On April 15, 2025, College of San Mateo (CSM) proudly celebrated nine distinguished faculty members who achieved tenure, a significant milestone marking their exceptional commitment to teaching, student success, and institutional excellence. The tenure celebration, held on campus, provided an opportunity for colleagues, administrators, and families to recognize the achievements of these faculty members.
“Achieving tenure is a reflection of dedication, innovation, and outstanding service to our students and community,” said Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez, President of CSM. “These educators represent the heart of CSM, fostering academic growth and inspiring transformative learning experiences.”
Tenure is more than just a title; it is the result of a rigorous evaluation. Faculty undergo a comprehensive four-year review, including classroom observations, student evaluations, and assessments of research and professional development activities. Successful candidates demonstrate excellence in teaching, foster student engagement, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional growth.
During the celebration, each honoree was individually introduced by their respective instructional dean or the Acting Vice President of Instruction, Danni Redding Lapuz, who shared thoughtful remarks about their contributions and achievements. Following their introduction, each awardee was presented with a certificate of recognition and an orchid, symbolizing their growth and ongoing commitment to education.
The 2025 tenure recipients, representing diverse academic disciplines, include:
- Deborah Baker, Cosmetology and Esthetics instructor, brings over two decades of professional expertise and mentorship to aspiring beauty industry professionals.
- Julieth Diaz Benitez, Instructional Design faculty member, whose work centers on equitable grading practices, curriculum development, and advocacy for marginalized communities.
- Jennifer Howze-Owens, Instructional Designer and Open Education Resources Liaison, championing equitable teaching strategies and student leadership development.
- Hellen Pacheco, Computer Information Science instructor committed to equity, inclusion, and promoting pathways for women in technology through innovative course design and advising student organizations.
- Javier Silva, Biology instructor, whose academic research and passion for the outdoors deeply enrich student engagement and scientific exploration.
- Shannon Spring, Nursing faculty, recognized for excellence in medical-surgical education, clinical leadership, and mentoring nursing students towards compassionate, professional care.
- Philip Tran, Business instructor and accomplished entrepreneur, leveraging extensive Silicon Valley experience to prepare students for real-world business success.
- Jessie Tohmc, Nursing faculty dedicated to perinatal and reproductive health, driven by a passion for empowering students pursuing careers in women’s healthcare.
- Brandon Williams, Counseling faculty and social justice advocate, deeply committed to transformative education, equity initiatives, and creating empowering environments for student success.
The entire CSM community congratulates these outstanding faculty members on achieving tenure and thanks them for their ongoing dedication to excellence and innovation in the field of education.