Superintendent / President

Laura Hope - Superintendent / President of College of the Desert

Welcome to College of the Desert!

For more than six decades, College of the Desert has nurtured the educational and career goals of Coachella Valley residents. We set students on a path to success by embracing a holistic approach to higher education that includes rigorous academic programs, exceptional support services and respect for the diversity that strengthens us.

College of the Desert thrives because our outstanding faculty, staff and leadership address the needs of the whole student. We ensure access to books and technology, coordinate aid for food and housing when needed, and partner with local employers on cutting-edge career training programs. Additionally, our EDGE and plEDGE programs provide two years of free tuition to local high school graduates and ongoing support to ensure success.

With five campuses across the Coachella Valley, the College continues to grow its programs and services to better serve residents from Desert Hot Springs east to Mecca. Exciting plans are underway to increase our offerings to address the needs of students pursing transfer to a four-year college or university as well as those desiring career education.

Our expansion plans and recently completed projects demonstrate our ongoing commitment to quality, accessible education. In addition to a new campus library in Palm Desert and an observatory in Mecca/Thermal, the College is expanding the Indio campus, enhancing training programs such as automobile technology and public safety, and replacing the Palm Springs satellite location with a new state-of-the-art campus.

By expanding, we open doors for more people, whether they are young and right out of high school or a single parent balancing children and work and wondering how to achieve a college education. We are committed to continuing to grow enrollment, expand partnerships and reach underserved groups.

College of the Desert believes in the transformative power of higher education for all students. We are the college of the Coachella Valley and we are committed to serving you.

Laura Hope
Superintendent/President