College Staff Return to Campus May 17

Monday, May 10, 2021 at 2:02 PM

Like many colleges throughout the nation, keeping students safe and connected was a priority – all events were held virtually or in a drive-through manner, including graduation, First-Year Friday, end-of-semester music performances and other student engagement activities – to name a few.

From San Juan College

Friday, May 7, 2021

The summer semester at San Juan College will begin with all staff returning to work on-site at their respective locations, Monday, May 17.

“We know our students want to be back on campus - with faculty, with student support, with their friends and classmates,” says Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass, President of San Juan College. “While we’ve worked hard to provide the best services possible in a remote manner throughout the pandemic, having all employees back on campus will help to ensure we provide flexibility with in-person, online and hybrid learning, as well as deliver the high level of service that our students and community deserve.”

Over the past year San Juan College has, for the most part, provided remote and hybrid courses. However, face-to-face instruction was delivered where no remote alternatives were available, such as classes in health sciences, energy and trades and technology. A limited number of offices also were opened to students for in-person services, staying within public health orders and following recommended COVID safe practices.

In addition, like many colleges throughout the nation, keeping students safe and connected was a priority – all events were held virtually or in a drive-through manner, including graduation, First-Year Friday, end-of-semester music performances and other student engagement activities – to name a few.

“I am truly proud of how San Juan College employees and students have adapted to this ever-changing environment, and have strengthened and empowered each other throughout the pandemic,” Dr. Pendergrass says.

“We are excited to have all of our employees back on campus,” she continues. “We want everyone to feel safe and to know that we have implemented the most current and comprehensive COVID safe practices. We will continue to monitor and modify our processes to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students, community and employees.”

Summer classes begin Monday, May 24, and will be offered in a variety of formats –

in-person, online and hybrid, providing students with options that work best for their schedule. In addition, students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid Office, where they can take advantage of numerous financial aid opportunities and resources. Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships through the San Juan College Foundation at: https://www.sjcfoundation.org/.

Student support services such as advising, registration, tutoring, academic coaching, the library, bookstore and more will be available in-person, online and by phone, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional resources are also available through the Student Achievement Center. For more information, call San Juan College at 505-326-3311.

More from Local News

Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.
Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.
Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.
Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly. At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Candidates File for Municipal Elections

Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.