CAMARILLO, Calif. - s4story -- The Community Colleges of Ventura County proudly recognize Kelly Denton, Academic Data Specialist at Ventura College, as the 2025 Classified Employee of the Year. The annual award celebrates the excellence, professionalism and dedication of classified professionals who make an exceptional impact across our campuses and communities.

"This is our chance to recognize the incredible work Kelly Denton has done and how deeply she is valued by the Ventura College community," said Board Chair Gabriella Torres. "Kelly was selected because of the meaningful impact she makes every day — through her dedication, leadership and the way she goes above and beyond to support students, faculty and staff alike."

The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) awards the Classified Employee of the Year distinction in accordance with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors, which will consider Denton for the CCC statewide award. At the May 2025 Board of Governors meeting, up to five recipients will be named California Community Colleges Classified Employee of the Year. Winners receive a $750 cash award and a plaque.

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Additional Classified Employee of the Year nominees included Kelly Barton, Human Resources Assistant at the District Administrative Center; Dina Pielaet, Marketing, Communications, and Web Design Coordinator at Moorpark College; and Bryan Burland, Instructional Lab Technician II – Sciences at Oxnard College.

"These incredible individuals represent the very heart of our colleges," said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. "They often work behind the scenes, but their impact is felt in every corner of our campuses. With every task, every interaction, they bring care, skill and a sense of purpose that uplifts our entire community. Our classified professionals are the driving force behind many of our accomplishments, and we are deeply grateful for everything they do."

For more information, visit vcccd.edu (http://www.vcccd.edu/).