Education Committee recommends transfer of SJVC Ontario and Visalia dental hygiene programs to Carrington College pending CODA approval

The Education Committee of the Dental Hygiene Board of California voted to recommend that the full board approve, pending CODA approval, the transfer of sponsorship for the San Joaquin Valley College Ontario and Visalia dental hygiene programs to Carrington College.

The recommendation follows San Joaquin Valley CollegeVC's strategic institutional realignment in which SJVC will focus on trades and technical programs while Carrington College will concentrate on nursing and allied health. Adena Petty, board staff, summarized that SJVC requested the item be placed on the board's July 19, 2025 agenda and recommended approval pending CODA action.

Committee discussion and vote Michael Long moved that the committee recommend approval pending CODA review; Justin Matthews seconded. The roll call recorded Joanne Pacheco Aye, Michael Long Aye and Justin Matthews Nay. The motion passed by majority vote.

Concerns and responses Committee members pressed Carrington representatives about past compliance records. Michael Long noted that "Carrington has had some compliance issues on both campuses over the last...5 to 6 years," and asked how Carrington would manage compliance after the transfer. Danielle Mills, vice provost for Carrington College, acknowledged prior compliance issues and said Carrington has "put processes and procedures in place so that we can remain compliant" and that the college intends to adopt SJVC's best practices where appropriate.

Program directors from the affected campuses described their communication with Carrington leadership. Brenda Serpa, program director at Visalia, said interactions have been "very positive" and pointed to advantages such as access to Carrington's library resources. Jerica Block, program director at the Ontario campus, said she expected the partnership to strengthen curriculum and student outcomes while noting the possibility of unanticipated challenges.

Decision context and next steps Staff's recommendation and the committee's vote were explicit that any transfer is subject to CODA's final approval; the committee therefore recommended the full board approve the transfer pending that external accreditation action. The committee did not adopt additional conditions beyond the pending CODA approval. The item will be forwarded to the full board for final action and will remain contingent on CODA's determination.