2009-2010 marks Antelope Valley College’s eightieth anniversary
More than eighty years ago, a small group of dedicated citizens had a vision to establish a junior college in the Antelope Valley. Since that time, Antelope Valley College has grown to a level of service and excellence that sets it apart as a post-secondary education leader. In eighty years, Antelope Valley College has grown from 16 students to nearly 16,000 full-time and part-time students. We are very proud of our caring and friendly employees, unique and diverse programs, and easy-to-access student support services that play a significant role in improving the lives of individuals and enhancing opportunities for businesses and communities within and adjacent to the region.
Throughout the 2009-2010 academic year, while honoring our heritage and celebrating what we have become, our dedicated employees will continue to focus on the path ahead. We will concentrate on our mission: “to serve the community by placing student success and student-centered learning as our number one priority,” a commitment and a responsibility that we take very seriously.
The college’s commitment to the community will be evident as construction bond funds approved by voters in 2004 as well as grant and redevelopment funds are applied to projects designed to meet the ever-increasing needs of our students and the fast-growing Antelope Valley community. The path ahead includes new horticultural science facilities; completion of the West Campus expansion project, which includes additional student parking, modernization of infrastructure, upgrade of the Marauders 5,000-seat stadium, and new athletic fields; expansion of the Palmdale site; and construction of a new 400-seat theater complex, auto body facility, and state-of-the-art 107,000 square foot Health and Science Building.
During our eightieth year, we will also celebrate innovative partnerships with Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District and California State University, Bakersfield, that provide area students the opportunity to progress from high school to graduate school at one location. Students on the Academic Rise (SOAR) High School will graduate its first class and CSUB-Antelope Valley will celebrate its tenth year on our campus. These and other ongoing partnerships with state, county, and city agencies, businesses, and secondary and four-year educational institutions have played a key role in the formation, development, and continuing success of Antelope Valley College.
On behalf of the Antelope Valley Community College District’s Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty and staff, welcome to Antelope Valley College and thank you for choosing to pursue the educational opportunities available here.
Jackie L. Fisher, Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent/President