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California Community Colleges Board of Governors Approves Center Status for MSJC Temecula Valley Campus - Approval Brings $2.2 Million in Annual Funding to MSJC

1-23-2025

The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges has unanimously approved Center Status for the Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) Temecula Valley Campus, a significant milestone for the college and the region. The decision follows a presentation by MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz.

The Center Status designation secures approximately $2.2 million in additional annual basic apportionment funding, reinforcing MSJC’s commitment to providing equitable access to higher education for Southwest Riverside County’s rapidly growing population.

"This is a historic moment for Mt. San Jacinto College and our Temecula Valley Campus," said Dr. Schultz. "The Board's unanimous approval recognizes the incredible growth and impact of this campus in addressing the educational needs of our community. At MSJC, we are committed to taking our educational offering to where our students are—physically in the heart of our population district—and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. This additional funding will enable us to expand access, enhance student success, and strengthen our role as a vital regional resource."

In 2017, MSJC acquired a 365,000-square-foot building in Temecula for $55 million, funded through local bond Measure AA. By 2020, the facility was transformed into a state-of-the-art learning center, opening during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the campus serves nearly 4,000 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students annually, meeting the region’s increasing demand for higher education.

The Temecula Valley Campus exemplifies MSJC’s commitment to financial stewardship and sustainability. Its current value of $424 million demonstrates the foresight of MSJC leadership and the community’s investment in the future.

The successful application for Center Status was made possible through the diligent efforts of Dr. Carlos Tovares, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, whose leadership and attention to detail were instrumental in completing the comprehensive application packet. Dr. Schultz expressed his gratitude: "Dr. Tovares’s expertise and dedication were critical in achieving this milestone. His work ensures that MSJC continues to deliver exceptional opportunities to our students and community."

The Temecula Valley Campus is designed to provide modern, inclusive spaces that foster academic growth and collaboration. MSJC offers robust support systems to ensure students thrive, including:

• Comprehensive Programs: Student Health Centers, the Student Government Association, and over 30 student clubs provide students with leadership opportunities and community connections.
• Specialized Initiatives: Programs like Phi Theta Kappa, Puente, Umoja, and Native American Student Support & Success offer tailored support to diverse student populations.
• Expanded Education Opportunities: Adult Education and Community and Contract Education further reflect MSJC’s dedication to serving the diverse needs of its students and the broader community.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Historically Black University (HBU) partner, MSJC prioritizes inclusivity and equity, ensuring every student has access to the resources needed for success.

Beyond academics, the Temecula Valley Campus serves as a vital community hub. Events like the Annual Christmas Community Dinner, organized by the Rotary Club and now in its 30th year, highlight the campus's role in fostering partnerships and supporting community residents. The event feeds over 1,000 community members, including seniors like 90-year-old Lawanda Baldwin, who shared:

"I just wanted to thank each and every one of the Rotarians and the volunteers who provided us, and particularly me, with my lunch on Christmas Day at MSJC. Your smiling faces, the food, and the little blanket keep me warm."

Through strategic investments, innovative programs, and meaningful community partnerships, Mt. San Jacinto College continues to transform lives and foster equity, sustainability, and success across Southwest Riverside County.