When asked what he thought of the desert, new Learning Assistance Center Coordinator Tyson Huffman replied, “It’s opposite of everything I’ve ever known.”
Born and raised in Modesto, California, considered the culture hub of the Central Valley and known as the heart of one of the greatest agricultural areas of our nation – the San Joaquin Valley, Huffman is enjoying the small community feel surrounded by four maintain ranges. “When I first looked up Ridgecrest I expected to find a college on a bluff overlooking the ocean and was pleasantly surprised to find it was in the desert surrounded by mountain ranges with beautiful sunsets, which is quite different from anything I have ever experienced before,” he said.
The adventurous type with a passion for traveling, Huffman said “I was given the opportunity to study abroad in France for 6 months while in college and I loved it. It was a life changing experience for me.”
He always knew he wanted to be a teacher and working at a community college is a dream comes true. He taught college English and Computer Applications, before becoming the Director of General Education, and then the Director of the Library and Learning Resource Center. The new position at Cerro Coso was a perfect fit for Huffman, whose enthusiasm and energy are sure to strengthen the services the program provides students, building on its caring atmosphere and culture of collaboration and success.
“I want it to be a place to gain and share knowledge for not only those who need extra support but where high achievers can also progress.”
A newlywed, Huffman and his wife Jessica love to travel, experience new cultures, music, art, and wine tasting.
Huffman holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas; a Bachelor’s Degree in French from CSU Sacramento; and a Master’s Degree in Educational Studies from the University of Phoenix. He is currently working on a Doctorate in Education through Capella University.
Welcome to Cerro Coso, Tyson, where we believe in unlocking people’s potential to become better.
