Another graduation season has come and gone at Merced College, and our students continue to inspire us. Last month, we celebrated with joy the achievements of hundreds of graduates whose hard work and perseverance have transformed not just their own lives, but also the lives of their families and communities.
As we turn the page into summer, our campuses remain active. Summer classes are underway, and our ever-popular College for Kids program is back, giving local children a chance to explore academics, athletics, the arts and more — right here at Merced College.
These seasonal milestones and programs reflect the deeper purpose that guides everything we do: Students are our focus, and we are known by their success.
It’s what motivates our faculty, classified professionals, and leadership every day. And increasingly, it’s why Merced College is being recognized as one of the most innovative community colleges in the nation.
Learning Without Limits
Much of our desire to be nimble, embrace change, and boldly pursue new innovations stems from the necessity of pivoting quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic and proving to ourselves that we are indeed an institution capable of large-scale, meaningful change in higher education — and this past academic year may have been our most innovative yet.
In August 2024, we opened one of the first Dreamscape Learn virtual reality labs in California and one of the first at a community college in the country. Through this partnership with Arizona State University, we’re using virtual reality to bring learning to life.
In our General Biology classes, for example, students don’t just study a cell — they travel inside one. They don’t just read about biodiversity — they explore it through immersive missions on alien planets. The results? Greater engagement, better comprehension, and a sense of wonder, redefining what’s possible in education.
We also launched our Agricultural Systems Certificate program, a pioneering competency-based education program and one of the first of its kind in the state. This new pathway allows students to progress at their own pace as they master essential competencies and skills in areas like irrigation technology, fruit and nut processing, precision agriculture, computer literacy, and general workplace readiness — upskilling current ag workers for today’s industry needs.
It’s already drawing interest from students aged 18 to 55, many of whom are current ag workers who had never before considered college an option. This program is changing lives and benefiting our communities, opening doors to stable, well-paying jobs in a vital regional industry.
At the heart of these efforts is our belief that innovation must meet real people where they are — addressing real needs with practical, forward-thinking solutions to complex challenges. That’s why we’re investing not only in programs, but in places.
In Los Banos, we broke ground on a new era of opportunity with the overwhelming approval of Measure P in November 2024. The $46 million, community-supported bond—which passed with nearly 74% of the vote — will help us continue to expand and modernize the Los Banos Campus without raising taxes.
This past year, we celebrated the opening of a new Child Development Center—the latest sign of growth and commitment to expanded workforce training on our Los Banos Campus. Thanks to the support of our community for Measure P, we’re now preparing for even more growth, including a new Career Technical Education building, quad renovations, and expanded agriculture facilities like a modular classroom and greenhouse to support hands-on learning.
Accelerating Toward the Future
Enrollment is growing at both our Merced and Los Banos campuses, as more students choose Merced College for its quality, affordability, and accessibility. Dual enrollment opportunities for high school students continue to expand in our region, and our transfer partnerships with UC Merced, CSU Stanislaus, Fresno State, and others remain strong — giving students of all ages a clear path to a four-year degree or a fulfilling career.
These are just a few highlights from an extraordinary year.
Looking ahead, we are excited for the construction of our new AgTEC Innovation Center—an industry-grade facility that will provide real-world learning environments across several disciplines. Slated for completion in 2026, the center will include state-of-the-art food processing labs for nut, fruit, vegetable, and meat products; a commercial kitchen and research space for nutrition and product development; a student-run retail market that builds business and marketing skills; and flexible training classrooms designed for short courses, certificate programs, and workforce upskilling in partnership with local employers.
At the same time, we’re making important changes behind the scenes to better serve students. Starting this fall, Merced College will move from 18-week to 16-week semesters, giving students the opportunity to complete their educational goals more efficiently and freeing up room for expanded summer offerings. We’re also growing our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) offerings, which allow students to earn college credit for knowledge and skills gained through previous work or academic experience, helping them avoid redundant coursework and reduce the time and cost to complete a degree.
Systemwide changes are also underway to better support transfer students. We are aligning our general education requirements and course numbering system with statewide standards, making it easier for students to plan their path to a four-year university. And to ensure they’re supported every step of the way, we’ve expanded our Career & Transfer Center this year to offer more programming, partnerships with local and regional employers, advising, and resources for students working toward their next chapter.
Why do we do all this?
Because our students deserve the very best. Because our region depends on a strong, innovative community college to fuel progress and prosperity. And because the future belongs to those who prepare for it.
Thank you to the many partners — public and private, local and statewide—who believe in this mission with us. We are grateful for your continued support, and we look forward to another year of progress, promise, and purpose.
At Merced College, we’re not going through the motions. We’re redefining what’s possible with bold, innovative, and forward-thinking strategies and services to meet the needs of this incredible community.
Chris Vitelli is the president of Merced College.