PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The past year has seen many changes for Reedley College. Students now demand more choices, including high-quality distance education and hybrid courses in addition to both traditional and non-traditional face-to-face opportunities. Reedley also has begun a pilot project using short-term courses, building upon decades of experience at colleges across the country that have seen dramatically higher student engagement, retention and success using eight-week classes compared to their standard semester-length courses. Faculty continue to develop courses and programs that utilize competency-based education to provide greater flexibility for student learning, while the number and methods of offering early college courses also have increased with our high school partners, providing more pathways to baccalaureate degrees here in the Central Valley. Partnerships in agriculture, forestry and manufacturing continue to encourage higher rates of completion of our own certificates and associate degrees, thus raising the earning potential of graduates and the economies of our communities. This past year Reedley College created even more extended learning opportunities to address the increasing need of our adult students to upskill and reskill in this rapidly evolving technology-focused job market. Among these efforts is Reedley’s focus on agricultural technology education of our local farm workers, which has resulted in an increased earning potential and quality of life. The College will continue to pursue modernization of its existing buildings, while also creating new and more efficient learning spaces for our students. Reedley is also fundraising for construction of an “agriculture innovation center” to support future instructional program development, providing student internship opportunities while encouraging entrepreneurs to utilize our farm as a “sand box” for testing new technologies and sustainable farming techniques, thus reducing the cost of agricultural operations and increasing profit margins for our local growers. Finally, Reedley’s 100th anniversary starts on September 20, 2026, so we plan to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and the history of our college. Our celebrations will include recognition of our top 100 stars that have contributed to Reedley College’s culture and history, as well as our state championship athletic teams across time. Join us this coming year as we celebrate the heritage of Reedley College!
Dr. Jerry L. Buckley Reedley College President
Annual Report 2024-2025 1
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