Fully Online Certificate Programs for Educators
Participants will access the fully online course when it’s most convenient for them and complete at their own pace.
Every program is intentionally designed with a strong empirical foundation that includes lectures from faculty, content assessments, supplemental reading materials, community forums, and live virtual sessions with program faculty. Participants will walk away with practical strategies they can use right away.
Advantage of CORA’s Online Certificate Programs
CORA’s programs are supported by decades of research by nationally recognized scholars and practitioners. Enrolling in our online training programs will provide you with comprehensive insights into the circumstances that contribute to the disparate outcomes in work and education for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Participants will earn CEUs by enrolling in online professional development courses. All program faculty have a demonstrated commitment to enhancing the capacity of educators and community colleges to improve academic outcomes for minoritized and disproportionately impacted students.
Janue Johnson
Dr. Janue Johnson has a diverse teaching background with experience in K-12 and higher education settings. She is currently a tenured Associate Professor and oversees Professional Learning for the campus community as the Coordinator at the Learning Opportunities for Transformation (LOFT) at San Diego Mesa College.
Frank Harris III
Dr. Frank Harris III is a professor of postsecondary education and Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL) at San Diego State University. He is best known for his expertise in racial [in]equity in postsecondary education and has made important contributions to knowledge about college student development and the social construction of gender and race in college contexts. His work prioritizes populations that have been historically underrepresented and underserved in education.
J. Luke Wood
J. Luke Wood, Ph.D. is Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Education and Vice President for Student Affairs & Campus Diversity at San Diego State University. Formerly Wood served as Associate Vice President for Diversity and Innovation. Dr. Wood is also Co-Director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), a national research and practice center that partners with community colleges to support their capacity in advancing outcomes for men of color. He has delivered over 1,000 scholarly and conference presentations and more than 150 publications to his credit, including 15 books and 75 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Lasana O. Hotep
Lasana O. Hotep is an antiracist/antisexist educator, writer, and equity-advancing executive coach. He writes and speaks globally about educational equity, anti- Blackness, and racial justice within organizations and society at-large. He has delivered transformative, multi-media presentations throughout the United States and abroad in Beijing, China and Accra, Ghana. As a writer, he has contributed to seven books and is the co-author of the recently published Minding the Obligation Gap in Community Colleges and Beyond: Theory and Practice in Achieving Educational Equity. For over 20 years, Lasana has provided equity-advancing consultation to academic institutions, community-based organizations, and corporations. Some of his most note-worthy accomplishments include developing the Equity Training series (ETS) and serving as the founding Executive Director of the Equity Institute (EI). Currently, Lasana serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) at the University of California, Berkeley.
Carlos Nevarez
Dr. Carlos Nevarez received his Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He is a Full Professor with the Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Executive Editor for the Journal of Transformative Leadership and Policy Studies at Sacramento State. Dr. Nevarez prior leadership experience include serving as the Interim Chair, Graduate & Professional Studies. In Addition to serving as Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Sacramento State. Dr. Nevarez has authored over thirty publications. His work is designed to be both accessible and actionable in addressing educational challenges and opportunities facing schools and colleges.
Sim Barhoum
Dr. Sim Barhoum is a Professor of Humanities at San Diego Mesa College. Professor Barhoum earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Community College/Post Secondary Education from San Diego State University. He has taught a wide range of education and literacy courses, from high school-level to graduate-level, in a variety of teaching formats, including traditional, hybrid, and online. Dr. Barhoum’s research focuses on developmental pathways, barriers to underserved students, and best practices for all community college students. In particular, his contributions examine active learning, relational practices, and educational models.
Donna Ford
Donna Y. Ford, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor of Education and Human Ecology and Kirwan Institute Faculty Affiliate at The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. She is in the Educational Studies Dept., Special Education Program. She returned to OSU in Aug. 2019. Professor Ford was formerly an endowed chair at Vanderbilt University in the College of Education. Dr. Ford has been a Professor of Special Education at the Ohio State University, an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Virginia, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky.
George R. Boggs
George R. Boggs is President and CEO Emeritus of the American Association of Community Colleges and Superintendent/President Emeritus of Palomar College in San Marcos, California. He continues to be an active consultant, teacher, author, and speaker. He is the author of more than 100 articles, books, and chapters on various aspects of higher education. He currently teaches classes in emerging higher education issues in doctoral programs at San Diego State University and National American University.
Dr. Jonathan Henderson
Dr. Jonathan Henderson is a dynamic and accomplished instructional designer, professor, and researcher with over a decade of experience advancing equity in higher education. He currently serves as the Assistant Professor/Professional Development Faculty Coordinator at Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, California, where he leads faculty professional learning initiatives and is involved in faculty senate leadership. Prior to joining Southwestern College, Jonathan was a Senior Analyst at the Anti-Racism Diversity Inclusion (ARDI) unit within the County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office, where he helped lead DEI efforts within county government.
Jonathan made significant contributions as Regional Coordinator for the Umoja Community Education Foundation, where he oversaw the growth and development of Umoja Programs in San Diego County and 68 partner colleges and universities across California and Washington State. He also served as the inaugural Program Director for The Rose Black Resource Center; a Black cultural center based at CSU Dominguez Hills.
With a wealth of experience in instruction, Jonathan has taught courses in Sociology, Labor Studies, Counseling, Cross Cultural Studies, and Africana Studies within the California Community Colleges and California State University systems. He is also an accomplished qualitative researcher, having served as a Research Associate for the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), led by Dr. Frank Harris III, Dr. Luke Wood, and Dr. Marissa Vasquez.
Jonathan is a proud community college and CSU alumnus. He holds an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts from MiraCosta College, B.A. and M.A. degrees in Sociology from CSU Dominguez Hills, and an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership from San Diego State University.
Dr. Krystal Henderson
Dr. Krystal Henderson is a passionate mentor and educator with a profound commitment to economic justice and wellbeing for Black people. With 15+ years of experience, she brings a unique perspective, having successfully built her own business and supporting BIPOC business owners in their entrepreneurial journeys. Her research focuses on mentorship, equity in education and social services, and uplifting Black girls and women.
Throughout her career, Dr. K has held diverse roles spanning all levels of organizations, from serving as the Board President of a nonprofit to Dean at a multi-college community college district, as well as fulfilling roles as a case manager and research assistant. In 2020, she responded to a resounding need and founded Henderson Professional Mentorship Group with a mission to support Black professionals during the challenges of the pandemic. As the community faces the impact of inflation and struggles to meet basic needs, her services have evolved to vital business mentorship, as entrepreneurship transforms lives.
Dr. K holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice at Loyola Marymount University, Educational Leadership from Boston College, and B.A.s in African American Studies and Women Studies from the University of California, Riverside; showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and academic achievement. With her extensive knowledge, practical experience, and compassionate approach, she is dedicated to empowering her clients and helping them thrive in their business endeavors.
Dr. Eric Bishop
Dr. Eric Bishop is Superintendent/President of the Ohlone Community College District in Fremont, California. Ohlone is an 8,000-student community college with sites in Fremont, Newark and online. He began that post in July 2020 after serving as associate superintendent of student services and legislative engagement for Chaffey College, in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. In that capacity Dr. Bishop oversaw all of the student services for the college and worked to create spaces for access to higher education for the college’s communities. He also facilitated the college’s government relations, working with local, state and federal officials on behalf of the college. He worked at the college from 2007 through 2020, and also served as Dean of the Fontana Campus, Interim Dean of Physical Education and Athletics, Director of Student Discipline and Grievance, and Vice President of Student Services. He has served as Title IX Compliance Officer, and as a tri-chair on the President’s Equity Council for the college. His position oversees 15 student service areas, and serves as the college’s governmental relations staff. Additionally, he serves on the state-wide Chief Student Services Officers Association Executive Board, representing the 12 colleges in the Inland Empire.
He currently serves as the chair on the Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees in Richmond, Indiana, and serves on boards for the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Abode Community Housing Services and has served on the Fairplex Child Development Center Board, in Pomona, Calif. Eric has also served in administrative and full-time teaching roles at the University of La Verne, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member for the University of La Verne, as well as in the doctoral program at San Diego State University, teaching educational change and executive leadership.
Eric has a doctorate in organizational leadership (Ed.D.), master’s in communications and bachelor’s in journalism all from the University of La Verne. He lives in Fremont with his wife, Shanta, and his 11-year-old daughter, Emilee.
Dr. Tina King
Vice President of Student Affairs, Southwestern Community College District.
Dr. Tina M. King is a transformative educational leader whose vision is guided by the core values of inclusive excellence, equity-mindedness, and institutional responsibility for student success. Dr. King has served in every sector of public education in California. She began her career as a middle school teacher in the Compton Unified School District. Dr. King is a tireless advocate for students and educators, she is extremely passionate about issues that affect student equity, student success, and policy in public education.
Following a high impact career in public K-12 education, Dr. King transitioned to postsecondary education and served as the Student Affairs Officer at California State University, Fullerton. She then transitioned to the community college system becoming the first Director of Institutional Research and Planning at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) in the North Orange County Community College District. While at NOCE, Dr. King was promoted to the Dean of Instruction and Student Services serving as the Chief Student Services Officer, Title IX and Student Conduct Officer. During her tenure at NOCE, she successfully developed a comprehensive strategic enrollment management system, led the Guided Pathways Initiative, and worked in partnership to design the data element metrics for the Launch Board Adult Education Project, a tool intended to track community college outcomes for students who began in a K-12 pathway, and she co-led the redevelopment of the College’s Student Learning Outcomes (SLO).
Currently, Dr. King serves as the President of San Diego College of Continuing Education where she oversees and advocates for 40,000 students. Prior to her role as President, she served as Assistant Superintendent and Vice President for Student Affairs (ASVPSA) at Southwestern College. She oversaw a division of more than 300 educators serving a diverse population of nearly 30,000 students. Among her outstanding accomplishments as ASVPSA are: obtaining a $3 million grant to advance equitable student programs, developing the first LGBTQIA+ Learning Community, and establishing a Personal Wellness Center to meet students’ mental health and wellness needs. Dr. King also spearheaded the College’s Basic Needs Hub and is leading the development of a $90 million Student Union Complex. Dr. King’s accomplishments are the result of collaborative leadership with colleagues and mutually beneficial partnerships with the local community.
Dr. King also serves as a professor at San Diego State University, teaching equity-minded approaches to student success to graduate students in postsecondary educational leadership.
Dr. King received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Pan African Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University
Dr. Ray Ramírez
Fresno City College
Dr. Ray Ramírez has dedicated his life's work, research, and advocacy efforts to racial equity, anti-racism, and social justice in higher education. His scholar-practitioner research and advocacy interest include the role of community college practitioners (student affairs professionals, faculty, administrators, and staff) in fostering equitable student outcomes and institutional policy and practice impacting racially minoritized students, particularly Latino men. Dr. Ramírez has taught Chicanx-Latinx Studies courses at Fresno City College since 2012, served as the college Student Equity Coordinator from 2015 to 2019, Director of Student Equity and Success from 2019 to November 2023, and currently is Interim Vice President of Equity and Institutional Effectiveness at Madera Community College. Prior to 2015, Dr. Ramírez worked for the California Teaching Fellows Foundation in several capacities and ultimately as the Director of Operations from 2013 to 2015. He has also taught graduate courses in the Student Affairs and College Counseling program and Higher Education, Administration, and Leadership (HEAL) program as a lecturer in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State. He holds a dual B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Chicano and Latin American Studies, and an M.A. in HEAL from Fresno State.
Dr. Ramírez earned his doctorate in Community College/Postsecondary Education Leadership at San Diego State University in the Community College Leadership program and studied under the leadership of Drs. Frank Harris III, J. Luke Wood, and Marissa Vasquez. Growing up in a culturally and artistically rich family full of musicians and dancers, Dr. Ramírez is also passionate about Mexican folk dance (folklórico). His late father was well-known throughout the Central San Joaquín Valley and California as a pioneering mariachero (mariachi musician), and folklórico instructor and choreographer. Dr. Ramírez hopes to foster a similar passion for nuestra cultra, comunidad and folklórico in his toddler, Mateo.