When I arrived at MiraCosta College in March 2009, I spoke about the transformative power of education and my commitment to a community college system dedicated to open access and student success, academic excellence and affordability. Five years have passed since my inaugural address, and I now prepare to leave MiraCosta College to serve as the chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as MiraCosta's superintendent/president these past five years, during which time the institution has made tremendous progress in serving the needs of our students, staff and region.
Student Success: This is job one at the college and in the last five years, our graduation numbers have more than doubled. In 2013, we awarded a record 2,455 degrees and certificates, plus an additional 52 high school diplomas. The college also has earned the distinction as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a federal designation that positions MiraCosta for funding to bolster student success.
College Enrollments and Programs: Enrollment has grown by nearly 25 percent since 2009 and the number of military veterans and active-duty personnel has nearly doubled to 1,900, prompting us to create a veterans lounge, hire a veterans academic counselor and bolster veteran-specific services. The Honors Scholar Program has flourished, affording intensive instruction, challenging coursework and close interaction with Honors faculty.
New Academic and Training Programs: A new, high-tech science building on the Oceanside Campus has helped meet student demand for science courses. A new science building also is under construction at the San Elijo Campus, where students are benefiting from a growing academic program. New programs in biomass technology and social media are arming students and those already in the workforce with the vital skills needed in an increasingly tech-savvy world.
Online Education: In 2009, we offered 208 online and hybrid courses. Today, we offer 310. A new online tutoring service allows students live access to tutors throughout the week, including nights and weekends.
Community Engagement: We continue to meet the needs of the local business community. The Community Services and Business Development Program, for example, crafted a new Machinist Technology Program for individuals seeking fast-paced, high-level training for employable job skills.
Our partnerships with Encuentros Leadership of North County and the GEAR UP Program with the Oceanside Unified School District prepare students for college and careers and develop a college-going culture for all students and families.
Philanthropy: Total MiraCosta College Foundation assets have grown from $4.6 million to $8.8 million and endowments have nearly doubled. This has enabled the foundation to distribute more than $1.3 million in scholarships and direct financial aid to students while also providing nearly $2 million in support of programs and priorities over the same five-year period.
Fiscal and Organizational Management: Our firm commitment to fiscal prudence has guided the district through the country's most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression. We have also revamped our governance structure, completed our accreditation processes with strong results and we continue our string of successful financial audits.
Looking back, we have much to be proud of. Clearly, MiraCosta College continues to be an exceptional institution with an unfaltering commitment to students and the community. MiraCosta is a great college with even better people. I have no doubt that the college's outstanding reputation for academic excellence, responsive student services, and robust financial standing will attract superb candidates to serve as the next superintendent/president, someone who will build on the college's strong foundation and bold vision to serve students and this region.
Student Success: This is job one at the college and in the last five years, our graduation numbers have more than doubled. In 2013, we awarded a record 2,455 degrees and certificates, plus an additional 52 high school diplomas. The college also has earned the distinction as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), a federal designation that positions MiraCosta for funding to bolster student success.
College Enrollments and Programs: Enrollment has grown by nearly 25 percent since 2009 and the number of military veterans and active-duty personnel has nearly doubled to 1,900, prompting us to create a veterans lounge, hire a veterans academic counselor and bolster veteran-specific services. The Honors Scholar Program has flourished, affording intensive instruction, challenging coursework and close interaction with Honors faculty.
New Academic and Training Programs: A new, high-tech science building on the Oceanside Campus has helped meet student demand for science courses. A new science building also is under construction at the San Elijo Campus, where students are benefiting from a growing academic program. New programs in biomass technology and social media are arming students and those already in the workforce with the vital skills needed in an increasingly tech-savvy world.
Online Education: In 2009, we offered 208 online and hybrid courses. Today, we offer 310. A new online tutoring service allows students live access to tutors throughout the week, including nights and weekends.
Community Engagement: We continue to meet the needs of the local business community. The Community Services and Business Development Program, for example, crafted a new Machinist Technology Program for individuals seeking fast-paced, high-level training for employable job skills.
Our partnerships with Encuentros Leadership of North County and the GEAR UP Program with the Oceanside Unified School District prepare students for college and careers and develop a college-going culture for all students and families.
Philanthropy: Total MiraCosta College Foundation assets have grown from $4.6 million to $8.8 million and endowments have nearly doubled. This has enabled the foundation to distribute more than $1.3 million in scholarships and direct financial aid to students while also providing nearly $2 million in support of programs and priorities over the same five-year period.
Fiscal and Organizational Management: Our firm commitment to fiscal prudence has guided the district through the country's most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression. We have also revamped our governance structure, completed our accreditation processes with strong results and we continue our string of successful financial audits.
Looking back, we have much to be proud of. Clearly, MiraCosta College continues to be an exceptional institution with an unfaltering commitment to students and the community. MiraCosta is a great college with even better people. I have no doubt that the college's outstanding reputation for academic excellence, responsive student services, and robust financial standing will attract superb candidates to serve as the next superintendent/president, someone who will build on the college's strong foundation and bold vision to serve students and this region.