The CCBA Pioneer Award is presented annually to an individual who has bravely and tenaciously served as a leader in improving access for community college graduates into baccalaureate education.
2022 CCBA Pioneer Award Winner
Assemblymember Jose Medina
Jose Medina was elected in November 2012 to represent California’s 61st Assembly District, which consists of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and Mead Valley. He currently serves as chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education.
Mr. Medina has been a steadfast voice for students, teachers, families, and the Inland Empire, championing legislation and securing funds for higher education, healthcare accessibility, affordable housing, the arts, and social justice. He authored AB 101, making California the first state to mandate Ethnic Studies as a high school graduation requirement.
Since his first term, Mr. Medina has secured $25 million in on-going funds to the UC Riverside School of Medicine, $9.7 million to support the development of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and Industry, $3.5 million for the development of the Mission Heritage Plaza, and $7 million to support the restoration and preservation of the Harada House.
Assemblymember Medina is a proud UC Riverside alumnus, with a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies, and a master’s degree in History. He has two adult children and two grandchildren. He currently resides in Riverside with his wife, Linda.
2022 CCBA Pioneer Award Winner
Becky Nutt
Believing in community involvement Becky Nutt committed her time to her communities. She ran for political office, participated in several local leadership groups, and graduated from the Arizona statewide leadership program, Project CENTRL.
Nutt served in the Arizona House Legislature from 2017 to 2021, representing Legislative District 14. Seeing the need in her community and her state, Rep. Becky Nutt worked tirelessly with colleges, corporations, and across the aisle to make baccalaureate degrees for all Arizonians a reality.
PAST PIONEER AWARD WINNERS

Mike Hansen
2021 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Jean Floten
2020 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Shirley Reed MBA, Ed.D.
2019 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Malcolm Grothe
2018 Pioneer Award Winner
Dr. Constance Carroll
2017 Pioneer Award Winner
Debra Bragg
2016 Pioneer Award Winner
Al Lorenzo
2015 Pioneer Award Winner
Senator Marty Block
2014 Pioneer Award Winner
Dr. Jill Wakefield
2013 Pioneer Award Winner
Bruce MacKenzie
2012 Pioneer Award Winner
Belle Wheelan
2011 Pioneer Award Winner
Will Holcombe
2010 Pioneer Award Winner
Beth Hagan
2009 Pioneer Award Winner
Dahlia Repole
2008 Pioneer Award Winner
Linda Thor
2007 Pioneer Award Winner
Carl M. Kuttler, Jr
2006 Pioneer Award Winner
(co-winner)
Senator Don Sullivan
2006 Pioneer Award Winner
(co-winner)
Kenneth P. Walker
2005 Pioneer Award Winner
Jim Wright
2004 Pioneer Award Winner
Ronald K. Remington
2003 Pioneer Award Winner