#United States #San Rafael #RP Group #Student Success #California Community Colleges

The RP Group Honors 2025 Award Recipients

On May 2, 2025, in San Rafael, California, the RP Group, a nonprofit focused on research and planning within the California Community Colleges (CCC), proudly honored a diverse group of individuals who have made commendable contributions to the field of institutional research and planning. This year’s award ceremony was held at the RP Conference, recognized as the largest gathering of professionals in the IRPE (Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness) community of the CCC system.

The RP Group has been fostering professional development and collaboration among community college professionals since its inception in 1992, and this year marked a pivotal expansion in their award categories to acknowledge a wider array of contributions. A total of nine honorees were celebrated for their exceptional work, expanding recognition beyond traditional metrics to encompass a variety of impactful roles in the wider educational landscape.

Dr. Darla Cooper, Executive Director of The RP Group, expressed her pride in honoring individuals whose dedication to student success is inspiring. “This year, we celebrate people and institutions whose dedication to student success and the IRPE field is truly remarkable,” she noted. The recognition included prestigious awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded to Dr. Brad C. Phillips.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Phillips, esteemed for his transformative impact over a renowned 34-year career in the CCC system, co-founded The RP Group and has contributed significantly to the development of institutional research and equity initiatives. He founded the California Partnership for Achieving Student Success (Cal-PASS) and authored the influential book, "Creating a Data-Informed Culture in Community Colleges." His influence is considered a cornerstone in shaping an environment where student success can thrive through research and planning.

Career Achievement Award

Another significant accolade went to Chris Olson, who received the Career Achievement Award for his exceptional commitment spanning 38 years within the CCC system. Known for his dedication to gender and racial equity, Olson has held critical roles across several colleges, leaving a legacy of excellence and the application of scientific methodologies in institutional research. His contributions have been widely acknowledged and respected in various forums.

EDI Champion Award

Moving towards creating a more equitable educational environment, the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Champion Award was shared between Dr. Tina Ngo Bartel and Dr. Michelle Fowles. They have exhibited outstanding leadership in addressing bias and promoting inclusivity within their respective institutions, establishing comprehensive policies that encourage diversity and equity in education.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award honored emerging leaders Kevin Hsu from Irvine Valley College and Jaime Sykes from the San Diego Community College District. Recognized for their innovation and commitment to excellence in research and planning, Hsu and Sykes are now regarded as roles models for future professionals in the IRPE community.

Outstanding Project Award

Additionally, the San Diego College of Continuing Education was bestowed the Outstanding Project Award for their pioneering project, "Crossing Borders, Bridging Identities Empowering Binational Students at the US–Mexico Border." Honorable mentions were granted to projects from Irvine Valley College and North Orange Continuing Education for their impactful contributions to student support initiatives.

Jake Kevari, Board President of The RP Group, extended heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients, emphasizing their vast contributions to the IRPE community and student success. Reflecting on the recognition process, Kevari stated, “This recognition highlights their extraordinary impact on our IRPE community and commitment to student success.”

In conclusion, the 2025 award recipients represent a new wave of leadership and innovation within the California Community Colleges system. The RP Group continues to affirm their mission of enhancing research, planning, and effectiveness, providing a beacon of support for educational institutions striving for excellence. For more information about their initiatives and member resources, visit The RP Group website.