2024 Bakersfield College ACCJC Peer Review Accreditation Team
Team Chair
Dr. Julianna M. Barnes
Chancellor, South Orange County Community College District
Mission Viejo, CA
Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes, with over 30 years of experience in higher education, has made an indelible mark on the education community, especially at the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) since assuming the role of Chancellor on August 1, 2022. Her visionary leadership, commitment to equity, and strategic focus have not only shaped the educational landscape but have had profound economic and societal impacts, underscoring her role as a transformative force.
Before taking on her current position, Dr. Barnes held the position of President at Cuyamaca College from 2015 to 2022, where she distinguished herself as a transformative leader. Under her leadership, Cuyamaca College rose to prominence as a trailblazer in equity and innovation within the educational landscape. The college's commitment to developmental education reform earned them the prestigious John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award, and national recognition from Excelencia in Education. Prior to her presidency, she served in various roles at both the community college and university levels.
Dr. Barnes brings significant accreditation experience to this team visit which includes serving on numerous accreditation peer review teams, including service as Chair and Chair of Chairs. She was also honored to be part of the Standards Review Team in the revision of the new ACCJC Accreditation Standards.
Team Vice Chair
Dr. Jessica Robinson
President, Cuyamaca College
El Cajon, CA
Dr. Jessica Robinson currently serves as the President of Cuyamaca College, having previously held the roles of Vice President of Student Services and Interim President at the institution. Her accreditation experience includes serving as the lead student services administrator for Standard II.C during Cuyamaca College’s last accreditation cycle and participating as a member of the comprehensive accreditation peer review team for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Academic Representatives
James Crooks
English Instructor
Shasta College
Redding, CA
James Crooks is an English instructor at Shasta College. He recently completed his term as co-facilitator of the college’s year-long Equity- Minded Teaching and Learning Institute. In the past, he has served on the local academic senate, representing the college twice as a delegate to ASCCC’s plenaries. He has served as the faculty co-chair of the Student Equity Committee and as a member of the Curriculum and Student Learning Outcomes committees. At the department level, James has written or co-written program reviews and course outlines of record, and he has participated in designing student learning outcomes at the course and program level. This is James’s second time serving as a peer reviewer for ACCJC.
Neeka Aguire
Associate Professor History
Mendocino College
Ukiah, CA
I teach History for Mendocino College which is a small community college in Northern California about 3 hr north of San Francisco. I originally come from San Diego where my husband and I grew up and were I got started teaching at Palomar College. We moved to Ukiah, CA almost 13 years ago when he got a job up here as a PA and we love the small town atmosphere.
At Mendo I am currently the Curriculum Chair (finishing up my 2nd year as Chair, with 2 years previous experience on the committee). I have almost 6 years experience on the SLO committee including 3 years as Chair (I took over a partial term from a Chair who left due to health concerns midterm). I’ve served on Distance Ed Committee and I am POCR certified as a reviewer. I’ve also served a partial term on Academic Senate.
Administrative Representative
Dr. Delmy Spencer
Vice President of Student Services
Crafton Hills College
Yucaipa, CA
Dr. Delmy Spencer is the Vice President of Student Services at Crafton Hills College and is a strong advocate for continued education across social and economic boundaries. She has dedicated herself to securing the essential resources required to foster student success, enhance operational efficiency across divisions and colleges, provide professional development opportunities for employees, and recognize them for noteworthy accomplishments. Dr. Spencer has over two decades of experience in higher education and student services. She has professional experience in serving students at institutions including California State University, Chico, California State University, Sacramento and Yuba College.
