Benerd Review

Message from the Dean

Since the merger of University College and the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education in 2019, Benerd College has been carving its own distinctive path at Pacific. Collectively, at Benerd we are driven by and committed to education as a right, one that should be available and accessible to all.

To that end, the Benerd Review highlights how our mission of providing quality, affordable education across the lifespan of the individual is being realized. As you peruse the publication, you will discover the ways in which Benerd is living its mission. You’ll see our dedication to collaborating with our community and to partnering with other stakeholders to develop and deliver educational opportunities that meet the needs of our students and constituents. We are committed to offering these in flexible formats that help students better navigate the competing demands of school, life and work.

I hope you enjoy learning about Benerd’s unique role at Pacific. As you read through this report, I am confident that you will be as impressed with our amazing people and programs as I am! Please share your thoughts and keep in touch!

PATRICIA CAMPBELL Dean of Benerd College

Vision and Mission

Our vision is to be the most trusted and agile partner for meeting diverse educational needs.

Our mission is to develop human potential by providing transformative learning experiences.

Education Without Boundaries

BENERD’S DRIVING FORCE

The question of who can go to college has shaped conversations about higher education—and higher education itself—for centuries. Originally designed for those entering elite professions, university education has become a lever of social mobility, empowering students to embark upon new careers and open new doors of opportunity. Yet, higher education remains out of reach for many: universities continue to serve only a percentage of Americans, and university education is seen as only for a few.

Scholars, activists, leaders and policy makers tackle the varied rea-

sons for this disparity and its social, political and cultural driving forces are negotiated in the courtroom and legislature, through the ballot box and at board meetings. Universities also have the power to overcome some barriers to access in higher education; these include cost, programming, access and relevance.

Benerd College believes higher education should not be limited to traditional multi-year degrees for students who have not yet started their careers and can afford years of non-earning. Its programs have been designed to overcome barriers that prevent many learners from pursuing higher education.

BENERD 2022–2023

By The Numbers

73

DEGREE COMPLETION BA and BS FALL ‘22

159

MASTER’S DEGREES FALL ‘22

158

DOCTORATES FALL ‘22

515

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SERVED FALL ‘22

435

OLLI MEMBERS 2022

17,467

PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION STUDENTS 2022–23

SERVING LEARNERS OF ALL STAGES AND AGES

Benerd College offers the Pacific experience to learners ages 8 to 100 by reimagining traditional higher education. Learners of all ages can access educational offerings in an array of accessible designs, formats and price points. From the annual Math Steeplechase that welcomes elementary students to the Stockton campus to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) which serves learners aged 50 and over, there is something for everyone.

For those who are looking to finish what they started, Benerd has options

for undergraduate degree completion and advancement to graduate degrees.

Undergraduate students can minor in teaching or complete bachelor’s degrees (BA and BS) in three specialty areas of administration and leadership. Benerd offers hybrid and flexible formats for completing master’s degrees (MA) in five areas in education and two areas in leadership. Undergraduates and graduates can obtain teaching credentials through Benerd. For students pursuing doctoral degrees, Benerd also offers doctorates in education, with three specialty area options, and in Counseling Psychology.

Benerd offers a wide variety of certificate and continuing education programs designed for learners who

have already earned their degrees or who are looking to increase their knowledge in a particular subject. With programs in education, health care, technology, data information, leadership, business and legal studies, as well as extension courses for credit toward a degree, learners’ opportunities are endless.

In addition to these degree and certificate options, Benerd College serves as Pacific’s hub for international programming and services, with support for students from around the world. Benerd’s immersion programs allow domestic students to travel abroad, experience local cultures and participate in educational settings internationally.

Pacific is the premiere place to learn and grow. Options for evening, online and weekend courses make Benerd programs more accessible than ever to the diverse communities we serve. Whether learners are looking to pivot to new careers or accelerate achievement on the paths they are on, Benerd has options.

DEI AT THE CORE

Benerd College continually explores new program delivery methods and strives to achieve equity and inclusion for diverse learners through initiatives aimed at disrupting the established culture of higher education. Benerd also remains committed to evaluating current policies and practices that facilitate regular and critical reflection on culture, practices, policies, approaches and curricula. Faculty and staff are actively reinvigorating approaches to teaching and learning toward these goals.

Dr. Belkis Choiseul-Praslin (photo, left), assistant professor and program lead for special education, leads the Benerd Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) working group focused on sharing ideas, facilitating conversations and creating a more equitable learning environment. The group recently explored Ungrading—the idea that students should be evaluated primarily on their improvement during a course, including their revising and refining of work and assignments. Over six months, the group drafted a working document that explains the concept, argues for its use and offers ways to incorporate it. The document will be made available to all Pacific faculty interested in more equitable learning practices.

Drs. Laura Hallberg (photo, bottom right) and Louise Santiago (photo, bottom left), designed and launched Benerd College’s new Anchored in Equity Certificate, the result of years of research and advocacy for equity and inclusion. The graduate level certificate consists of three courses that will challenge learners to not only understand equity but to make change in their communities. This certificate program launched in 2023 in partnership with the Impact Foundry, a Sacramento-based nonprofit resource organization.

Scan to learn about Benerd College degree programs, certificates, extension courses, international programs and lifelong learning.

Pacific.edu/Benerd

Community Impacts

ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

THE MATH STEEPLECHASE

Now in its 15th year, the Math Steeplechase is hosted annually by Benerd College with support from Pacific’s Athletics and Physics departments. Each year, the event serves more than 800 fifth-grade students who participate in a mathematical competition, physics experiments, a campus scavenger hunt and athletic activities. The main math competition involves teams of students working collaboratively to quickly solve complex math problems in a matter of minutes.

Benerd students, faculty and staff lead the coordination and planning of this treasured event, which provides a complex hands-on learning experience for future teachers and an unforgettable day on a college campus for elementary students from all over Northern California.

“As a fifth grader, the Math Steeplechase was my first time being around college students,” said Sara Lopez ’22, an alumna of Benerd College. “I will never forget the impact it had on me—seeing their love of learning.”

The Math Steeplechase has a long history of inspiring students in the community to pursue their own educational pathways.

MATH STEEPLECHASE IS CELEBR ATING ITS

Sara Lopez ’22 grew up in Stockton, and vividly remembers her first time on the Pacific campus as a fifthgrade participant in Benerd’s annual Math Steeplechase event. She was inspired by the curiosity and enthusiasm of the Pacific students she met during the event.

During high school, Lopez gained hands-on experience in the classroom while volunteering in

a transitional kindergarten classroom. She decided to become a teacher and committed to Pacific for her teacher-education degree program because of its strong reputation, small class sizes and personalized experience.

While studying at Benerd, the importance of student-centered teaching was impressed upon Lopez. “It’s easy to worry about the pay, administration, the lesson plan and perfection,” she says. “But as long as students are put first, and

YEAR IN 2023

THE EVENT SERVES MORE THAN

15th 800

FIFTH-GRADE STUDENTS

As a 5th grader, the Math Steeplechase was my first time being around college students. I will never forget the impact it had on me –seeing their love of learning.

SARA LOPEZ ’22 Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies

ALUMNI PROFILE: SARA LOPEZ ’22

they know we care and are here for them, that’s what’s important. We were taught ‘They’ll forget what you said but remember how you made them feel.’”

Today, Lopez is a second-grade teacher at Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy, the elementary school she attended as a child, where she is fulfilling her dream of giving back to the community by educating students of diverse backgrounds and identities.

CIP SCHOLARSHIP FOR EDUCATORS: BEN ’71 AND JANIE ’73 REDDISH

Benjamin Reddish (photo, right) and his wife Janie (photo, left) were married for 62 years and each dedicated more than 40 years to education in Stockton. They both received their master’s degrees from the Gladys L. Benerd School of Education—Benjamin in 1971, Janie in 1973.

Ben shaped thousands of lives as a guidance counselor for Stockton Unified School District, and many more with his work with Pacific’s Community Involvement Program. He was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for Volunteer Service in 2019.

“If you truly want to make a difference, you can and will make a difference,” Reddish said in

RE-ENTRY SCHOLARSHIP: MARILYN DRAHEIM

Marilyn Draheim (photo, below) is a name that many Pacificans and Benerd College alumni know and love. For 33 years, Dr. Draheim served her students as a profes-

a video that accompanied the awards ceremony. “I came from a family of educators. My mother was a teacher, my father was a teacher and my two sisters were teachers. I was destined to be a teacher.”

The campus and community suffered a great loss with his passing in December 2020. In honor of the Reddishes’ incredible service to the community and legacies in the field of education, the Ben and Janie Reddish Endowed Scholarship for CIP was established within Benerd College for students pursuing careers in education.

sor, mentor, interim dean and chair of the Curriculum and Instruction department.

Today, while enjoying retirement as a profesor emeritus, Dr. Draheim continues to support students who come to Benerd to achieve their dreams. In 2020 she established an endowed scholarship fund for students re-entering higher education after a hiatus.

“When I went back to school after I had already started my career, I was gifted an opportunity to receive a scholarship, and it made all the difference for me,” she explained. “Sometimes, one’s financial situation may be the impediment to them realizing their desires and dreams. Why not be part of the next iteration and help someone achieve their educational goals?”

She hopes to inspire others who find themselves in a position to “pay it forward” similarly.

BENERD COLLEGE AWARDED $5.6 MILLION GRANT TO EXPAND K-12 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

A $5.6 million grant recently awarded to University of the Pacific’s Benerd College will significantly expand access to mental health services within K-12 schools in San Joaquin Valley.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Education will cover the cost of tuition for graduate students in Benerd’s counseling and school psychology programs who will provide mental health services to high-need schools in the region.

It is the second largest federal or state grant at the university in the last 10 years and the largest for Benerd.

The five-year grant will begin in the 2023-24 academic year and will support eight graduate students a year for a total of 40 students.

“This grant will make a marked difference for our area schools, which are struggling to meet the mental health needs of their students” said Project

Lead and Associate Professor Amy Scott Brown. “Schools are often the first—and sometimes only—resource for students to access mental health care.”

The San Joaquin Valley has a severe shortage of mental health providers. One area school district has only three school psychologists and three counselors to provide services to more than 6,600 students.

Pacific has partnered with 23 local education agencies where graduate students will do their fieldwork and internships. After graduation, students must commit to work in one of the partner school districts for the number of years they were supported by the program.

The Pacific and Central Valley Schools Partnership includes: Empire Union School District, Escalon Unified School District, Great Valley Academy Modesto, Great Valley Academy Salida,

Hickman Community Charter District, Linden Unified School District, Merced City School District, Merced Union High School District, New Jerusalem School District, Salida Union School District and all school districts and a charter school in Tuolumne County.

“We are excited about the partnership with Pacific and the culturally competent mental health services that will be provided to our students,” said Jamie Hughes ’98, assistant superintendent of educational and student services for Linden Unified School District. “Mental health services are much needed in our community and this partnership will allow us to expand access to those services.”

There is also a high need for counselors and psychologists who speak Spanish and other languages. Pacific will place bilingual graduate students where they are most needed.

Project Lead and Associate Professor Amy Scott Brown and Victoria Pacajoj Santos ’24

Preference for tuition coverage will be given to people identified by school districts with an interest in becoming mental health service providers, people who live in nearby communities and those who are also bilingual. Current Pacific students also are eligible for funding.

“Having my tuition covered in my last year of the school psychology program and a paid internship will greatly aid in the overall cost of my education,” said Victoria Pacajoj Santos ’24. “I’m excited to intern in a high-needs district and provide much-needed mental health services to the school-aged population.”

The Master of Arts in Education degree with a concentration in Counseling Psychology is a two-year program that trains students to become licensed professional clinical counselors.

The Education Specialist in School Psychology program is a master’s and credential program that trains students to become school psychologists. The program requires two years of coursework and a third-year internship.

PARTNERING TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY RESOURCES

masters-level coursework for Mild/ Moderate Education Specialist and Moderate/Severe Education Specialist candidates.

INNOVATIVE PATHWAYS / ELK GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Elk Grove Unified School District, one of many districts Benerd partners with, strategically invests in its faculty through its Retaining Educators through Assistance, Collaboration and Hiring (REACH) program.

REACH is a rigorous 13-month program that provides second-career professionals and recent graduates a non-traditional pathway into teaching. Participants in the program hone their skills alongside effective teacher-mentors in high-need classrooms, guided by Benerd College faculty and staff. The REACH program includes practical, relevant

Candidates are primarily placed in Elk Grove Unified School District and receive government grants that cover up to $20,000 towards tuition, as well as stipends for books and materials. Select candidates are hired as paraeducators while participating in the program, and upon completion, are offered full-time teaching positions.

Innovative district partnerships like REACH enable Benerd College to prepare a record number of credentialed teachers, while meeting a critical community need for high-quality educators.

LIFELONG LEARNING / OSHER FOUNDATION

People who are active and engaged in their communities and continue learning throughout their lives feel more productive and purposeful and are healthier and happier. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) housed within Benerd College is a non-profit education program designed for adults 50 or older with these goals in mind.

OLLI offers a rich array of intellectually stimulating non-credit classes, interest groups, local and international trips and special events for its members. Instructors are experts in their fields and include distinguished Pacific faculty, both active and retired, as well as community educators and leaders. OLLI at Pacific is one of 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes nationwide and was founded in partnership with the Bernard Osher Foundation in 2007.

Members share common bonds of intellectual curiosity and the experiences of their generation. They are self-motivated learners, eager to share opinions, knowledge and expertise with humor and mutual respect. OLLI offers both local and virtual opportunities to meet new friends, make contacts and develop connections that improve their quality of life, providing a personal sense of health, engagement and overall well-being.

The OLLI program offers courses and certificates in eight interest areas:

Arts & CultureComputer Lab

EdVenturesHealth and Wellness

Nature & the Outdoors

Shared Interest Groups

Social Sciences Visual Arts

For more information about the many benifeits of the OLLI program or to sign up for a course, visit: Olli.Pacific.edu

DIABETES EDUCATION IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY / ABBOTT FUND

San Joaquin County is at the epicenter of the diabetes crisis in the United States, as almost 50% of adults in Stockton have prediabetes and 10% have diabetes.

With support from the Abbott Fund, Benerd College is enhancing community health through innovative partnerships and programming for diabetes education designed to reduce the shortage of professionals in the field.

Dr. Theresa Garnero, assistant clinical professor and former Director of the diabetes education programs, worked with diabetes and health education experts and Benerd College faculty and staff to design accessible, community-focused diabetes management educational program(s) for both clinicians and non-clinicians. The certificate programs launched in 2020.

“In all my years in the diabetes field, I’ve never seen anything so robust with such amazing faculty,”Garnero says.

Benerd and the Abbott Foundation are proud to be redefining diabetes education with a focus on community impact. The program has served over 100 students in both the clinical and non-clinical certificates since its inception in 2020.

In all my years in the diabetes field, I’ve never seen anything so robust with such amazing faculty.

THERESA GARNERO Assistant Clinical Professor

NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT / SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

In 2019, Benerd College partnered with the San Joaquin Community Foundation to establish professional development resources for regional nonprofit organizations. Benerd staff designed a comprehensive training program to enhance nonprofits’ organizational efficacy with the aim of furthering their impacts within the communities they serve.

A specialized program was launched for the SJCF cohort, which focuses on eleven key topic areas: budgeting, capital campaigns, fundraising, how to read a nonprofit financial statement, leadership, board and volunteer development, principles of marketing, strategy for nonprofit organizations, nonprofit management, grant writing and social media. The program includes live class sessions during which learners can strategize applying the covered material in practical situations.

“Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. I met several key people in the community, networked, and learned! I spent deep and rewarding time exploring strategic planning, capital campaigns and key management concepts presented from the non-profit organization perspective,” said Leonard O. Hansen, CEO of the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin County.

Thus far, SJCF has sponsored 35 nonprofit professionals’ completion of the program and has broadened access to valuable resources that strengthen regional nonprofit organizations and improve their agility and overall ability to serve. Benerd College is proud to be a partner in this visionary investment in the community.

ANIMAL WELFARE / NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY AND HUMANE NETWORK

For 10 years, Benerd College has served the animal welfare community through a highly successful certificate program designed and led in partnership with senior experts in the field.

Initially the idea of a passionate Pacific staff member, Benerd approached Diane Blankenburg and Bonney Brown, formerly of the Nevada Humane Society, about the possibility of offering a program empowering learners to promote animal welfare in their local communities, Kyle Harkness, Assistant Dean of Operations for Benerd College, was skeptical.

“This program has exceeded my wildest expectations in every way,” says Harkness. “More than 700 learners [have come] from all over the country, and even abroad, as far away as Australia and South Africa.”

Learners can enroll in the full certificate of five courses or complete the courses at their own pace. Participants work directly with faculty experts who are members of the Humane Network and have first-hand experience in the animal welfare industry.

A supplemental course in Animal Shelter Behavior Management was launched in 2021 and has already attracted more than 300 learners.

Built from the ground up through passion and vision, the Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program continues to thrive and have a lasting impact on communities across the globe.

CELEBRATES 100 YEARS!

Initially located in Santa Clara, the university first moved to San Jose, and in 1924, to Stockton, making it the first private four-year school of education in the Central Valley.

After joining Pacific’s staff in 1939, Gladys L. Benerd quickly became known for her ready willingness to help all students. (1949)

In its early days, the School of Education occupied Owen Hall. (1956)

Educator Ramiro Montes, and Pedro Osuna, assistant professor of education, developed a Mexican student teaching program for Pacific. (1961)

Professors Dr. Juannita Curtis and D.H.M. Afshar discuss challenges facing educators. (1965)

Members of the Commission of the Associated Students of the School of Education review their initiatives for the year ahead. (1973)

Jennifer Mills ’89 works with Oakwood students Ha Le (left) and Chris Burks (right). (1989)

School of Education

Dean Fay Haisley (left) and Academic Vice President Joseph Subbiondo unveil

the sign bearing Gladys L. Benerd’s name. (1992)

A ribbon-cutting takes place for the new Benerd College, which merged the highly regarded Gladys L. Benerd School of Education and University College. (2019)

A cohort of Benerd graduate students meet for their residency in Sacramento. (2022)

ALUMNI PROFILE: RICARDO CHAVEZ

While translating documents for special education students during his work as a school librarian, Ricardo “Ricky” Chavez ‘10, ’12 MA was inspired to develop extensive bilingual programming to make the educational system accessible to families with a language barrier.

His students developed a real love of reading and Chavez became even more passionate about leveraging his identities as a first-generation, Latinx, bilingual male to increase his impact in education.

Chavez knew there was more he could offer. “I wanted to be a bridge between families and the education system and have them understand

disabilities and strategies that could be implemented to help support their students,” he says.

Chavez decided to pursue graduate education in school psychology. During the interview process, the feeling of family at Benerd College sealed the deal for him.

Furthering his own education gave Chavez tools to make systemic change to benefit the community he serves. Since completing his education at Benerd, Chavez has served as a school psychologist, director of student services and assistant superintendent of educational services. He currently serves as superintendent of Escalon Unified School District.

Scan to learn about the many ways you can stay involved with Pacific and Benerd College through the Pacific Alumni Association. Whether you live near campus or across the globe, you can choose the opportunity that works best for you.

Pacific.edu/Alumni/Connect

I wanted to be a bridge between families and the education system and have them understand disabilities and strategies that could be implemented to help support their students.

RICARDO CHAVEZ Superintendent of Escalon Unified School District

ALUMNI PROFILE: NADER NADERSHAHI

Dr. Nader Nadershahi ’94 DDS, ’99 MBA, ’11 EdD is helping reinvent academic health education as dean of Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, chair of the American Dental Education Association and as a governor-appointed member of the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council.

The council is focused on workforce diversity and improving access to and the quality of health care for underserved, underrepresented and Medi-Cal populations. Nadershahi is the second dentist appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to help inform policymakers and businesses of dentistry’s unique needs related to pandemic recovery and beyond.

“I am looking forward to working with colleagues and leaders across the state to shape the future of our health workforce and to provide equitable access to quality education, prevention and care to communities across the state,” said Nadershahi upon his appointment.

Along with other Dugoni-trained dental professionals, Dr. Nadershahi completed a customized Benerd College program to earn his doctorate in education. Benerd College and the Dugoni School have a long history of partnering to support dental professionals’ pursuit of educational career paths.

Benerd College alumni are doing big things. Keep us updated on your life and career—we’d love to know what you are up to. Submit your class notes by visiting: Pacific.edu/Alumni/InfoUpdate

I am looking forward to working with colleagues and leaders across the state to shape the future of our health workforce and to provide equitable access to quality education, prevention and care to communities across the state.

NADER NADERSHAHI ’11 EdD Dean of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Fundraising Overview

At Pacific, philanthropy empowers students to reach their highest potential—whether through financial aid, funding for experiential learning opportunities or resources for research, professional development and lifelong learning.

Since its inception in 1924, Benerd has prepared teachers, educators, administrators, academic coaches and mentors. Demand is ever increasing for professional excellence, and our innovative education and leadership programs are rapidly evolving to meet the demand for special education skills and to place more credentialed graduates in classrooms.

Currently, Benerd has more than 50 endowed scholarships for students studying special education; single and multiple subject classroom instruction; merit scholars; first generation students and students of color; and masters and doctoral students.

Yet limited scholarship availability continues to be a barrier for recruitment.

“As a first-generation student and ethnic minority raised in Stockton, I have seen the dire need for qualified and ambitious teachers. It has been a dream to serve my community as an educator,” says Amina Khan ‘22, recipient of the Alexandra and Peter Ottesen Endowed Scholarship. “The undergraduate and credential programs at Pacific have shaped and helped develop me into a better teacher thanks to the generosity of Benerd College donors.”

There are many ways to create a lasting legacy or establish an endowed fund within Benerd College, including a pledge over five years, inclusion in your estate, naming Benerd as a beneficiary of a retirement account or leveraging an IRA required distribution.

If you are interested in learning about Pacific’s Powell Match and how you can support Benerd students, or if you have questions about giving, please contact: 209.946.2500 or PacificFund@pacific.edu.

50+ BENERD HAS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS

Alumni giving not only directly supports students, but assists Pacific in attracting the best, brightest and most innovative leaders. Alumni participation is also a factor in the university’s rankings in U.S. News and World Report. Truly, every gift counts.

The undergraduate and credential programs at Pacific have shaped and helped develop me into a better teacher thanks to the generosity of Benerd College donors.

AMINA KHAN ‘22

Recipient

of the Alexandra and Peter Ottesen Endowed Scholarship

BENERD COLLEGE: INNOVATE AND INSPIRE

PACIFIC GIVES

Each year, alumni and friends come together during Pacific Gives, the university’s annual day of giving, to enhance financial aid and program funding for students. In 2022, nearly 300 donors made gifts to Benerd College supporting initiatives such as:

• The Benjamin and Janie Reddish Endowed Scholarship for first generation Community Involvement Program students pursuing a career in education

• The Benerd Promise Fund (the student emergency fund)

• The Educator’s Impact Fund which offsets costs for research, conference and education expenses

• The Marilyn Draheim Endowed Scholarship for students re-entering higher education

DURING PACIFIC GIVES 2022, NEARLY

300

DONORS MADE GIFTS TO BENERD COLLEGE

Mark your calendar for the next Pacific Gives. For more information visit:

Pacific.edu/PacificGives