C5 Consortium Teams Forum Oct. 9, 2025

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Moderator

Dawn Erlandson is a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).  

Speaker

Lieutenant Colonel Richard “Sean” Danaher is Commandant of the Community College of the Air Force. He is a career Operations Analyst officer, assessing and evaluating the capabilities and operational readiness of Air Force and joint partner weapon systems.  

Background

The Air Force has always recognized the positive effects of education on enlisted Airmen and Guardians and continually established various programs to meet the needs of the Department of the Air Force, its personnel, and society as a whole. Community College of the Air Force is the only 2-year institution exclusively serving enlisted personnel. The college awards the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree upon completing program of instruction within the applicable discipline designed for an Air Force specialty.

Additional Materials

Power point slides associated with the speaker's presentation and a history of the Community College of the Air Force are available by reaching out to Tom Downs at Downs Government Affairs LLC, tcdowns@downsgovaffairs.com.

Speaker

Dr. Randi Reich Cosentino is President of the United States Naval Community College (USNCC).  Prior to joining the USNCC as President in 2020, Dr. Cosentino served as chief academic officer at Guild Education; chief operating officer of Quad Learning/American Honors; and provost and chief academic officer at Strayer University. She also worked in education technology and served as assistant director of the Mayor of New York’s Office of Transportation.

Dr. Cosentino holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University, and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania.

USNCC Background

The United States Naval Community College (USNCC) is an online community college that grants associate degrees and undergraduate professional diplomas and certificates.  The official community college of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, USNCC was launched in 2019 under a $147 million Department of Defense (DOD) contract.  

In 2020, 119 community colleges in the United States responded to a United States Navy Data Call Delivery Order and were awarded a contract as part of the USNCC Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract.  That contract award enabled colleges to be approved for student enrollment.  USNCC began enrolling students in 2021 and reached Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2023, with 2,600 students.  

USNCC provides a means for the Naval Services to provide educational opportunities to enlisted personnel to prepare for future challenges.  USNCC activities include:

· Conferring transferable and recognized associate level academic degrees and certifications as a fully accredited institution.

· Providing flexible delivery methods to account for operational demands and technological constraints of a globally distributed workforce.

· Developing academic programs in alignment with the organizational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps.

· Recognizing various forms of learning obtained through military technical and leadership training.  

Areas of USNCC instruction

USNCC online learning focuses on programs that include the following: 

· Cyber Security 

· Data Analytics 

· Engineering (mechanical and electrical) 

· Emerging Technologies 

· Logistics

· Health Sciences 

· Machine Learning 

· Nuclear Technology 

· Environmental Sciences 

· Communications/Information Systems 

· Organizational Leadership 

· Security Studies 

· Management Science 

· Naval Sciences 

USNCC programs currently are open to enlisted personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.  In the future, USNCC may extend this opportunity to personnel in other branches of the Armed Forces, and potentially to civilian federal employees.

USNCC currently relies on its training partners to award associates degrees.  In the future, USNCC plans to seek accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.  Once accredited, USNCC may have the ability to award degrees.

Key USNCC partners

The following are engaged with USNCC to develop its online programs:

· Alexandria Technical and Community College (Minnesota)

· Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

· Northern Virginia Community College

· University of Arizona

· University of Maryland Global Campus

· Western Governors University

Dawn Erlandson, Moderator

Dawn Erlandson is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).  Founder and president of Aurora Strategic Services, based in Minneapolis, MN, she has extensive experience in stakeholder communications, media, and government relations.

Brian J. Lovell, ACP President

With over 32 years of experience in the automation industry, Brian Lovell has established himself as a leading expert, working as a successful entrepreneur, educator, and national consultant. He is a co-founder of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow (BEST) Center, the highest level of NSF Advanced Technical Education (ATE) funding. Brian spearheaded the development of the nation's first Building Automation Systems (BAS) program leading to a state-sanctioned Associate's degree, establishing a national model for workforce development.

He is a co-author of the influential “Campus as a Living Laboratory” (2013) guide, connecting automation education to campus energy efficiency. This publication was sponsored by a consortium of leading organizations, including the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the Kresge Foundation. Brian also led a multi-million dollar initiative to establish state and national education standards for automation education and credentialing, further solidifying his commitment to advancing the field.

His expertise has earned him recognition as a subject-matter expert to industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Capitol Hill, solidifying his position as one of the nation's foremost automation and education leaders. Brian has designed and built multiple state-of-the-art automation laboratories that have garnered national attention, attracting site visits from the White House, federal legislators, and state governors. The significant societal impact of his BAS laboratory and programmatic development has resulted in millions of dollars in corporate support from global industry leaders such as Siemens, Inc.

Brian’s leadership has been recognized with multiple awards from organizations including the Atlanta Braves, Georgia State University, and numerous state and federal agencies. He holds a Master's in Education, a Bachelor's in Pre-Medicine, and technical degrees in HVAC and Electronics. For over 25 years, he has also been a licensed contractor of Mechanical Systems and Control Systems in the State of Georgia.

Sarah Vilms, SEIA Vice President of Strategic Growth Initiatives

Sarah Vilms is SEIA’s Vice President of Strategic Growth Initiatives where she leads SEIA’s work on funding priorities, opportunities and related efforts in support of the solar industry.

Sarah brings more than 30 years of experience in energy, environment and natural resources policy. Having specialized in renewable energy, Sarah has worked with major US entities including national trade associations, Fortune 100 and 500 companies, municipal governments, universities and community colleges, nonprofits and startups.

Prior to joining SEIA, Sarah spent more than two decades at the top-ranked public policy firm, Squire Patton Boggs, in Washington, DC. Sarah began her career having gained experience in the US House of Representatives, the US Senate and with the Chairman of the Environment Committee for the New South Wales Parliament House in Sydney, Australia. 

Sarah is a member of the Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment and holds a BA in Political Science from Brown University.

Beck Long, Director of Workforce Services and Apprenticeship

As part of SEIA’s Equity and Workforce Development Team, Beck engages with SEIA members on workforce development issues such as options for registered apprenticeships and connecting with pre-apprenticeship and training providers under the Apprenticeship in Clean Energy (ACE) Network. They also work to encourage recruiting and retention of diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment within the solar industry. Prior to this role, Beck led SEIA’s events team in planning and implementing events that supported SEIA’s core mission of building a strong solar industry to power America.

Beck has a background in public service and a passion for sustainability. They previously served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kazakhstan and Moldova and then planned study trips for international business leaders while working at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Beck holds an Executive Master of Natural Resources in Leadership for Sustainability from Virginia Tech and a B.S. in Business Information Systems from the University of Maryland.

Todd Echols, SEIA Digital and Video Production Manager

Todd supports SEIA’s public affairs and advocacy efforts through video content creation for digital platforms, educational materials, and SEIA events. Todd previously worked as SEIA’s communications coordinator. Prior to joining SEIA, Todd interned for the Office of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, and for the Leadership Office of U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.  Todd holds a B.A. in Politics with minors in Studio Art and Mass Communications from Washington and Lee University. 

Dimitri Stevenson, Manager of Workforce Development and Equity
Dimitri Stevenson explores ways to increase service to the Solar Energy Industry and increase non-dues revenue in the process. Dimitri loves to listen and potentially apply solutions to pain points or hurdles within an ever-growing industry.

Dimitri has worked in associations where he was able to build relationships with partners such as the CDC and is honored to have worked with Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine. Dimitri received a Bachelor of Science from Bowie State University, in Maryland. 

Dr. Kenneth Walz, Director of the CREATE Energy Center, 

Madison College, WI

Dr. Kenneth Walz has taught science, engineering, and renewable energy at Madison Area Technical College since 2003, where he serves as the Director of the CREATE Energy Center funded by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Walz earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin while performing research on lithium-ion batteries with Rayovac and Argonne National Laboratory. 

Dr. Walz has also taught graduate courses in Environmental Engineering, Engineering Professional Development, and Teaching Methods for Scientists and Engineers with the university.  Dr. Walz is an alumnus of the Academies Creating Teacher Scientists Program at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and he also spent time as a visiting scientist with the University of Rochester Center for Photoinduced Charge Transfer.  He has served as an advisor and board member for the Wisconsin Distributed Resources Collaborative, the K-12 Energy Education Program, the Center for Energy Workforce Development, and the Solar Ready Vets Program. Dr. Walz has been recognized as Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and as the Energy Educator of the Year by the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education.

Topic

This Capital Cities Community College Consortium (C5) Zoom forum offers perspectives on engaging with Native American communities and students. It shares experiences at Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs). Authorized under Title III of the Higher Education Act, the NASNTI program provides grants to enable institutions enrolling a minimum 10% Native American students to improve their capacity to serve Native American and low-income individuals. The presenters in this Zoom forum are from public, nontribal NASNTI postsecondary institutions with student populations that are above 30% Native American.

Presenting Institutions

San Juan College, Farmington, NM.  San Juan College is a comprehensive community college offering academic and career and technical education. The college is organized into six schools: Energy, Health Sciences, Trades & Technology, Business, Information Technology and Social Sciences, Humanities, and Science, Math, and Engineering.

Nearby Native American communities: Navajo, Jicarilla-Apache, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Hopi.

University of Minnesota Morris, MN.  UM Morris’s history began in 1887 as an Indian boarding school on land cared for and called home by the Dakota and later the Anishinaabe people. Administered by the Sisters of Mercy of the Catholic Church and later by the federal government, the boarding school closed in 1909 and the site was turned over to the state of Minnesota. In 1960 UMN Morris opened its doors as a small residential public liberal arts college, part of the University of Minnesota system.

Nearby Native American communities: Upper Sioux, Lower Sioux, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, White Earth Ojibwe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and Flandreau Santee Sioux.

Fort Lewis College, Durango CO.  Fort Lewis College’s history began in 1891, when the Army’s Fort Lewis was converted into a federal Indian boarding school. Subsequently, it became an agriculture and mechanic arts high school, then a two-year college, and as of 1956 a four-year public liberal arts college. Fort Lewis College awards more degrees to Native American students than any other four-year institution in the United States.

Nearby Native American communities: Navajo, Jicarilla-Apache, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Hopi.

Moderator

Dawn Erlandson is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).  Founder and president of Aurora Strategic Services, based in Minneapolis, MN, she has extensive experience in stakeholder communications, media, and government relations.

Speakers

Yolanda Benally, Dean of Students, San Juan College

Ms. Benally began her career at San Juan College in 2008 as an advisor for the TRIO Educational Talent Search program before being promoted to Director.  She returned to San Juan College in 2019 as an advisor and director for the TRIO Student Support Services and STEM-H programs in addition to teaching an FYEX course. 

Ms. Benally has worked much of her career with federal grants, including the federal TRIO and GEAR UP programs.  She has experience in grant writing and management, budget management, community resource networking, and student advising. 

Ms. Benally earned a Master of Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration as well as baccalaureate degrees in criminal justice and government from New Mexico State University. Additionally, she holds an Alternative Licensure Program Certificate from San Juan College.  

In addition to overseeing the issues and processes related to the Student Code of Conduct, Ms. Benally supervises the Native American Center, Herencia Latina Center, Housing & Residential Life, and the support grants housed in Student Services: TRIO Student Support Services & SSS STEM-H, TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, TRIO Upward Bound, and NASNTI Native S.O.A.R.

Carrie Tsosie-Jim, Senior Director, Institutional Research, San Juan College

In her role at San Juan College, Ms. Tsosie-Jim deals intensively with data. She also works to advance culturally sensitive strategies to encourage students to complete their studies and earn a degree. In addition to her senior role in Institutional Research, Ms. Tsosie-Jim teaches a class at San Juan College in Navajo Rug Weaving.

Before joining the San Juan College senior leadership team, Ms. Tsosie-Jim served as Director of Academic Assessment at Diné College (formerly Navajo Community College), and Student Success Retention Coordinator at Arizona State University. 

Ms. Tsosie-Jim was awarded a bachelor’s degree by Stanford University and a master’s degree by Harvard University.

Chip Beal, Director, Native American Student Success and Assistant to the Chancellor, University of Minnesota Morris

UMN Morris’ Native American Student Success team leader, Mr. Beal has dedicated his career to Native American student success. His primary goal is to help build a team that creates long term relationships with Native American students that continues and endures through graduation and beyond.

Mr. Beal started his career as a middle school science teacher in Choctaw County, Oklahoma.  He later became a guidance counselor in the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, and served as American Indian student services coordinator, multicultural student services coordinator, and associate professor of First Nations studies at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. 

Mr. Beal is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He also has Chickasaw and Cherokee heritage. Mr. Beal was awarded a bachelor's degree by Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma, and a master's degree in guidance counseling, with a Native American counseling emphasis, at Northeastern State University, Oklahoma. 

Heather Shotton, Vice President of Diversity Affairs, Fort Lewis College

Ms. Shotton works to create an inclusive environment for Fort Lewis College students.  She has focused on language revitalization, inclusive pedagogies, and connectivity to rural and tribal communities in the Four Corners region.  Ms. Shotton’s scholarship is centered on Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and a politic of community building, through which she seeks to create a space that fosters self-determination and tribal nation building for Indigenous people in higher education. 

Previously, Ms. Shotton served as the inaugural Director of Indigenous Education Initiatives and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma College of Education.  

A citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a Kiowa and Cheyenne descendant with an established record of publications focused on indigenous education and transforming higher education as a site of self-determination for indigenous communities, Ms. Shotton’s research has been published in top-ranked, competitive journals, and broad access journals. 

Topic

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving.  Examples of AI include digital assistants, GPS guidance, autonomous vehicles, and generative AI tools like Open AI's Chat GPT.  On its own or combined with sensors, geolocation, or robotics, AI can perform tasks otherwise requiring human intelligence or intervention.  AI has potential to play a significant role in both the processes of teaching and learning at higher education institutions.  

Moderator

Dawn Erlandson is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).  Founder and president of Aurora Strategic Services, based in Minneapolis, MN, she has extensive experience in stakeholder communications, media, and government relations.

Introduction

Robert J. Denson, J.D. is the longest-serving president of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), in Iowa’s capital city.  President Denson has been at the forefront of important issues impacting education, serving on state and national boards. He has helped forge partnerships with Amazon, Google, Facebook, the National Science Foundation, Goldman Sachs and the Lumina Foundation, among others. President Denson is a cofounder of the Capital Cities Community College Consortium (C5).

Keynote Speaker 

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) represents the heart of Silicon Valley, California, home to tech giants including Amazon, Apple, Google, Juniper Networks, Meta (Facebook), and others.  In his fourth term in Congress, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee, as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems; and on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, where he previously chaired the Environmental Subcommittee.

Moderator

Dawn Erlandson is a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).  Founder and president of Aurora Strategic Services, a public affairs firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she has extensive experience in stakeholder communications, media, and government relations.

Speaker

Dr. Reginald (Reggie) Hicks joined the CHIPS Program Office from the private sector.  Previously, he led the Smart Manufacturing Artificial Intelligence, Workforce Development, Total Productive Management, and SPMO Departments at Micron Semiconductor.  

One of Dr. Hicks’ key initiatives was developing the Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP) for Micron Virginia. This six-month program for non-degreed team members was adopted by Micron Global.  Another key initiative was Direct Success, in collaboration with the mayor of Manassas, Virginia. The Direct Success program enabled high school graduates to become contractors in the Shipping and Receiving department at Micron and from there transition to careers through the TAP Program.  

Prior to Micron, Dr. Hicks worked for Tokyo Electron America and lived in Japan and Taiwan.  He also previously worked for Texas Instruments and Hitachi Semiconductor.  Dr. Hicks started in the industry as an Electronic Technician, Equipment/Process Engineer, Manager, and site director.  

Dr. Hicks has a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and Technical Management and a master’s degree in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a doctorate in Organizational Behavior from the University of Phoenix.  He also has an African American male leadership program, Positive Related Education (PRE), which has helped high school students graduate from college.

Background on CHIPS

President Biden signed the Chips and Science Act into law on August 9, 2022.  Chips and Science has placed America on a path toward renewed leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.  

The Department of Commerce has authority under the Chips and Science Act to direct $50 billion to programs strengthening and revitalizing the U.S. position in semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.  This includes $13 billion for research and workforce training.  These efforts are likely to advance development of semiconductor technology programs at America’s community colleges to secure the talent pipeline for technician-level jobs in semiconductor manufacturing.

Key CHIPS Program Goals and Objectives 

-- Double the size of the United States semiconductor workforce.

-- U.S. colleges and universities to triple the number of graduates in semiconductor-related fields, including engineering.

-- Semiconductor companies to work with high schools, community colleges, and unions to train 100,000 new technicians through apprenticeships, career and technical education, and career pathway programs.

-- Colleges, universities, and training programs to expand recruitment and enable more people from underserved communities – including women and veterans – to launch semiconductor industry careers.

-- Technology companies, unions, manufacturers, and government to work together to hire and train an additional million women to meet the demand across a range of construction industries, including semiconductor technology.

Moderator

Dawn Erlandson is a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). Founder and president of Aurora Strategic Services, a public affairs firm based in Minneapolis, MN, she has extensive experience in stakeholder communications, media and government relations.

Speakers

Dr. Amy Loyd is the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) at the U.S. Department of Education. In this role, she oversees national programs related to career and technical education, community colleges, adult education and literacy, and correctional education.

Previously, Dr. Loyd was Vice President at Jobs for the Future, where she designed and led programs across the United States that improve education and workforce outcomes. She focused on state and regional policies, practices, and cross-sector partnerships that engaged K-12 education, community colleges, adult education, workforce development, economic development, and employers to build systems of college and career pathways, leveraging CTE. Earlier, Dr. Loyd was the Director of Education at Cook Inlet Tribal Council, leading a network of schools providing culturally responsive education, training, and wraparound services to Alaska Native and Native American communities.

Dr. Loyd attended Santa Fe Community College and Northern New Mexico Community College and holds a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College and a doctorate in education leadership from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

Dr. J. Noah Brown is Senior Advisor in the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) at the U.S. Department of Education. An award-winning higher education policy and governance expert, author, and educator whose experience spans four decades in the nation's capital, Dr. Brown previously served 16 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

Dr. Brown is a former faculty member for the Doctorate in Community College Leadership Program at Ferris State University. He has served as a Founding Member of the College Promise Advisory Board and Chair of its Executive Committee. Dr. Brown has served on the Level Up Advisory Board, Seal of Excelencia Advisory Board, Single Stop USA Advisory Board, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Board of Directors. His inaugural book, First in the World: Community Colleges and America's Future, won the 2013 Bellwether Book Award.

Dr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an Honorary Associate of Arts degree from Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey. 

Overview

An estimated 1 in 5 people are “neurodivergent” – i.e., have a mind that works differently, such as the autistic, ADHDers, the dyslexic, synesthetes, and other unique neurotypes.  The vast majority of neurodivergent individuals are motivated, capable, and unemployed or underemployed.  According to research and publishing, 50% of Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) identify under the neurodivergence umbrella.  This is a significant issue among community college students.  Notably, research has shown that as many as 80% of autistic students begin their higher education journey at community colleges.

Moderator – Dawn Erlandson

Dawn Erlandson is a member of the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  On a national level, she has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).  Founder and president of Aurora Strategic Services, a public affairs firm based in Minneapolis, MN, she has extensive experience in stakeholder communications, and media and government relations.

Speaker – Dr. Maureen Dunne

Dr. Dunne is the author of The Neurodiversity Edge: The Essential Guide to Embracing Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Differences for Any Organization (Wiley, release date March 12, 2024).  The book presents a framework for harnessing the power of neurodiversity.  

Dr. Maureen Dunne leverages decades of immersive cognitive science research, case studies, stories from neurodivergent voices, in-the-trenches work with hundreds of organizations from start-ups to global Fortune 500 leaders, and her own lived experience as a neurodivergent employer, entrepreneur, board member, and CEO.

Dr. Dunne is a graduate of the College of DuPage, an Illinois community college.  She received BA and MA degrees from the University of Chicago, MSc from the London School of Economics, and a doctorate from the University of Oxford.  She was the first community college student to become a Rhodes Scholar.  Dr. Dunne is a trustee at College of DuPage and a member of the ACCT Board of Directors.