CNCC Corner – July 2026
Summer at Colorado Northwestern Community College is anything but quiet. While students enjoy a well-earned break, our faculty and staff are preparing for another successful academic year. This season provides an opportunity to celebrate outstanding people, recognize important partnerships, and share projects that will strengthen CNCC and the communities we proudly serve.
I am pleased to welcome two exceptional leaders to the President's Cabinet. Effective July 15, 2026, Jennifer D. Barker has been appointed Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the CNCC Foundation. Jennifer brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, finance, operations, procurement, executive administration, and student services. Since joining CNCC, she has served as Controller, Senior Executive Assistant to the President and Executive Leadership Team, Interim Purchasing Coordinator, and most recently Interim Director of Student Life.
Jennifer's broad institutional knowledge and commitment to student success make her uniquely qualified to lead the College's advancement efforts by strengthening relationships with alumni, donors, community partners, and friends of CNCC while expanding philanthropic support for our mission. During her transition, Jennifer has graciously agreed to continue supporting Student Life until a successor is hired and through Fall orientation. Please join me in congratulating Jennifer on this well-deserved appointment.
I am also excited to announce that Charlee Chambers has accepted the newly created position of Chief of Staff, effective July 1, 2026. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Charlee brings exceptional communication skills, leadership experience, and a passion for service. The Chief of Staff will provide leadership in strategic communications, community engagement, special projects, and institutional initiatives while supporting the work of the President's Office and Cabinet. Congratulations, Charlee, as you begin this exciting new role.
CNCC continues to provide outstanding educational opportunities beyond the classroom. For the second consecutive year, CNCC partnered in the Colorado Space Business Roundtable Summer Fellowship, introducing students to careers throughout Colorado's growing aerospace industry. Special thanks to Tami Dorris of Rio Blanco BOCES for coordinating this exceptional work-based learning experience that included visits to industry leaders such as Safran Defense & Space, United Launch Alliance, and Buckley Space Force Base.
On June 28, CNCC hosted its Third Annual Spartan Scramble Golf Tournament in Craig. Thanks to generous sponsors, volunteers, and participants, this year's event was our largest and most successful to date, generating increased support for student scholarships and programs.
CNCC also partnered with the Rangely Outdoor Museum and the Town of Rangely to celebrate Walter Day, unveiling the new Walter dinosaur statue and educational kiosk. Thank you to our community partners and to Dr. Logan King for helping showcase the exciting future of CNCC's paleontology program.
Several exciting projects continue to move forward this summer. Thanks to the support of Congressman Jeff Hurd, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Rio Blanco County, AGNC, the Town of Rangely, and many community partners, nearly $700,000 has been secured for improvements to the Rangely Airport, with CNCC providing the required matching funds. This investment supports the continued growth of our nationally recognized Aviation Technology Flight Program.
Construction will soon begin on new student housing in Craig, adding 15–20 housing units with anticipated occupancy in January 2027.
Finally, CNCC is developing new campus landscaping plans for both Craig and Rangely that will enhance the beauty of our campuses while promoting sustainability, responsible water use, and pollinator-friendly practices. Community members interested in contributing ideas are encouraged to contact the President's Office.
As we prepare to welcome students this fall, I remain grateful for our dedicated employees, community partners, and supporters. Together, we continue creating opportunities, transforming lives, and building a stronger future for northwest Colorado.
Go Spartans!
Lisa Jones, Ph.D.
President, Colorado Northwestern Community College