“This is an ambitious journey to shape the future of higher education in our region,” said Dr. Lisa DeForest, Chairman of the Southwest Higher Education Coalition. “With only 21% of our population over 25 years old holding a bachelor’s degree, compared to a national average of 54%, our greatest export cannot be our talent, skill, and future. By expanding California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) offerings at the University Center, we aim to create a magnet for talent that will attract and retain skilled individuals in Southwest Riverside County.”

MSJC serves over 30,000 students annually, yet less than 30% of its graduates pursue a four-year degree due to the distance to existing universities. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by offering expanded four-year degree opportunities locally.

“The expansion of CSUSM’s programs will help us develop a comprehensive curriculum in fields such as nursing, business, education, and STEM,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of MSJC. “This is about more than growing a campus; it’s about investing in our community’s future, keeping talent here, and fueling economic vitality in one of California’s fastest-growing areas.”

Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM, emphasized the impact of education on social mobility. “CSUSM is nationally recognized for fostering social mobility. Expanding our presence here aligns with our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through higher education.”

The Temecula campus has been life-changing for students like Alyssa Clerihan, a participant in the 2+2 Business Pathway Program. “The convenient location, small class sizes, and supportive environment have allowed me to achieve my education and dream job without leaving my family and friends. It’s been a game changer for me in so many ways,” she shared.

A recent program graduate, Jack Norwood, reflected on the importance of staying close to home while pursuing his degree. “Caring for my mother and grandmother meant I couldn’t relocate or afford long commutes. This program allowed me to achieve my goals while staying rooted in my community—it was the start of the best story of my life.”

The coalition has raised over $6.5 million toward the $18 million needed for improvements, thanks to contributions from 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington, the City of Temecula, and local service groups.

“We invite everyone to join this effort—whether through funding, partnerships, or spreading awareness,” said Dr. DeForest. “Together, we can build a brighter future for Southwest Riverside County.”

The coalition’s next meeting will be held on January 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Murrieta Library.

For more information on how to get involved, visit MSJC.edu/UniversityCenter.

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After a highly successful academic career at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM), Rachelle Peterson found a graduate program that could deliver what she wanted. With an ultimate career goal of working as a school psychologist serving the Native American population, this member of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians found what she needed at San Diego State University (SDSU).

Peterson is enrolled in the School Psychology (Ed.S.) program and is also a scholar on the SHPA grant for the upcoming school year. SHPA stands for Supporting High-Intensity Mental Health Needs of Native and Indigenous Youth: School Psychologist and Counselor Advanced Preparation.

SDSU’s School Psychology Program prepares school psychologists to be systems change agents in culturally diverse schools. It embraces an ecosystemic philosophy-orientation and emphasizes multicultural content, processes and experiences. The program provides an integrated sequence of theory, research and practice in seven areas over a three-year sequence of full-time study, followed by a full-time, year-long internship. This integrated graduate-profession program culminates in the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology.

“During my last year as an undergrad, Geneva Lofton-Fitzsimmons, CSUSM’s President’s Native American Council Board (NAC) and student program coordinator for NARCH, informed me about the program and helped me get into contact,” Peterson said. “She has offered so much support and guidance to not only myself but many other Native students. I decided on SDSU because of the advanced preparation the program has to offer and the SHPA grant which focuses on mental health needs of Native and Indigenous youth.”

Peterson was the first-ever graduate from CSUSM’s American Indian Studies bachelor’s degree program in 2019. As a member of the campus’ American Indian Student Alliance (AISA), she was given a platform to reach a bigger and new population of people that could be educated on issues surrounding Indian Country. She served as Chair at AISA for the last two years at the college.

“Without the continued encouragement, support and guidance of Dr. John W. Tippeconnic III and Dr. Stanley Rodriguez I would not have pursued my master’s degree,” she said. “Throughout my educational journey they have been my mentors and role models teaching me the power of education. I am so grateful to have such strong Native leaders to show me the way.”

Peterson began a six-week long summer course on July 7 and will start fall semester classes on August 24. SDSU has given permission for the program to allow some in-person classes but it may change as protocols surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic change. Currently, she is scheduled to attend four of her seven classes on the campus and three others online.

“I am very excited for the near future and the many opportunities it will bring,” she said. “School is never easy. It can be difficult trying to balance work, family, friends and school all at once.”

Peterson said that while she is on the SHPA grant, she will have the opportunity to work with other Native students in the same program and the school counseling program.

“SHPA allows Native students to have our own community within the program to support and connect with each other,” she said. “SDSU also has a student organization on campus known as the Native American Student Alliance (NASA).”

Prior to starting this next chapter of her academic journey, Peterson worked at Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. as part of its Native Challenge program, which serves youth and families through health education programming.

“Working at Native Challenge gave me a stronger perspective on issues within the educational institution, specifically regarding the Native student population,” she said. “The work we did with these students made me realize the need for mental health professionals for Native youth.”

School psychologists are dynamic educators that work within school settings in order to help diverse students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. They collaborate across school, home and community to facilitate positive educational change. They are change agents within the schools, serving multicultural and diverse populations and striving to ensure that every student receives an equitable education.

“I hope to give back to my tribe and Native community in the future by working at Noli Indian School and Sherman Indian High School,” Peterson said.

She is always willing to draw on her own experiences and share advice to young students, especially Native youths.

“If you are unsure about attending college go anyway whether it is a university, a trade school or community college,” Peterson said. “Invest in yourself – not for just you but for the generations that follow because they need you to be the change.”

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