President's Office

WELCOME TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Mendocino College takes pride in being a community college with outstanding academics and exceptional support programs. We provide education opportunities at our Ukiah Campus, Lake County Center, North County Center, Coast Center, online, and in partnership with many local school districts. Our purpose is to provide you with a world-class education so that you can achieve your dreams.

I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the college’s half a century of service to the students, families and communities of our region. For more than 50 years, Mendocino College has helped people build careers, transfer to universities, explore new interests and strengthen our local communities. That commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.

Mendocino College serves a vast and diverse area. We are one of eleven California Community College Districts to be designated as rural-serving. The geographic, demographic, and economic realities of rural-serving institutions are unique from our suburban and urban peers.

We are proud to have the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).  For the last decade, the percentage of Hispanic/Latino students has increased at Mendocino College. Currently, over 40% of our student body identifies as being Hispanic/Latino or of Hispanic/Latino heritage. To achieve this designation an institution has at least 25% of its undergraduate full-time equivalent students are of Hispanic/Latino heritage.

We are striving to achieve the federal status of a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI). Currently, Mendocino College has the highest percentage and headcount of Native American student in any California Community College.

I want our community to know that Mendocino College is here for everyone. Whether you are a high school student planning your future, a working adult looking to build new skills, someone considering a career change, a retiree pursuing a personal interest, or simply looking to connect with others through arts, culture, athletics, or lifelong learning, you are welcome at Mendocino College.

Beyond taking a class, one of the best ways to experience the college is to visit one of our campuses or centers and attend an event. Throughout the year, community members can cheer on our student-athletes, enjoy performances and art exhibitions, attend lectures and cultural celebrations, and participate in activities that bring people together. Our campuses are community spaces, and we invite you to be part of them. To find an upcoming event, visit the college calendar at www.mendocino.edu/calendar.

Whether you are a current student, an alumnus, a future student, or someone who has never visited campus before, I encourage you to find an event, attend a performance, visit an exhibition, cheer on the Eagles, or simply stop by. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that Mendocino College has to offer.

I wish you an affirming, positive and inspiring journey while here at Mendocino College. We are all here to ensure that you have one. Welcome!

Sincerely,

Timothy Karas, Ed.D
Superintendent/President
tkaras@mendocino.edu