Feather River College recently hosted the California Community Colleges system board of governors during a tour of rural Northern California colleges. This visit gave board members a firsthand look at the unique, hands-on learning opportunities available at FRC and insight into the challenges faced by smaller, rural campuses.
Highlights of the visit included:
- Agriculture and Equine Programs: Board members witnessed live demonstrations in the equine reproductive lab, including a reproductive sample collection and an ultrasound on a pregnant mare conducted with student workers. These experiences showcased FRC’s robust equine department and its role in preparing students for diverse career paths.
- Environmental Studies: Guests observed students from the new bachelor’s degree program in ecosystem restoration and applied fire management fall a damaged tree to reduce wildfire risks. The students also participate in prescribed burns and other wildfire mitigation efforts, directly benefiting the campus and surrounding community.
- Student Housing: The tour included a visit to the on-campus student housing facility, where board members heard from students about the critical shortage of affordable and stable housing in the Quincy area. This issue, exacerbated by recent wildfires, directly affects students’ ability to succeed academically.
- Student Services & Rising Scholars Program: The board learned about FRC’s Rising Scholars/Incarcerated Student Program and other Student Services initiatives that provide greater access to education for underserved populations. The challenges of expanding these programs and upgrading aging infrastructure were discussed.
FRC leadership expressed gratitude for the board’s visit, emphasizing the importance of showcasing hands-on workforce skills, social justice programs, and the college’s vital role in the community. The board members left with a deeper appreciation for the resourcefulness and impact of this small but mighty rural college.
“This visit helped paint a clear picture of the FRC experience and highlighted the dedication of our students, staff, and faculty,” said Derek Lerch, FRC vice president of instruction. Kevin Trutna, president and superintendent, added that the board’s participation in hands-on programs “sent the message that an FRC education is unique and career-preparatory in ways unmatched at other colleges.”
The tour concluded with a shared sense of admiration for FRC’s programs and a commitment to supporting the college’s ongoing mission to provide quality education and address local challenges.
