Crafton Hills College’s Rebecca Abeyta Nominated for Statewide Award

Publish Date: March 28, 2025

The San Bernardino Community College District has nominated Crafton Hills College (CHC) Administrative Assistant Rebecca Abeyta for the California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year Award. This honor recognizes classified employees dedicated to Vision 2030 and equitable student success.

A key member of CHC’s counseling office, Abeyta is known for her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to students. With over five years of service, she has played a vital role in improving student services, training new counselors, and fostering collaboration among staff.

“Rebecca is truly the heart of our office,” said CHC Counselor and Co-Chair of Counseling and Career Services Jimmy Grabow. “She constantly finds ways to better serve students.”

Abeyta’s journey at Crafton has been deeply personal. Having experienced both strong leadership and significant challenges early in her career, she was determined to surround herself with educators who would inspire her to continue her own education. She credits Crafton for not only supporting her academic and professional growth but also providing a sense of family and purpose. She is especially grateful to her mentors, colleagues, and leaders, including Grabow, who encouraged her to return to school, and others like Ivan, Kevin, and Delmy, who have offered guidance and opportunities along the way.

A re-entry student, Abeyta resumed her education in 2021, earning an Associate in Arts for Transfer in Sociology and a CSU General Education Breadth Certificate in May 2024. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Beyond her work in the counseling office, Abeyta is active in the CHC community, serving on the Classified Senate and Student Services Council, organizing student events, and creating a welcoming space for students. She also gives back to her local community through outreach programs and volunteer work. A mother of four and grandmother of two, she finds joy in making a positive impact—whether on campus or beyond.

“Crafton is more than just a workplace,” Abeyta shared. “It’s a place of joy, purpose, and love. If I can make a difference in even one person’s life, that is more than I could ever ask for.”
Winners of the award will be announced at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento on May 20, 2025.