College of the Canyons (COC) has awarded Frederick Bobola, an instructional laboratory coordinator, as the Classified Employee of the Year. 

In addition to being named the classified employee of the year at COC, Bobola was also awarded the same by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. He is one of five California employees to win the statewide award. 

Bobola received his award on May 22 at the Board of Governors meeting in Sacramento.  

“When I heard the news, I was quite surprised and humbled,” said Bobola. “The support I received from my co-workers and family was an amazing feeling to experience. Winning this award is not only a great personal accomplishment, but also it is truly an honor to represent College of the Canyons, a place I have called home since 2004 as a student.”

The annual award is given to community college classified employees who demonstrate the “highest level of commitment to the Vision for Success,” according to COC. Classified employees are anyone who works at the school who are not teachers. 

“I wish to congratulate Fred Bobola for receiving this statewide recognition from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “His passion and dedication toward student success is inspirational in everything he does and is a testament to the stellar caliber of employees at the college.”

Bobola’s career would take root in 2004, as he entered COC for the first time as a former student athlete. He credits an influential English professor for changing his life forever. 

He began working as an English tutor at The Learning Center before transferring to UCLA to complete his bachelor’s degree in English literature. 

After graduating, Bobola returned to COC, where he has served as instructional coordinator for English, social behavioral sciences, humanities and modern languages for TLC. He oversees a portion of the college’s Title V grant, which aims to promote equitable outcomes for students from historically marginalized demographics.

“Fred exemplifies what a College of the Canyons employee should be: dedicated to student learning and success, and ready to seize new opportunities, embrace diversity, and engage in professional development training,” said Leslie Carr, director of professional development at the college, who nominated Bobola for the award. “This statewide recognition is well-deserved.”

Bobola has also served on the executive board for the Classified Senate and as the college’s E-sports club advisor.

A published author, he recently completed his master’s degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing.

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