Mt. San Jacinto College enrollment has grown more than 18% since 2023, topping 27,000 students. Superintendent/President Dr. Tawny Dotson announced the milestone at her first State of the College address Thursday, Nov. 5.

Dotson, the first woman to lead MSJC, delivered the annual report at the Temecula Valley Campus. She told attendees the college projects enrollment will exceed 30,000 during the current academic year, according to the college.

Degrees and certificates awarded have also risen 34% since 2023. MSJC awarded a record 3,881 degrees and certificates at its May 20-21 commencement ceremonies, with 2,952 graduates walking the stage at Pechanga Resort Casino, the Press Enterprise reported.

The college's Board of Trustees approved a $441.6 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in September. The budget supports instruction, student services, financial aid, facilities and campus improvements.

Board of Trustees President Tom Ashley said the board is committed to keeping MSJC accessible and financially strong, according to the college. He attributed the college's progress to its employees, students and community partners.

University Center push

MSJC Foundation Board President Patrick Ellis highlighted progress toward establishing a University Center at the Temecula Valley Campus. The center would expand access to bachelor's degrees closer to home for students who work and support families.

The effort involves the Southwest Riverside County Higher Education Coalition, which includes more than 30 regional stakeholders. Specific university partners, a construction timeline and a funding target have not been publicly detailed.

A separate fundraising campaign tied to the retirement of former Superintendent/President Dr. Roger W. Schultz raised more than $120,000. Seventy-five percent of those funds will go toward an endowment supporting the future University Center, with the remaining 25% directed to student success initiatives, according to the college's announcement of Schultz's emeritus designation. The City of Temecula contributed $25,000 to that campaign.

New president's background

Dotson took office July 1, succeeding Schultz, who retired after 25 years at MSJC, including 18 as superintendent/president. The Press Enterprise reported her appointment in April. She previously led Yuba College north of Sacramento and is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

The State of the College presentation also covered new programs, including an engineering track, expanded transfer pathways and workforce partnerships. MSJC's 2024-2030 Educational Master Plan guided the discussion, organized around five priorities: Equity in Access, Equity in Support, Equity in Success, Fiscally Sound Position, and Community Partnerships and Service.

The Schultz Legacy Fund endowment will provide ongoing support for the University Center once it is established at the Temecula Valley Campus.