Meet College Of The Desert's New Superintendent

PALM DESERT, CA — The College of the Desert has a new superintendent/president.

With a 3-2 vote, Val Martinez Garcia was selected by the college's board of trustees. On May 16, he was formally approved.

Martinez Garcia now leads COD after an extensive nationwide search. The college received 73 qualified applications from across the country, from which four finalists were selected to advance to public forums and final interviews, according to COD.

"In Mr. Val Martinez Garcia, we have a leader who deeply understands both the challenges and opportunities facing College of the Desert," said Dr. Joel Kinnamon, chair of the COD Board of Trustees. "His collaborative approach and commitment to educational excellence will help us build on our strengths and address the evolving needs of our students and community."

Martinez Garcia brings over two decades of leadership in higher education to his role. At COD, he has served as both vice president of instruction and vice president of student services, overseeing programs and services for more than 14,000 students.

His accomplishments include expanding the dual enrollment program and leading the development of the Educational Strategic Master Plan, according to the college.

He has contributed to major facilities projects, including the Indio Campus Expansion and Palm Springs Campus Design.

Martinez Garcia currently serves as regional representative for the Chief Student Services Officers Association.

He holds a master's degree in school counseling and a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of La Verne. He is pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational leadership.

The recruitment process was conducted in partnership with AGB Search, LLC, a national firm specializing in higher education leadership searches, according to the college.

For more information about the college, visit www.collegeofthedesert.edu.