Chaffey Community Learns Power of Momentum at FLEX

Chaffey College’s Convocation speaker Dr. Toby S. Jenkins told a story of a 2021 college football comeback victory to explain how hunger, drive and commitment can lead to success.

The matchup between University of Alabama and the University of Auburn went into quadruple overtime, a first for the Iron Bowl. Alabama, discouraged to be trailing Auburn through most of the game, pulled together its mental and physical strength to triumph 24-22.

“They knew exactly what they wanted,” Jenkins said. “They wanted to win. And when you know what you want, you can move with purpose.”

Jenkins, who serves as associate provost for faculty development at the University of South Carolina, asked faculty and staff who gathered in the Chaffey College Theatre to consider what they want and think about what they would consider a win for the semester. She suggested the key was having a small community of dedicated colleagues willing to play hard, bring new ideas to the table and drive the college forward with momentum.

The Jan. 9 event, also known as FLEX, saw the return of Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon, who had been away on medical leave since fall 2024.

He told employees that he is committed to making sure that the campus community works together to ensure student success, and thanked faculty and staff for their dedication to the college.

“You put students first and that is our saving grace,” he said.

Faculty and classified staff welcomed back Shannon, and also expressed the need for unity and understanding given the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and changes in the political landscape.

“I ask you to dig deep and tap into the resiliency of the human spirit as you finish the planning of your spring semester,” said Professor of Spanish Tamari Jenkins, serving as FLEX coordinator.

Classified Senate President Sarah Schmidt said that the Chaffey community needs to come together as the world steps into a season of uncertainty.

“What we do on a daily basis matters more than ever now,” she said.