College of the Desert is in the middle of one of the most exciting periods in its 50-year history since being founded in 1958. We have two new buildings under construction, with three more scheduled to break ground in the 2008-09 academic year. In addition, many of our existing buildings will undergo complete renovation and our infrastructure – all those underground pipes and wires and the related machinery that generates heating, cooling, water and power – are being replaced.

It’s all part of Measure B, a $346.5 million bond issue approved by voters in 2004. After much careful planning and design work, we entered into the physical construction phase in December 2007 and that work will continue for several more years. There will be some minor inconveniences for a time, but the end result will be well worth it! After 50 years, we are building a totally renovated college campus that will serve our communities for the next half-century!

College of the Desert is first and foremost about students and this year we are continuing to focus on student success and achievement. As President, I’ve asked everyone on campus to ask one simple question with regard to any request for changes, improvements or expenditures that comes to my office: “How will it benefit our students?” The answer will always determine the path that we take. This next year, that path will take us to an expanded Summer Bridge Program, guide our steps to enhance the first year experience for incoming students, and lead the way to development of new learning communities that are designed to help our students stay in college. In the months ahead, we will continue to forge new linkages with the K-12 system in our valley with the goal of building a seamless K-16 educational stream, working in concert with our educational partners, CSU and UC.

It is my privilege to extend to you a warm welcome and invite you to attend our college. College of the Desert (COD) is poised to grow and expand beyond the dreams of those visionaries who founded the college in 1958 and opened its doors in 1962.

Jerry R. Patton
President