July 11, 2023
Contact: Melissa Villarin
Office: 916-327-5365
Office E-mail: MVillarin@CCCCO.edu
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has welcomed two visiting executives to its team, strengthening capacity and innovation in the areas of research and educational services and support for the 116-college system.
Craig Hayward is serving as visiting executive of strategic research and innovative design and John Stanskas is serving as vice chancellor of educational services and support. Their work will support the Board of Governors and Chancellor Christian in advancing the future of higher education through the design of the system’s Vision 2030 goals and objectives.
“We are happy to have Craig Hayward and John Stanskas join the Chancellor’s Office,” said Chancellor Sonya Christian. “Both are experts in their respective fields and that knowledge will be critical as we build out the system’s Vision 2030: A Roadmap for California Community Colleges.”
Hayward will be a strategic advisor to the Chancellor, across the divisions in the Chancellor’s Office, providing expertise on research and data design. He will focus on reimagining and expanding critical statewide data and research infrastructure. He also will provide analytical support for dual enrollment, equitable placement, guided pathways, transfer and effective pathways for adult learners. Hayward also will lead statewide professional development to strengthen data visualization, evidence-based design and high-impact strategies to advance student access and success with equity.
Hayward most recently served as associate vice chancellor of analytics and innovation at the Kern Community College District. He has also served in roles at Bakersfield College, Irvine Valley College, Cabrillo College, Mendocino College and the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Hayward earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University and his PhD in psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
In his role as the vice chancellor of educational services and support, Stanskas will manage transfer, curriculum and intersegmental work. Stanskas will focus on curriculum chaptering and approval; intersegmental coordination with California State University, University of California and private four-year institution partners; student equity programs; emerging programs and initiatives; enrollment and retention initiatives; and innovations in teaching and learning. Stanskas replaces Aisha Lowe, who was promoted to the position of executive vice chancellor for the Equitable Student Learning, Experience and Impact Office.
Stanskas has served as dean of science at San Bernardino Valley College and the president of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. Prior to that he spent 25 years serving California’s community colleges as a faculty member. Stanskas earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mary Washington College in Virginia and a PhD in nuclear chemistry from the University of Maryland.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 1.8 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
###
