4-Year Public University For Southwest Riverside County: Latest Update

TEMECULA, CA — A coalition of educators and local leaders aims to bring a public four-year university to Southwest Riverside County, and the group is seeking people who want to get involved.

"This is an ambitious journey to shape the future of higher education in our region," said Dr. Lisa DeForest, chair of the Southwest Higher Education Coalition. "With only 21% of our population over 25 years old holding a bachelor’s degree, compared to a national average of 54%, our greatest export cannot be our talent, skill, and future."

The coalition's most immediate priority is expanding California State University, San Marcos, at the Mt. San Jacinto College Temecula location — a campus referred to as University Center — at 43890 Margarita Road.

"The expansion of CSUSM’s programs will help us develop a comprehensive curriculum in fields such as nursing, business, education, and STEM," said Dr. Roger Schultz, superintendent/president of MSJC. "This is about more than growing a campus; it’s about investing in our community’s future, keeping talent here, and fueling economic vitality in one of California’s fastest-growing areas."

Students currently enrolled at the University Center campus can earn bachelor's degrees in nursing, business administration, and software engineering.

DeForest said that by expanding the offerings, "we aim to create a magnet for talent that will attract and retain skilled individuals in Southwest Riverside County."

DeForest is a local chiropractor who also serves on the Murrieta City Council.

MSJC serves over 30,000 students annually, yet less than 30% of its graduates pursue a four-year degree due to the distance to existing universities, officials said. The coalition seeks to bridge the gap by offering expanded four-year degree opportunities locally.

To this end, the coalition has raised over $6.5 million toward the $18 million needed for campus improvements that could accommodate future expansion.

"We invite everyone to join this effort — whether through funding, partnerships, or spreading awareness," Dr. DeForest said. "Together, we can build a brighter future for Southwest Riverside County."

The coalition’s next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Murrieta Public Library, 8 Town Square. For more information on how to get involved, visit MSJC.edu/UniversityCenter.