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YUCAIPA, CA— When Dr. Stephanie Houston first stepped onto the Crafton Hills College (CHC) campus in January 1993, she had no idea where her education there would take her.
Today, Houston, assistant superintendent of Innovation and Engagement for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), is making a splash in education by supporting student success in various impactful roles. Her dedication to making a difference in the field has led her to add one more accomplishment to her already growing resume as CHC Foundation’s 2023 Outstanding Alumna.
“I was surprised. Honored for sure. And a little bit looking behind me like, ‘Are you sure it’s me?’” Houston said. “I’m honored to be affiliated with Crafton in this way because I know the school makes such a difference in the lives of so many, and to be mentioned in the context of the school is just an honor.”
Houston will be recognized by CHC officials, faculty, staff and donors at the CHC Foundation’s Night Out Gala, its annual fundraiser, held this year on April 6. The event is the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser to support student success by backing several student and campus-led initiatives, covering unexpected class expenses to awarding scholarships.
Michelle Riggs, CHC’s director of institutional advancement, called Houston a “great example” of what the Yucaipa-based community college means to the area and its diverse student, faculty and staff population.
“Entering Crafton as an adult and mother of four small children, she successfully completed her studies and went on to earn her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate,” Riggs continued. “We are so fortunate to have Houston as an advocate, a leader and a supporter of Crafton and are proud to recognize her as the 2023 Outstanding Alumna.”
Houston has built her career in education over the last three decades. Before her current role at SBCSS, Houston served as the superintendent of the Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program and is a former adjunct professor at the University of Redlands. In addition to her busy schedule, Houston served on the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Youth Council from 1999 to 2014. She was president of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)’s Career Technical Education Council from 2011 to 2014.
She has been part of several other educational-based organizations and groups within the Inland Empire community, including the San Bernardino Community College District Board (SBCCD), where she serves as the current chair and trustee.
The SBCCD Board oversees CHC and its sister school, San Bernardino Valley College. Houston and her fellow board members were elected by their respective districts. Houston serves as the Area Six representative and said she is “honored that the public put their trust in me” and that her main motivation for serving is to “ensure the legacy and rich history of both campuses remain strong.”
“My motivation is the impact on the community, the students… and ensuring their experience [at a community college] is as positive as mine was, and the outcome is based on their ability to make their own choices and have their personal freedom that comes with being educated,” Houston said.
For students looking to start their path to higher education, Houston gives the following advice: just start.
“Time passes whether you’re in school or just working and taking care of the kids or just figuring out how to pay the bills or not,” she continued. “The hardest part is just showing up and getting through the registration process. But once you get to class and you step on campus and see [its] environment, you’ll say, ‘Wow, this is built for me.’”
Since its inception, the CHC Foundation’s mission has been to support its campus population through scholarships, grants and other contributions that extend student-based educational opportunities. Year-round fundraising efforts like the annual gala and philanthropic donations from community members, organizations and CHC partners help make this possible.
This year’s Night Out Gala will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the CHC quad. Tickets are $100 per person. Table reservations are available.
To purchase tickets or to learn more, go to craftonhills.edu/visitors-and-alumni/giving-to-chc/gala-2023 or contact Riggs by email at mriggs@craftonhills.edu or by phone at 909-389-3391.
