Superintendent / President

 

Val Martinez Garcia

Acting Superintendent/President, College of the Desert

Val Martinez Garcia serves as Acting Superintendent/President of College of the Desert, bringing over two decades of transformative leadership in higher education to the Coachella Valley. His career exemplifies a deep commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and community partnership.

At College of the Desert, Martinez Garcia has served as both Vice President of Instruction and Vice President Student Services, overseeing student services, academic programs, and instruction for over 14,000 students. Under his leadership, he expanded the dual enrollment program, streamlined academic processes and led the development of the Educational Strategic Master Plan.

Martinez Garcia has played a key role in major facilities projects, including the Indio Campus Expansion and Palm Springs Campus Design. He currently serves as Regional Representative for Chief Student Services Officers Association (CSSO) and contributes to various state-wide education initiatives.

Previously, as Vice President of Student Services at West Hills College Lemoore, the institution achieved recognition as an Aspen Top 150 College and earned distinction as an Achieving the Dream College. His innovative approach included redesigning student services, expanding mental health resources, and building community partnerships.

He holds an M.S. in School Counseling and a B.S. in Sociology from the University of La Verne and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. As Acting Superintendent/President, Martinez Garcia leads College of the Desert's mission to provide excellent educational opportunities that support student success and enrich the Coachella Valley communities through collaborative, data-informed leadership focused on equity and access.