Dr. Dotson succeeds Dr. Roger Schultz, who retired after 25 years of service to MSJC, including 18 years as Superintendent/President. She becomes the first woman to serve as Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College and assumes leadership of one of California’s largest community college districts, serving approximately 30,000 students annually across Riverside County.

Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Dotson has earned a reputation as an innovative leader, collaborative partner, and passionate advocate for student success. As she begins her tenure, she plans to spend time listening, learning, and building relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners across the District’s campuses and service region.

“The Board sought a leader who would honor MSJC’s strong foundation while embracing the continued evolution of an institution that is already thriving,” said MSJC Board of Trustees President Tom Ashley. “We found that leader in Dr. Dotson. She brings a thoughtful and forward-looking vision that reflects the values that define our college—excellence, integrity, access, and, above all, a commitment to student success.”

In a video message released on her first day, Dr. Dotson acknowledged the excitement and the uncertainty that naturally accompany change while inviting the MSJC community to embark on the College’s next chapter together.

“As an educator and leader, I believe community colleges were created to complete a promise to our students and our community,” Dr. Dotson said. “That promise begins with open, equitable access, continues by helping students succeed through persistence, retention, and completion, and culminates in opportunities for great careers and successful transfer pathways. I hope to join you in building on that strong foundation, accelerating momentum, amplifying accomplishments, and driving student success.”

Dr. Dotson emphasized that her first year will focus on listening and learning from the people who make MSJC exceptional while working collaboratively to shape the College’s future.

“I’m going to start by listening and learning about what we value and appreciate about what we do at Mt. San Jacinto College,” she said. “Collaboration is important to me because, as the proverb says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'” Over the coming weeks and months, Dr. Dotson will continue visiting MSJC’s campuses and engaging with faculty, staff, students, educational partners, elected officials, and community stakeholders throughout the region.

Dr. Dotson assumes leadership at a time of continued momentum for the College. This year, MSJC awarded a record 3,881 degrees and certificates, continues to expand educational opportunities throughout Southwest Riverside County and the San Gorgonio Pass, and is advancing major initiatives that support student success, workforce development, university transfer pathways, and regional economic growth.

Members of the community are invited to hear directly from Dr. Dotson by watching her first-day message at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3zESKLGF9x4.

As Superintendent/President, Dr. Dotson will oversee the College’s three campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee, and Temecula, leading the institution’s mission of transforming learners, communities, and lives through accessible, high-quality education.

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The Partners in Peace initiative challenges honors students from across the United States to examine the work and strategies of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and to develop projects that promote peace, understanding, and conflict resolution in their own communities. Guided by the philosophy of “think globally, act locally,” participants engage in meaningful dialogue, leadership development, and community-based action throughout the program.

Young and Salazar were selected through a competitive application process that recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change.

“Being accepted into the Partners in Peace program means a great deal to me,” said Young. “My journey has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of building bridges between people from different backgrounds. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute to creating positive change in my community.”

Salazar expressed her excitement about joining students from across the nation in the program.

“I am truly honored to have been selected for the Partners in Peace program and to represent Mt. San Jacinto College in this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Salazar. “I am especially excited to learn from Dr. Henrik Syse and collaborate with students across the nation who share a similar commitment to creating positive change. Overall, I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge of the mechanisms by which peace is created and sustained through this collaboration and thoughtful dialogue. I hope to share what I learn throughout the upcoming semester with my college and community, especially through local advocacy that supports and uplifts marginalized communities. Meaningful change may begin with one person, but it ripples out further as each action inspires another, creating a cascade of positive change that can reach far beyond the individual.”

MSJC Superintendent/President Roger W. Schultz congratulated the students on their achievement and recognized the faculty mentors who helped prepare them for this opportunity.

“Danela and Marisa exemplify the curiosity, compassion, and leadership that define our Honors students at MSJC,” said Schultz. “Their selection to the Partners in Peace program is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to their commitment to making a positive impact in the world. We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see how they apply what they learn to strengthen our communities. I would also like to thank Christina Yamanaka-Vu and Erik Ozolins for their outstanding leadership of the Honors Enrichment Program. Their dedication to student success continues to create transformative opportunities that empower our students to thrive both academically and as engaged global citizens.”

The students were nominated and supported through MSJC’s Honors Enrichment Program, led by Christina Yamanaka-Vu and Erik Ozolins. The program provides academically motivated students with opportunities for advanced scholarship, leadership development, undergraduate research, and participation in national and international educational experiences.

The selection of two MSJC students for the Partners in Peace program reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to developing informed, engaged, and socially responsible leaders who are prepared to address the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

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Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to honor the graduates and celebrate an important milestone in their educational journeys. The annual ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of students and the support systems that help them succeed, including families, educators, and the broader community.

The Child Development & Education Center serves as both a high-quality early childhood education program and a laboratory school supporting MSJC’s Teacher Education and Developmental Studies (TEDS) program. Through observation, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities, the Center helps prepare future educators while providing exceptional care and education for local children.

The Center offers full-day toddler and preschool programs for children ages 18 months to 5 years in a nurturing environment built around play-based learning, creativity, exploration, and hands-on discovery. Educators focus on supporting each child’s unique interests, strengths, and emerging abilities while fostering social-emotional development, communication skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

This year’s graduation ceremony included translation services to help ensure that all families could fully participate in the celebration, reflecting the Center’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and family engagement.

“Watching our students cross the stage and celebrate their achievements with family and friends is one of the most rewarding moments of the year,” said Kendra Woodcock, Director of the Child Development & Education Center. “We were especially proud to offer translation services during the ceremony, helping ensure that every family could fully participate in this important milestone. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where all students and their loved ones feel welcomed, connected, and celebrated. Seeing our graduates reach this accomplishment reminds us of the incredible opportunities that education can create and the bright futures that lie ahead for each of them.”

The Center’s staff recognizes the trust parents place in the program each day and remains committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching educational experience for every child. Early childhood education plays a critical role in laying the foundation for future learning, behavior, and overall well-being, and the CDEC strives to create an environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

For the graduates, the ceremony represented more than the completion of a program—it marked the beginning of new opportunities. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment have prepared them to pursue future educational goals, meaningful careers, and personal aspirations with confidence.

The graduates demonstrated remarkable determination throughout their educational journey. Their success reflects not only their resilience and dedication but also the encouragement of their families and the support of the faculty and staff who guided them every step of the way.

As MSJC concludes its 2026 graduation season, the Child Development & Education Center ceremony serves as a reminder that educational success begins early and that every milestone deserves celebration.

The Child Development & Education Center currently has 15 openings available in its preschool program for the 2026-27 academic year. Families interested in learning more about the program, scheduling a visit, or enrolling a child are encouraged to contact Director Kendra Woodcock at kwoodcock@msjc.edu. Space is limited.

About Mt. San Jacinto College 

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals. 

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Among the student achievements:

• Chris Valero earned an Associate of Science in Mathematics, an Associate of Arts in Math and Science, and an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science.

• Mario Sanchez earned an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science and an Associate of Arts in Math and Science.

• Candice Lanmon earned an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science and an Associate of Arts in Math and Science. Reflecting on her future plans, Lanmon shared, “Going to the military is also going to help me achieve that goal of becoming a doctor.”

• Alaa Marwa earned an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science. “My big goal is to become a neurosurgeon, so I’m taking a lot of science-based classes,” Marwa said.

• Andres Goodwin earned an Associate of Arts in Math and Science. “The first thing I’m doing when I have free time this summer is getting my training to be an EMT,” Goodwin said.

“This graduating class represents the very best of what can happen when students are provided with access, support, and opportunity,” said Roger W. Schultz, Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College. “These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication by simultaneously completing high school requirements while earning college degrees. Their achievements illustrate the power of partnerships that create clear pathways to higher education and career success.”

MSJC Trustee Brian Sylva, who attended the ceremony, congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.

“Earning a college degree while still in high school is an extraordinary achievement that reflects determination, resilience, and hard work,” said Trustee Sylva. “These students have already taken significant steps toward their futures, whether that path leads to a university, military service, healthcare, public safety, or another profession. We are incredibly proud of their success and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities.”

The Beaumont High School Middle College Program allows students to complete college coursework while enrolled in high school, helping them accelerate their educational journeys, reduce future college costs, and gain valuable experience in higher education before graduation.

As the Class of 2026 embarks on its next chapter, these graduates leave Beaumont High School with a strong academic foundation and a more than a head start toward achieving their educational and career goals.

About Mt. San Jacinto College 

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is a comprehensive community college serving a diverse student population of approximately 30,000 annually across a 1,700-square-mile area. With campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee Valley, Temecula Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass, MSJC provides accessible, equitable, and innovative educational programs. The college offers a wide range of courses and programs designed to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities, supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals. 

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This year’s cohort includes five MSJC students: John Assadi, Tanner Garvin, Lauren Mole, Jake Olson, and Ana Noel, who will spend the coming year immersed in advanced stem cell and regenerative medicine research environments.

The program, funded through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), provides students with access to cutting-edge research experiences that prepare them for careers in medicine, biotechnology, and scientific research.

For Jake Olson, the opportunity represents the next step in a journey that began unexpectedly.

“I was first interested in biology in high school,” Olson said. “I came here to MSJC, where a biology professor introduced me to the honors program. Through the honors program, I started a year-long project doing genetics research, and from there, I was introduced to the stem cell internship as an opportunity after MSJC.”

Olson, who plans to transfer to the University of California, San Diego after completing his studies at MSJC, hopes to pursue an MD-PhD in regenerative medicine. During the internship, he expects to conduct research involving vascularized neural organoids using advanced 3D-printed structures.

“My advice for incoming students, if you’re unsure of exactly what you want to do, is to take as many different kinds of classes as possible,” Olson said. “One of them you’re going to get interested in. And when you do, when you feel that, go for it.”

For Tanner Garvin, the program opened doors to possibilities she had never previously considered.

“I came into the college as a nursing major, but upon taking microbiology, I got really inspired by my professor,” Garvin said. “A research career didn’t really feel like an accessible path to me at first, but hearing about research made me realize this was something that I could do.”

Garvin credits MSJC faculty and the Honors Program with helping her discover new opportunities.

“I thought that I was just going to go into nursing,” Garvin said. “But because I allowed myself to think about other things, I was given this opportunity.”

Returning to encourage this year’s cohort was MSJC alumna Joia Miller, who currently works at a San Diego research laboratory focused on disease modeling.

“This program has been very rewarding,” Miller said. “I couldn’t be more grateful because now I’m marketable on the job market.”

Miller encouraged the new cohort to stay organized and embrace the experience.

“For students going into the program, stay on top of your lab notebook,” Miller advised. “If you start with your notebook, then everything should be okay.”

Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College, said the continued success of MSJC students in the program demonstrates the power of community colleges to create life-changing opportunities.

“Programs like CIRM Bridges demonstrate what is possible when talented students are provided access to mentorship, research opportunities, and pathways that connect education with real-world experiences,” Schultz said. “We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see how they will continue transforming lives through science, research, and innovation.”

Through partnerships like CIRM Bridges, MSJC continues expanding opportunities for students to participate in research experiences typically associated with four-year universities while building pathways into high-demand STEM careers.

To learn more about this program, watch the students’ interviews: https://youtu.be/rSqqoF65JqE

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The search is being conducted with assistance from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). A committee representing faculty, classified staff, administrators, the student body, trustees, and community members reviewed applications and conducted initial interviews.

On April 7, the committee completed semifinalist interviews and forwarded four candidates to the MSJC Board of Trustees for further consideration.

The finalists, listed alphabetically, are:

Dr. Lonita Cordova: Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at San Joaquin Delta College and U.S. Navy veteran, Cordova has more than 20 years of experience in California’s community college system. Her background includes leadership roles at Modesto Junior College and Merced Community College District, with a focus on aligning institutional operations with student access and success initiatives.

Dr. Tawny Dotson: President of Yuba College, Dotson oversees institutional operations, including instruction, student services, and fiscal management. Her career includes leadership roles across multiple states and service as a U.S. Air Force officer. She is active in statewide and national higher education leadership initiatives.

Dr. Jeannie G. Kim: President of Santiago Canyon College, Kim has more than 35 years of experience across the University of California, California State University, and community college systems. Her work has focused on strategic planning, institutional change, and the integration of technology in education.

Dr. Daniel López: President of Harold Washington College in Chicago, López has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership. His work has centered on student success, academic programs, and equity initiatives. He is involved in several national higher education organizations.

Public forums for the finalists are scheduled for April 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the college district’s Temecula Valley Campus boardroom (TA-301). The sessions will be open to the public and livestreamed.

A link to the livestream and a form for submitting questions and feedback will be made available on the college’s presidential search website.

The Board of Trustees is expected to select the next superintendent/president in May.

More information about the search and finalists’ bios are available at: https://msjc.edu/presidentialsearch/

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The summit focused on expanding dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthening pathways to help high school students successfully transition to higher education. The event highlighted the collective impact of partnerships between MSJC and K–12 institutions in increasing college access, reducing costs, and empowering students to envision and pursue their futures.

“Our focus is on removing friction for students and the educators who support them,” said Jenny Hughes, Director of Enrollment Services & K–12 Partnerships at MSJC, and lead of the annual summit planning committee. “From simplifying dual enrollment processes to aligning timelines, expectations, and communication across systems, our goal is to make college access more intuitive, more coordinated, and easier to navigate, so students can take advantage of opportunities earlier and with greater confidence.”

The event opened with remarks from Rebecca Teague, MSJC Vice President of Student Services, who reflected on the evolution of community college access and the essential role K–12 educators play in shaping student success.

“Because of your work, our students have pathways that didn’t exist before,” Teague said.

“You are helping reduce college costs, expand access, and show students that there is a way forward. You are the ones holding up the sign that says: Adventure Awaits.”

In his written message, MSJC Superintendent/President, Dr. Roger Schultz, reinforced the importance of alignment between educational systems: “For high school students, graduation is not an ending; it is a trailhead. When we align our efforts, we create a seamless bridge that transforms uncertainty into confidence and aspiration into achievement.”

The summit also welcomed MSJC Board Trustee Jhalister Corona, a high school teacher who brings a unique dual perspective to the work.

“As both a high school teacher and trustee, I see firsthand how powerful these partnerships are,” said Corona. “When we align what happens in the classroom with the opportunities available at MSJC, we are not just preparing students for college, we are expanding what they believe is possible for their lives.”

The keynote address was delivered by Leslie Valmonte, President of Bridge5D Consulting, whose presentation, “A Whole New World… of Work: The AI Adventure Edition,” challenged attendees to rethink artificial intelligence not as a disruption, but as an opportunity. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in education, Valmonte provided practical strategies for equipping students with the skills needed to navigate an evolving workforce shaped by AI.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions covering topics such as early college credit implementation, supporting high school seniors in postsecondary planning, transfer pathways from MSJC to four-year institutions, allied health programs, financial aid navigation, and career education opportunities. The summit also provided valuable time for networking and collaboration in a setting designed to foster meaningful dialogue and partnership.

The annual K–12 Summit reflects MSJC’s ongoing commitment to student-centered pathways and regional collaboration, ensuring that more students can access, navigate, and succeed in higher education.

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Since his appointment in 2008, Dr. Schultz has guided MSJC through an era of remarkable growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the college expanded from two campuses to three, opening new facilities in San Jacinto, Menifee, and Temecula, and adding state-of-the-art academic and athletic spaces that serve thousands of students across the region. He has led historic enrollment gains, record-breaking graduation numbers, and the passage of a $295 million local bond that fueled infrastructure, innovation, and access.

Dr. Schultz also successfully navigated the college through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of instruction, support, and community connection. Through a thoughtful and collaborative return-to-campus process, he helped MSJC emerge even stronger—welcoming students back to in-person learning with renewed energy and record enrollment levels.

During his tenure, MSJC has earned numerous state and national recognitions, including reaffirmation of the college’s accreditation through 2032, honors from Washington Monthly as one of the nation’s top two-year Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and recent dual designations from the Carnegie Foundation that highlight the college’s commitment to access, equity, and student success.

Most recently, MSJC has been voted the Best Community College and Best Nursing School in the Inland Empire for three consecutive years by local readers of The Press-Enterprise, a reflection of the deep community trust built under Dr. Schultz’s leadership.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Mt. San Jacinto College and this incredible community,” said Dr. Schultz. “Together with our outstanding faculty, staff, and students, we’ve built an institution that truly transforms lives. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident that MSJC is poised to reach even greater heights in the years ahead.”

Beyond MSJC, Dr. Schultz has been a respected leader across California’s higher education landscape. He has served as President of the Chief Executive Officers Board of the Community College League of California and as Chair of the League’s Board of Directors, shaping statewide policy and championing the mission of all community colleges in the State. Locally, he has contributed to numerous civic and educational organizations, including charter school boards, chambers of commerce, and the Temecula Valley Hospital Board.

“Dr. Schultz’s vision and steady leadership have positioned MSJC for a bright and sustainable future,” said MSJC Board of Trustees President Tom Ashley. “His legacy will continue to shape our students, campuses, and communities for generations.”

The MSJC Board of Trustees will begin a national search for the college’s next Superintendent/President to ensure a smooth leadership transition before Dr. Schultz’s retirement.

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This prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional faculty and administrators at two-year colleges who demonstrate outstanding leadership, teaching, and innovation in honors education. The NCHC, now approaching 60 years of advancing honors learning and academic excellence, presents the award annually to individuals whose vision and commitment elevate opportunities for high-achieving students across the country.

“This is such a tremendous honor and so well deserved,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent/President. “It’s wonderful to see Erik recognized nationally for the outstanding work he’s done to build and lead our Honors Enrichment Program. We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of his caliber who makes the program—and our students’ experience—so special.”

Ozolins will be formally honored at the NCHC Annual Conference in San Diego on Saturday, November 8, 2025, during the organization’s highlighted Awards Ceremony, where he will deliver remarks from the main stage among national leaders in honors education.

“I am deeply honored—and quite surprised—to receive this award,” said Ozolins. “To me, this recognition truly reflects the incredible students in our Honors Enrichment Program and their unwavering focus and determination. It also celebrates our exceptional Honors faculty, who not only inspire and mentor their students but also continually strengthen the program through their dedication and collaboration. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside my fellow co-director, Christina Yamanaka-Vu, whose leadership and passion for honors education constantly inspire me. Together, we strive to ensure that the MSJC Honors Enrichment Program remains among the very best in California and across the nation.”

Under his co-direction, MSJC’s Honors Enrichment Program has grown into a vibrant academic community that empowers students to deepen their intellectual curiosity, develop research skills, and compete successfully for transfer to top universities. As both a faculty leader and department chair, Ozolins has been instrumental in integrating interdisciplinary learning and fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence within the Honors Program and across the college.

The Ron Brandolini Award underscores MSJC’s continued national reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to student achievement through innovative teaching, equity-minded leadership, and community engagement.

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To honor the steps the first responders climbed at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, participants climbed the stadium’s 66 steps 25 times—a total of 1,650 steps. The climb served as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and determination shown by firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency personnel on that day and every day since.

“This was more than just a climb—it was a chance for our community to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those heroes who ran toward danger on 9/11,” said Dr. Lisa McAllister, Dean of MSJC Student Health Centers. “By climbing together, we not only remembered their legacy but also showed our solidarity with today’s first responders.”

Representatives from Cal Fire, Menifee Police Department, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy joined the event. A local firefighter who participated reflected, “Being here with the students today meant a lot. Most of them weren’t even born when 9/11 happened, yet their willingness to climb and honor those sacrifices shows that the memory of that day—and the spirit of service and courage it represents—will never be forgotten.”

More than 200 students participated in the tribute. One MSJC student shared, “Climbing these steps was hard, but it gave me a small glimpse of the incredible bravery it must have taken for first responders to keep going that day. It made me appreciate their sacrifice on a much deeper level.”

Participants received commemorative t-shirts inscribed with “9/11, We Climb to Honor and Remember” along with a challenge coin to mark their achievement. The MSJC Veterans Resource Center enhanced the day’s remembrance by displaying 9/11 artifacts and presenting country and state flags representing those nations and states that lost lives in the attacks.

The Hero Climb underscored MSJC’s ongoing commitment to building strong community connections, while providing students with an opportunity to honor history, learn through experience, and express gratitude for the sacrifices of first responders.

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