Leadership Coachella Valley visited College of the Desert March 15. The participants spent a full day learning about education and non-profits in the Coachella Valley. They also had the opportunity to hear from experts in those fields.

I’m a writer and a librarian. I’ve got academic degrees and certifications and all the “stuff” that says I’ve achieved my education and success. Therefore, I’m beyond what COD has to offer. Right? Wrong.

College of the Desert has earned the inaugural award for Excellence in Geriatric Education Award by the Hearst Foundation. The award is granted to schools of nursing that demonstrate exceptional instruction and innovation in this key area of nursing education.

It took just a matter of hours to feel the pace on campus shift into full speed as fall semester kicked off August 27. It was impressive to watch COD’s traditional welcome tents take their places around campus.

The new Center includes: A Full-Time Specialist who serves as the School Certifying Official who assists students and their families to access their VA benefits, processes VA paperwork, and provides information about academic programs and degree requirements.

I began my educational experience with COD in 1994. One could say I was on the “20 2-year Program.” I took classes at the EVC, which we also called, “Indio High School.” I was taking math classes for fun- no real goal.

Jerry Patton reflects on his eight years of service at College of the Desert. Patton will retire his post as COD President in June. Jerry Patton has a disarming way about him.

College of the Desert (COD) has received approval from the California State Fire Marshall’s Office to begin a fully accredited Basic Firefighter Academy beginning August 28, 2012, at the new Roy Wilson Fire Training Center in Thousand Palms.

I dropped out of high school in 1986. By the end of the 80’s my opportunities were very limited...That changed in 1990 when I stepped onto the campus here at College of the Desert.

The Desert Community College District Board of Trustees announced this morning their selection of Dr. Joel Kinnamon as the new College of the Desert Superintendent/President effective July 9, 2012. Dr. Kinnamon is coming to COD from Chabot-Las Positas Community College District where he was serving as Chancellor of this two-college district.

Dr. Joel Kinnamon officially began his duties this week as the seventh Superintendent/President of College of the Desert and Desert Community College District.

Summer 2012 saw the completion of construction on the Math Science Technology Center (MSTC). Information Technology and Institutional Research (ITIR) along with the faculty for math and science and the Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program moved into their new space and offices.