Clovis Community College celebrates accreditation

Clovis Community College celebrated a new name, a new logo and new programs on Thursday.

The college, formerly known as Clovis Community College Center and before that, Willow International Center, received accreditation to expand to full community college status last month.

The expansion means the school in the northeast corner of Fresno will receive about $1.3 million more in funding each year to grow programs and enrollment.

At a ceremony on the northeast Fresno campus Thursday, a joint proclamation by Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin and Clovis Mayor Nathan Magsig was presented. California Community Colleges Chancellor and former Fresno City College President Brice Harris spoke at the event.

In addition to unveiling a new sign and logo for the school, a $25,000 check was presented to start the Leon S. Peters Honors Program at the college. The honors program allows high-achieving students access to a specialized curriculum and scholarships.

The campus, which opened in 2007, is part of the State Center Community College District. The school joins Fresno City College and Reedley College in community college status, while the Madera and Oakhurst sites remain centers.

With its new status, Clovis Community College will offer two athletic programs: swimming and soccer. Students will use Clovis North High School’s swim complex to practice, and swimming competitions will begin in the spring.

Men’s and women’s soccer will begin next fall.

Clovis Community officials are accepting suggestions for a school mascot.

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Clovis Community College celebrates accreditation."