, and a good command of the English language.
Tutor training, where volunteers learn useful techniques for teaching adults to read, is provided free of cost, along with ongoing support.
Upon completion of tutor training, tutors will be matched with learners, with tutoring hours being flexible for both the tutor and learner; sessions are typically held once per week for one hour.
Becoming a tutor can help someone to a better future. Many adults want to improve their reading and writing skills so they can access better jobs, further their own education, advocate for their children, and overall improve their way of life. Through hard work and perseverance, adult learners can change their own, and their family’s lives, for the better.
For English as a second language learners waiting for tutors, the Lake County Library offers a free online resource Mango Languages, a language learning service available on the web and as an app for Android and iPhone, free with your library card.
Mango Languages is a personalized, adaptive language-learning experience that provides the tools and guidance you need to expand your language skills wherever and however you learn best. Mango has over 70 world languages, including Endangered and Indigenous languages, and more than 20 specialized English courses.
Access Mango Languages for free through the Lake County Library by visiting https://www.lakecountyca.gov/1551/Mango-Languages.
The program is supported in part by the California Library Literacy Services and by the Lake County Literacy Coalition.
If you are interested in becoming a literacy tutor or know someone who could benefit from our services, please call 707-263-7633 or email
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Over 3,100 Pennsylvania Western University students earned placement on the Dean's List. Degree-seeking undergraduate students who achieve high academic standards are identified in accordance with the following criteria:
The student must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.40.
The student must earn a minimum of 12 graded credits during the semester, not including credits by proficiency examinations, incomplete grades, temporary grades (e.g., Not Reported), or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades.
Tingle studies at PennWest's Clarion Campus.
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- Written by: Yuba College
MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Yuba College will celebrate the accomplishments of its graduating students on Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m. at the Yuba College Athletic Complex.
This year, 913 students will receive their degrees and certificates.
“We are immensely proud of our graduates and their extraordinary achievements,” said Dr. Tawny Dotson, president of Yuba College. “We recognize the dedication it takes for each student to remain focused to earn their credentials. It’s not an easy path, but their hard work is worth it.”
Notable highlights of the ceremony include the keynote speech, given by student Shirley Camacho, and an original poem written and performed by former Yuba-Sutter Poet Laureate Salma Alfaqeeh, a senior at Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts.
This year’s recipient of the Yuba College Medal is Sarah Barnes. During her time at Yuba College, she initiated Rainbow Connections, a student club advocating for LGBTQ students and allies, and founded an organization that supports the feral cat population on campus. She will transfer to UC Davis this fall.
Yuba College graduates have expressed gratitude for the guidance they received throughout their educational journey. Rebecca Hounshell reflected on her experience fondly.
“Yuba College has a really good support system. The staff were always there and willing to help," she said. "As a first-generation college student, this support was invaluable."
Hounshell has been accepted at Sacramento State with plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in health science.
California Community College Chancellor’s Office defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parents have not attended college. Of Yuba College’s 913 graduates, nearly 500 are first-generation college students.
“It takes courage for these students to walk through the college doors,” Dotson said. “Their achievement is a testament to their determination to excel. These graduates are not only transforming their own lives but also inspiring their families and communities.”
Gurneet Janda worked as a student employee in the counseling department at Yuba College.
“Working in the counseling department has helped me tremendously with my journey here at Yuba College, whether it was personally or academically. I gained a great amount of knowledge about my education, choices, and goals, and they prepared me for the future,” she said. “The counselors and my friends have been the most helpful to me in my journey.”
Janda will transfer to Sac State to major in graphic design with a minor in marketing.
Dotson noted several achievements that she is proud to announce on behalf of the college.
“Two-thirds of our graduates are women,” she shared. “And nearly half of the graduates are students of color. Our college aims to be a welcoming place that supports diversity and promotes inclusion in all corners of the campus. This diverse group of graduates gives me hope that our students know everyone is supported here and can thrive.”
She added that the ceremony will honor 15 veterans, including current members of the active duty, National Guard and reserves, as well as 40 veteran dependents.
In terms of academic achievements, an impressive 250 students have earned multiple degrees. Additionally, 138 students have been honored for academic distinction with GPAs between 3.75 and 4.0, and 27 students have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA.
“As the graduates prepare to step to the next path along their journey, they do so equipped with knowledge and skills that will serve as the foundation for their future success,” Dotson said. “I’m honored that these students began their journey at Yuba College and proud of each one for all that they have already accomplished.”
For more information about Yuba College and its programs, please visit https://yc.yccd.edu/.