Rachel Livinal
Reporter / Central Valley Journalism CollaborativeRachel Livinal reports on higher education for KVPR through a partnership with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Rachel grew up in Merced and attended Merced Community College and California State University of Long Beach where she earned her B.A. in journalism with a minor in sociology. She is excited to share the stories that are shaping the higher education landscape in the San Joaquin Valley.
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In an email to staff earlier this week, Merced College Dean John Albano responded to a reporting investigation that looked into how the college handled multiple complaints filed against him. -
The college’s two ethnic studies professors resigned in late 2024. Though their reasons for leaving are not fully known, just a month before, they were among at least 10 employees who filed complaints against the dean, many of whom alleged workplace intimidation and discrimination. -
How KVPR and The Merced FOCUS reported "Paper Trails and Transfers." -
In late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging discrimination by a Merced College dean. Reporting by KVPR and The Merced FOCUS found all of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but college officials still decided to move the dean to a different department – before he later stepped back into a faculty role. Some complainants say they’ve been the subject of retaliation.
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After a dean at Merced College was transferred to a new school within the campus and later announced a second move into a faculty position, college faculty and employees who lodged complaints against him question whether the move resolves their concerns. -
Mar. 2: Complaints, Resignations, Canceled Classes - An Investigation Into Turmoil At Merced CollegeIn late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging gender and racial discrimination by a Merced College dean. All of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but the dean still decided to move to a different department – before he later announced he will be stepping back into a faculty role. An investigation by Rachel Livinal found that the situation was still shaking up the wider campus community. Rachel Livinal, who reported this for both KVPR and the Merced FOCUS, discusses her investigation. -
A new health clinic opened its doors in Merced County. Sutter Los Banos Rural Health Clinic East is part of efforts by the health company Sutter Health to expand its services to rural regions of the state. -
The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra recently announced it extended a contract with conductor Stilian Kirov as it approaches its 100th anniversary. -
A look back on University of California Merced’s first 20 years. -
The lawsuit by a former coach and instructor is part of mounting criticism and pressure against Carole Goldsmith, chancellor of the State Center Community College District.
