One day in May of 2025, Rochelle McEvoy – without leaving her own office in Bakersfield, California – switched from working for SJVC and started working for Carrington College. The alignment began in spring 2025 to put all healthcare-related programs under the Carrington College banner and all trades-related programs under SJVC.
Regardless of the college she works for, Rochelle happily continues the same work she has enjoyed for the last 30 years: supporting students in the pursuit of their own goals in life, giving them encouragement and guiding them to the tools that will help them build a career.
What was your first job?
Well, before SJVC, I had been living in Bakersfield since 1983. My first career was as a legal assistant. One of my friends said to me she thought I would be a good teacher for the legal assistant program at SJVC. I was hired, and I loved it! Helping students with my knowledge, and guiding them to a career made me feel really good.
How long did you do that?
A few years, and then I transitioned to teaching the Office Assistant program, the Human Resources Management program, Business, and even Math and English for general education. I loved switching between different subjects. I had an Associates’ Degree so I was qualified to teach at the college. I did that for the next ten years.
And then what?
And then what?I was on the original committee to start a library system at SJVC. I loved it because I could serve a wider population of students. I was teaching at the same time, but eventually I moved to a full- time librarian. Working there, I could reach more students. The more the better.
How are you dealing with AI?
We’re still navigating that. It’s new and in many ways it can go in the wrong direction with regard to learning. We tell the students they must do their own due diligence. Just Like with Wikipedia, you can’t believe everything you read; AI gets it wrong sometimes. It has been known to make things up. Students must always ask what are the sources.
Are you happy enough with your interaction with students there?
Absolutely, In addition to being a librarian I am also an academic coach; I get to assist students in all aspects. We teach them how to access eBooks, how to navigate iPads for their courses, how to find resources, and we help them with assignments.
Having witnessed these schools for 30 years, what do you think about the alignment of SJVC and Carrington College programs?
Having witnessed these schools for 30 years, what do you think about the alignment of SJVC and Carrington College programs?I believe the purpose of the plan is to strengthen both sides. From my perspective, I understand why they did it. By solidifying the healthcare programs to Carrington College and the trades programs to SJVC, we can serve more students than we ever have before. We can expand into other areas in the US, which means we can reach more communities with our particular mission.
What is it about working for Carrington College and SJVC that you’ve loved?
I believe we have a unique culture; a student at a community college or even a university just becomes a number. Here, they are treated as a person the minute they walk through the door. We take responsibility for them; we’re going to help them achieve their goal, whatever it is. We are here to serve them and guide them and give every kind of support that we can. One example that stands out to me was a student living out of his car. He was selling plasma to get money just so he could afford food. We connected him to many services, like bus passes, ride shares, and access to other community resources. By the time he graduated, he was on his feet; and he became the valedictorian of his class. We’ve had so many stories like that. When students earn their certificate and graduate, it truly can change their lives.
Even though you’ve been here thirty years, I imagine, it sounds like you plan to keep on going! Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can’t believe it’s been thirty years. It’s flown by. So many changes, and yet we remained consistent in our missions. We have such a solid mission and specific goals, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been, we still are determined to accomplish them however we can.
Personally, I am grateful that I was given that opportunity so many years ago to join the company and grow within it. I never imagined I would become an instructor. I doubted myself, but once I started, I was a natural. I loved giving my knowledge and helping the students.