Cerro Coso Faculty Members Honored at Umoja Conference for Dedication to Student Success and Community
Cerro Coso Community College is proud to announce that two distinguished faculty members, Professor Nakysha Cummings and Professor Tyrone Ledford, have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to student success and community building. At the 2024 Umoja Conference, Professor Cummings received the prestigious Trailblazer Award, and Professor Ledford was honored as Faculty of the Year. Both awards highlight their commitment to fostering an inclusive, empowering environment for all students.
Umoja, meaning "unity" in Kiswahili, is a program and community resource dedicated to uplifting African American and other students by promoting cultural and educational experiences that validate and celebrate diverse backgrounds. Through its unique curriculum and pedagogy, which honor the African and African American Diasporas, Umoja creates a space where students' voices and histories are seen, heard, and respected, enabling academic and personal growth.
The Trailblazer Award, presented to Professor Cummings, recognizes her pioneering work in establishing an Umoja Community at a predominantly White institution to better support the historically underserved student population. Professor Cummings notes the importance of paving the way for others: “My mother told me it’s not about being the first; it’s about not being the last.” She further reflected on the influence of her family, adding, “My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother reminded me that although they can’t come with me, they are always with me in spirit.”
Professor Ledford, who was awarded Faculty of the Year, is dedicated to bridging opportunities for students beyond the classroom. He emphasizes the importance of connecting students with nonprofit organizations and community partners, saying, “I work to connect our students with nonprofits and organizations that they might have the opportunity to work with upon their graduation.”
Both Professor Cummings and Professor Ledford have been instrumental in growing the Umoja program on campus. This fall, student engagement within the program has increased by an impressive 200%, reflecting the program’s impact and the faculty’s dedication. Today, Cerro Coso’s Umoja program includes two faculty coordinators, a part-time counselor, and a part-time Student Success Coach, supported under the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
“We are incredibly proud of Professors Cummings and Professor Ledford,” said Sean Hancock, President of Cerro Coso Community College, “for their passion, commitment, and efforts to make a difference in the lives of our students. Their contributions are invaluable, and their leadership continues to foster a legacy of unity and academic excellence.”
Through this recognition, Cerro Coso Community College reaffirms its commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and student success across all backgrounds. We congratulate Professor Cummings and Professor Ledford on their well-deserved accolades and celebrate the impact they continue to make within the Cerro Coso community.