Cerro Coso Community College’s mission is to improve student lives and, by extension, support civic and community growth. This mission is achieved through a vision encompassing education, innovation, inclusion, and service. In alignment with these principles, the school collaborates closely with TechGrid participants by offering industry-backed certification training, academic and career guidance, and specialized subject matter expertise. Cerro Coso also provides faculty and administrative support, professional networking opportunities, and contributions of equipment and technology. These efforts sustain and enrich interest in the ongoing use of the facility, and inspire new avenues for its utilization, in service of TechGrid partners, stakeholders, and the broader community.
Michael Chiang, Dean
Michael Chiang is the Dean of Instruction, Letters and Sciences, at Cerro Coso Community College. He holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Michigan and was a faculty member teaching East Asian and world history for many years before assuming his current role. He manages the adult education budget at Cerro Coso, which serves the educational and career needs of adult learners.
Tim Randolph, IT/Cyber Security Professor
Tim Randolph brings experience in both public and private sectors to TechGrid, with a background in economics, business, software, and project management. Before joining his hometown community college as a full-time faculty member, he held testing and software lead roles on three Department of Defense programs at China Lake and worked with top telecom providers as a consultant. At TechGrid, he’s excited to support students on their academic paths while contributing to innovative projects that benefit Ridgecrest and its surrounding communities.
Nicole Griffin, Career Technical Education
Nicole Griffin has served as the Dean of Career Technical Education at Cerro Coso Community College since 2020, bringing over 15 years of experience in education, including K-16 instruction, institutional research, web development, marketing, and management. With advanced degrees in public policy and economics, she supports workforce development by advancing job skills certificates, associate degrees, and transfer pathways that align with industry needs in the region. She values the collaborative nature of her role and enjoys working closely with local employers to prepare students for high-quality, in-demand careers.