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As we enter the new year, there鈥檚 much to be excited about at Oxnard College. After several years of COVID-related downturns, our college is surging ahead. From enrollment increases and new programming to local partnerships and national recognition, Oxnard College 鈥 along with our sister colleges in Moorpark and Ventura 鈥 is strongly positioned to serve Ventura County in 2024.鈥
During the pandemic, our campus鈥 zip code was sadly the hardest hit in Ventura County. Sustaining the highest rates of infections, our community grappled with grief, layoffs and family responsibilities. As a result, Oxnard College saw our district's largest loss of enrollments, with many students struggling to remain in school. Our campus will forever be shaped by that pain and loss even as we look ahead to a new chapter.鈥
Today, Oxnard College has seen three consecutive semesters of substantial enrollment growth as we near pre-pandemic levels. Exciting new college initiatives are welcoming non-traditional students such as our expanded English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered in partnership with the El Rio and Hueneme school districts. Additionally, our newly established PACE program offers working adults an expedited path to a degree, while our dual enrollment efforts are empowering more middle and high school students to take college-level classes on their K-12 campuses. We鈥檙e also partnering with employers like the Port of Hueneme, Naval Base Ventura County, Clinicas and others, to help meet industry needs with homegrown talent.鈥
As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, we鈥檙e passionate about building an equitable campus and county. That鈥檚 why we鈥檝e recently launched our MESA program to help underrepresented students access degrees and careers in STEM. We鈥檝e also introduced Rising Scholars, a program helping students impacted by the criminal justice system rebuild their lives through higher education. This year, we鈥檙e also expanding food access to vulnerable students by opening our Mercado, where they can grab free food, clothing and community resources.鈥疶hese鈥痚fforts join many long-standing programs at Oxnard College serving first-generation, military veteran and underrepresented student groups, among others.鈥
In addition to welcoming new students to Oxnard College, we鈥檙e also welcoming more members of the community to our campus than ever before through special events and programming. Our OC LIVE event series welcomes families to attend free performances highlighting music, dance, science and more. We鈥檝e also hosted culturally significant events such as our D铆a de los Muertos celebration held on campus last fall in partnership with dozens of local organizations. Additionally, later this year, we will open our campus to thousands of residents for the third annual OC Family Festival on Sunday, April 28 from 12:30-4 p.m.鈥
What鈥檚 more, the Oxnard College Foundation鈥檚 weekly Community Marketplace (held Sundays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) is bustling like never before, with scores of food trucks and vendors selling produce and household goods to help generate funds for scholarships and basic needs grants, among other key investments. During the last Sunday of each month, the Marketplace also hosts a Swap Meet Justice Citizenship and Family Resource Fair, which provides free immigration, legal, health and community services. These efforts, in addition to campus tours and events for K-12 students, workshops, job fairs and other activities, have our college buzzing with prospective and current students, their families, community partners and alumni.鈥
I鈥檝e also been proud to see news of Oxnard College鈥檚 growth and excellence carrying well beyond our county line. For the second time in a row, Oxnard College was recently ranked among the nation鈥檚 top 150 community colleges (out of over 1,000), by the prestigious Aspen Institute, an organization which President Barack Obama called 鈥渢he Oscars for great community colleges.鈥 Similarly, Sacramento recently recognized our efforts by approving Oxnard College鈥檚 first-ever bachelor's degree program (to be offered in Dental Hygiene beginning in fall 2025). Finally, just this month, our statewide accrediting agency reaffirmed the college鈥檚 accreditation with a special commendation for our work supporting underserved populations and helping them access college.听听
Still, few things catch more attention than the two state championships our men鈥檚 soccer team brought home in only seven years! Across California and throughout the nation, Oxnard College鈥檚 reputation for excellence is growing.鈥
2024 is set to be a year of success at Oxnard College and that鈥檚 good news for Ventura County. From enrollment growth to community partnerships and events, innovative programming, and our growing national reputation, Oxnard College is on the move.鈥
Dr. Oscar Cobian is the interim president of Oxnard College. To learn more about Oxnard College, visit OxnardCollege.edu.