We are thrilled to announce that Palo Verde College has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Dr. John W. Rice Award for Student Success! This honor recognizes our unwavering commitment to student success, diversity, and equity. On Monday, Dr. Bruce Moses proudly accepted the award on behalf of the students, staff, and board of trustees of Palo Verde Community College District.

Dr. Moses, an innovative leader with over 30 years of experience, is renowned for his dedication to promoting equal access to higher education and advancing college completion priorities. Known for his ability to lead challenging initiatives during unstable cultural times, Dr. Moses excels at motivating and fostering collaborations among multiple stakeholders. Under his leadership, Palo Verde College continues to thrive and set new standards for student success.

The Dr. John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award, established in 2001, honors community colleges that make significant contributions to faculty and staff diversity or student equity. In 2019, the award expanded to include Student Success. Named after Dr. John W. Rice, a former Board of Governors member known for his commitment to equal employment opportunity and multicultural learning, this award celebrates institutions that excel in fostering diversity, equity, and student success.

Palo Verde College's success is built on innovative strategies aimed at reducing equity gaps and enhancing student outcomes. Key initiatives include improving active participation definitions in CE courses, reducing reliance on proctored exams, and providing strong support for the Puente and Umoja programs. These programs highlight the presence and impact of cultural programs on campus, creating a sense of community and belonging, offering scholarship opportunities, and organizing cultural events.

We have also eliminated placement tests, removing barriers to transfer-level English and Math, and have provided comprehensive training for online teaching to our faculty. Our efforts to support incarcerated students have been particularly impactful, with approximately 2,800 incarcerated students supported annually, boasting a success rate of 78% and a completion rate of 94%, both higher than the state average.

Palo Verde College's Puente and Umoja programs create a sense of community and belonging, offering scholarship opportunities, cultural events, and dedicated mentorship. These programs are crucial in fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed. Our commitment to these innovative strategies has significantly contributed to our outstanding success rates and community impact.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this achievement. Together, we continue to set new standards for student success, equity, and inclusion.

Visit our YouTube for the video that was played during the ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpqLDXW4ZR4&ab_channel=PaloVerdeCommunityCollegeDistrict