President Thayer’s Board Report for March 10, 2026
The following is a report to members of the North Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees
Presented by Cypress College President Scott W. Thayer, Ed.D.
on March 10, 2026
A²MEND Summit Features ‘Knowledge Bowl’ Medal, Presentation
Cypress College students medaled in the Knowledge Bowl and included presentations by Dr. Scott W. Thayer and Dr. Temperence Dowdle. The A²MEND 19th Annual Summit Professional Development Institute took place March 5-6 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
This year’s theme of “Sacred Work: (Re)membering, (Re)storing, (Re)birthing Black Men and Boys” was designed to cultivate the importance of re-establishing black male success in the community college and their presence in the community as a whole.
Cypress College students participated in the Knowledge Bowl for the first time. The team of Josiah Sylvers, Eric Mungai, William Masanja, Alec Gibson, and Nas Luti earned a bronze medal in the event. The Knowledge Bowl is a Jeopardy-style Black History quiz competition where teams of students face off against one another while answering a series of Black History questions for trophies and prizes.
Dr. Thayer presented on the President’s Panel, moderated by Ricky Shabazz. Other panelists were Brenda Thames, of El Camino, and Torence Powell, from Napa Valley.
Dr. Dowdle, who is president of the Black Faculty & Staff Association, co-presented a session titled “You Can’t Count if You’re Not Counted: More Inclusive Data Collection and Reporting Strategies to Drive African American/Black Male Student Success.”
A²MEND’s mission is to advocate for the academic, psychological, and spiritual development of Black male students, faculty, staff, and administrators in educational systems. A²MEND educators utilize their scholarship, professional expertise, and influence to foster institutional change while creating independent educational spaces and institutions to increase the success of Black male students within education and other systems.
Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail Remembered for Leadership, Mentorship
The word trailblazer doesn’t serve justice to Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail.
Cypress College is remembering Dr. Johnson McPhail, the college’s barrier-breaking 7th president. Dr. Johnson McPhail is known for developing leaders, championing equity, and a life of service. She passed from cancer on March 1, 2026.
“She was a first of firsts,” said Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer. “Her list of achievements, leadership, and vision are an inspiration to many of us who serve in college leadership roles.”
Dr. Johnson McPhail served as president at Cypress College from 1995-1998. She was the first female and the first person of color to lead the college.
“I am profoundly thankful for every moment we shared — the conversations, the laughter, the lessons, the growth, and the love,” read a post on Dr. Johnson McPhail’s Facebook page announcing her passing. “As you continue forward, I ask that you live fully and intentionally. Be a Sankofian. Reach back to uplift someone else. Mentor. Encourage. Love deeply. Walk boldly in faith. Keep moving forward with courage and conviction. In doing so, you honor not only my memory, but the legacy we build together.”
Dr. Johnson McPhail embodied those words, especially love.
It was for love that she left Cypress College. As described by Dr. Pat Ganer in “A Tree Grows in Cypress” (the college’s official history book), “she ultimately left to assume a new job—and a marriage—in Baltimore.”
Upon her departure from Cypress College, she married Dr. Irving McPhail. She joined him in Baltimore and began teaching graduate-level students in a doctoral program in community college leadership. The couple also authored a book on leadership in higher education. Upon his death in 2000, she succeeded him as president of St. Augustine’s University.
“Before I became president at Cypress, I met Christine through ACCCA, the League, and other professional organizations in California,” wrote Dr. Margie Lewis, who was selected as Cypress College’s 9th president in 1999, succeeding Dr. Johnson McPhail. “She was also a mentor for me, very encouraging of my interest in applying to presidencies and even went out of her way to encourage me to apply to Cypress when she knew that she would be leaving.”
Prior to her presidency at Cypress College, Dr. Johnson McPhail served in posts at Kings River College in Reedley, CA, at State Center Community College District in Fresno, and at Fresno State University.
She was a community college graduate, earning her degree at Fresno City College, before earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with a teaching credential, at Fresno State University. She later earned her doctorate in higher education at the University of Southern California.
“Dr. Johnson is an extremely effective leader, one who is respected on campus, in the community, and across the country,” said Dr. Tom Harris, then Chancellor of the North Orange County Community College District, at her final Cypress College commencement in 1998.
At the ceremony, Dr. Harris presented Dr. Johnson McPhail with a resolution from then Assemblymember Curt Pringle and noted similar recognitions from the NOCCCD Board of Trustees, the Cypress City Council, the Academic Senate of Cypress College, and the Cypress College Associated Students.
“These resolutions formally recognize what we have all come to know from working with you during the past few years,” Dr. Harris said. “You are a visionary and talented leader, who has the ability to put students at the forefront of all of your guidance and decision making and that ability makes our community and our state stronger.”
In addition to building connections in the community, Dr. Johnson McPhail also led during a time of economic strife, taking over as the college faced deficits, budget cuts, and impacts from the Orange County bankruptcy.
Dr. Johnson McPhail was “a nationally renowned champion for leadership development and training of underrepresented populations,” according to her biography at the McPhail Group. Several of the tributes on her Facebook page are from educational leaders who had been her students.
“Dr. McPhail has served in numerous faculty and executive leadership positions in colleges and universities throughout the United States,” the bio states. “She has trained hundreds of emerging and executive leaders helping them accomplish their leadership career aspirations.”
She also is the author of numerous leadership books and articles.
In 2010, Dr. Johnson McPhail was recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at their 90th annual convention.
“Dr. McPhail has labored for decades at the nexus of practice, research and policy in community college education,” Dr. George Boggs, then-president of AACC said at the time. “Her stellar efforts have opened doors to higher education for thousands of students, but her work has especially benefited African-American, Latino and Mexican-American students.”
Forensics Wins PSCFA Patricia Ganer Spring Championships Tournament
The Cypress Forensics team was back at it this weekend competing at the PSCFA “Patricia Ganer” Spring Championship. This marks the team’s final local competition before they head to the State Championships in Northern California and the National Championships in Bethesda, Maryland.
The team brought eight students to compete in their individual events. The competition was fierce with 26 other community colleges and universities attending the Spring Championship tournament.
Cypress College was honored with the naming of this year’s PSCFA Spring Championship. The tournament was named in memory of the late Dr. Patricia Ganer, who served as the Director of Forensics for two decades. Ganer is known as the Matriarch of Cypress College, where she won the team’s first trophy and championship as a forensic competitor. She returned to Cypress as faculty member, where she served as not only the Director of Forensics, but also Academic Senate President and numerous chair positions across 46 years of service.
Jen Page, the current Co-Director of Forensics, shared some beautiful words with the community when commemorating Patricia at the awards ceremony.
“We are incredibly proud to be Chargers after this tournament named after Dr. Ganer, who made all of this possible,” Page said.
Cypress College individual achievements are:
- 2nd Place After Dinner Speaking – Faiz Gaine
- 5th Place Program Oral Interpretation – Yuki Bengs
- Finalist Junior Extemporaneous – Ramya Murakonda
- Finalist Novice Extemporaneous – Milena Telegina
Auto Tech Job Fair Returns with 100 Students from Area Schools
The Orange County Automobile Dealers Association held an automotive technician career fair at Cypress College recently to bring together students and leading automotive employers from across Orange County. A total of 113 students registered for the event, showing the strength of job opportunity interest within the automotive industry.
“Every time we host this fair, we can place current automotive students in both part-time and full-time positions at the dealership level,” Enrique Aispuro, Automotive Technology instructor, said. “Students who don’t get hired still make career connections with dealership personnel such as service directors, managers, and hiring teams. They interact with the dealership groups face to face [which] helps ease some of their concerns and answers their questions regarding the environment they will work in one day.”
The job fair featured nine participating dealer groups, collectively representing 22 dealerships throughout Orange County, such as Aston Martin, Volkswagen, Honda, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota. Students had the opportunity to connect directly with hiring managers and industry professionals, explore career pathways, and learn about available technician positions.
“The strong turnout from both students and dealer partners highlights the continued demand for skilled automotive technicians and the value of collaboration between educational institutions and local dealerships,” Cristin Collings, Director of Development & Programs at OCADA, said. “The event provided meaningful networking opportunities and helped bridge the gap between classroom training and real-world employment.”
Computer Science Program Top 5 Nationwide
The Computer Science program has ranked in the top five best associate degrees on a national list. TechGuide’s 2026 Best Associate Degree in Computer Science Programs placed the Cypress College degree at number five, based on factors such as preparing students for success in computer science careers.
“The faculty has worked hard to develop a curriculum and degree structure that reflects the current academic and industry standards for Computer Science,” Dr. Treisa Cassens, Interim Dean of Business and Computer Information Systems, said. “I commend the department faculty — Peter Molnar (chair), Penn Wu, Bret Clarke, and Paaras Chand — for their innovation and dedication to the program. They consistently look to have the highest standards of scholarship and professionalism.”
The Computer Science Associate in Science Degree for Transfer is a 28-unit degree with two student learning outcomes: to design, implement, test, and debug programs using a high-level language and to complete lower division courses for transfer to a CSU or other four-year institution Computer Science program.
“We appreciate the acknowledgement of our commitment to student success,” instructor Bret Clarke said.” We work hard to offer over 90% of our classes in a ‘face-to-face’ in-person modality in order to increase student engagement and facilitate student/instructor interaction. We believe offering in-person classroom instruction is critical for student success in a strong academic STEM program learning environment.”
TechGuide bases its rankings on official data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, reported annually by U.S. colleges and universities to the Department of Education. It measures admissions selectivity, class size and faculty support, financial aid availability, graduation outcomes, and total enrollment.
Chargers Women’s Basketball Advances to 3C2A SoCal Regional Finals
After earning a first-round bye, Cypress defeated Long Beach City College 51-42 in the second round of playoffs.
The Chargers now advance to face Moorpark College on Saturday, March 7 as their postseason run continues.
Follow the 3C2A SoCal Regional Bracket to track Cypress throughout the playoff run.
In the 3C2A Men’s Southern Regional First Round, the No. 18 seed Cypress College Chargers battled until the final buzzer but fell 72-65 to No. 15 Allan Hancock College.
After trailing at halftime, Cypress locked in defensively and stormed back behind a 25-point, eight-rebound performance from Michael Wright. The Chargers cut the deficit to single digits late and made the Bulldogs earn it at the line, closing out a resilient 16-win season with a hard-fought playoff effort.
The baseball, softball, and swim & dive teams have all opened their seasons.
Ramadan Iftar Dinner Held for Community to Break Ramadan Fast
The Cypress College Muslim Students Association hosted a Ramadan Iftar dinner to break the fast held during the month-long Ramadan observance. The dinner took place on the third floor of the Cypress College Complex on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as the sun set to mark the end of the holiday.
The event was proposed by Accounting Faculty and Department Coordinator Samreen Manjra and organized by MSA under faculty advisor Maha Afra. It was open to all students, faculty, and staff to offer a meaningful way to learn, connect, and build community.
Attendees broke the fast with traditional dates and water, which was followed by time for prayer, and then a meal.
Last month, the APIDA Resource Center hosted a Ramadan Awareness at the start of the holiday. Ramadan is a special month of fasting, reflection, and generosity celebrated among many cultures and communities. Fasting entails not eating or drinking anything (not even water!) from dawn until sunset each day.
Lunar New Year Celebration Draws More than 400 Guests
More than 400 people attended the Lunar New Year celebration recognizing the Year of the Horse.
The celebration was “such a joyful and meaningful event,” wrote Lela Beck and Quinn Doan, the Lunar New Year Planning Committee Co-Chairs. “We planned for 200 attendees and were overjoyed to welcome approximately 400 guests, a wonderful reflection of our community’s enthusiasm, unity, and support.”
“We extend our sincere appreciation to our President, Dr. (Scott W.) Thayer, whose strong support and enthusiastic participation in every activity, truly embodied the spirit of the celebration,” they said. “His presence reflected a genuine commitment to honoring and uplifting the diverse cultures within our campus community. And Dr. Thayer’s 30-second chopstick dexterity challenge victory will not be forgotten!”
The committee also extended gratitude to Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Paul de Dios, “for his continued leadership and deep dedication to fostering connection, belonging, and meaningful engagement for our students.”
The APIDA team, and committee members, are: Renay Laguana-Ferinac, Dr. Jeannie Mitsch, Joey Quenga, and Vanila Pulu-Suliafu; and Lisa Hoang, Mymy Lam, Denise Vo, Lynn Le, Thu Nguyen, Luu Tran, Lisa Tran, Vivian Kim, Zoe Megginson.
The event also brought recognition from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, the City of Cypress, and Dr. Kyle Chang, Mayor Pro Tem of Cypress.
Professor Peter Mathews Retires from 40-Year Career at Cypress
After 40 years of dedicated academic service, Professor Peter Mathews retired from Cypress College, where he has been a professor of Political Science and a valued member of the Social Sciences Division.
“Throughout his career, Professor Mathews has been guided by a deep commitment to the belief that education is a human right that should be guaranteed for all,” wrote interim Social Sciences Dean Randy Martinez. “In his teaching, he has consistently emphasized the importance of quality education as a means of developing students’ critical thinking skills. He has encouraged his students to investigate our country and the world to see how to improve them. He wanted his students to understand the ways government does or does not create equal opportunity for all.”
Early in his career, Professor Mathews expanded opportunities for his students by leading a study abroad program to Cambridge, he has run for political office, and he regularly provides insight and commentary on political issues through media interviews and guest appearances.
“I have known Peter for a long time, as have many of you, and he has left a lasting mark on the Political Science program, the Social Sciences Division, and the many students whose lives he has influenced through his teaching and mentorship,” Martinez said.
Buen Cypress! We Take This Journey Together!