Mt. San Jacinto College Superintendent/President Dr. Tawny Dotson and MSJC Board of Trustees Area 2 Trustee Calvin Smith welcomed Riverside County Fifth District Supervisor Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez to the San Jacinto Campus on Monday for a tour highlighting MSJC’s academic programs, student support services, and state-of-the-art learning spaces, as well as opportunities to strengthen partnerships between the college and Riverside County.
Throughout the visit, Dotson, Smith, and Gutierrez discussed opportunities for future collaboration, particularly around workforce development and connecting students with regional careers. Their conversation also explored initiatives that support healthier communities, including Blue Zones, and opportunities to expand youth employment and internships that give young people meaningful work experience and pathways to future careers.
“Partnerships with Riverside County can create tremendous opportunities for our students and the communities we serve,” Dotson said. “Whether we are preparing students for the regional workforce, creating more opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience through employment and internships, or supporting initiatives that contribute to healthier communities, MSJC has an important role to play. I appreciate Supervisor Gutierrez’s interest in our students and his willingness to explore how we can work together to expand these opportunities.”
The campus tour included stops at the print shop and gymnasium before visiting art classes, where students were engaged in hands-on learning with 3D models. At each stop, Gutierrez took time to speak directly with MSJC faculty and staff and learn more about their work with students.
At the library and Learning Resource Center, Gutierrez showed particular interest in the comprehensive services and resources MSJC provides to students, as well as the college’s efforts to remove barriers and provide students with the support they need to succeed.
“It was such a pleasure to visit the campus and witness firsthand all the amazing work the leadership and faculty are doing!” Gutierrez said. “In addition to the college’s comprehensive student services, San Jacinto campus is at the forefront in general education and CTE programs. Thank you once again for the tour, and I am looking forward to working with the college to build even more partnerships!”
The tour concluded at MSJC’s new state-of-the-art STEM building, where Gutierrez visited biology and microbiology laboratories and learned more about the college’s science education and facilities.
The visit underscored MSJC’s and Riverside County’s shared interest in developing partnerships that connect education with workforce needs, expand opportunities for the youth, and support the region’s long-term health and vitality.
