Announcement

IACET Announces Renowned Educator and Innovative Leader of Community Colleges, Dr. Henry Shannon, to Serve as Keynote Speaker at the 2nd Annual Conference – 50th Anniversary of the CEU Gala

Sterling, VA.  August 12, 2021 – On September 22, 2021, Dr. Henry Shannon, Superintendent and President of Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, will serve as the Keynote Speaker for the 2^nd Annual Conference - 50^th Anniversary of the CEU Gala at the Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA.

Dr. Shannon states that, “IACET is leading the way from the global pandemic by validating leading organizations that provide relevant 21st century skills to the workforce.”

“I have known Dr. Shannon for over 20 years. He was my President and Chancellor at St. Louis Community College during a very formative time in my career as a rising higher education professional.  I had the privilege of working directly with Dr. Shannon on various projects and was fortunate to have a sideline view of what stellar leadership looks like. He is a huge proponent of continuing education, community engagement, and continues to build capacity and demonstrate acute business acumen, all while considering the adult learners in his care. He’s incredible and I am honored that he accepted the invitation to speak to our stakeholders on this momentous occasion in IACETs history,” remarks IACET CEO, Casandra Blassingame.

With over 40 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Henry D. Shannon’s career as a chief executive officer spans approximately 20 years in the states of Missouri and California. He currently serves as the superintendent/president of Chaffey College, a three-campus college in Southern California, which enrolls approximately 23,000 students per semester. During his tenure at Chaffey College, which began in 2007, Dr. Shannon has enhanced and transformed the college’s vision to serve today’s community college students, preparing them for academic and occupational success. His focus on retention and graduation yielded the nine largest graduating classes in Chaffey College history from 2012 – 2021.

Dr. Shannon came from St. Louis, Missouri where he served as the chancellor of St. Louis Community College. In his 24 years at St. Louis Community College, he was also a college president and chief student affairs officer. Additionally, he served as an administrator and teacher at both St. Louis University and Harris Stowe State University. 

He earned a master’s and doctorate degree from Washington University in St. Louis, a management certificate from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree from Harris-Stowe State University.

Henry Shannon has been active on many boards at the national, state, and local levels. His past board memberships include the League of Innovation in Community Colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (chair 2004–2005), and the Educational Testing Service Community College Advisory Board. Dr. Shannon’s current board memberships include the Alliance for Education of San Bernardino County, San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, Growing Inland Achievement, The Community Foundation Board, California Community College Commission on the Future, California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), SunGard Higher Education Advisory Board, Community College Research Center Advisory Board, and Global Community College Leaders’ Network (formerly Renewal and Change 20/20). He has also been a member of Phi Beta Sigma since 1966.  In 2018, Dr. Shannon was awarded the Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), and in 2020 he was the recipient of the Educator of the Year Award from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP). 

Dr. Shannon is married to Gwendolyn A. Shannon. They have four adult children and ten grandchildren.

About IACET: The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) is a non-profit organization dedicated to quality continuing education and training programs. IACET is the only standard-setting organization approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for continuing education and training. The ANSI/IACET Standard is the core of thousands of educational programs worldwide.