Imagine stepping onto a campus born from a vision of accessible education. That vision materialized into San Diego Mesa College. It stands today as a beacon of opportunity in the heart of San Diego.
San Diego Mesa College officially opened its doors in January 1964. Since then, it has blossomed into one of San Diego’s largest community colleges. In fact, it is the 11th largest in all of California. Mesa College holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. This ensures a commitment to quality education.
But the story of San Diego Mesa College starts even earlier. Community college education in San Diego began in 1914. The Board of Education authorized post-secondary classes for high school students. A significant milestone occurred in 1956. Voters approved bonds to establish the college. The location was an 85-acre mesa next to Stephen Watts Kearny High School. Classes actually began in 1963. This was before the campus was complete. Four faculty members taught 35 students at Kearny High.
Today, San Diego Mesa College offers a wide array of programs. Students can pursue general education. They can choose lower-division transfer programs. There are also options in occupational and developmental education. As of this year, San Diego Mesa College boasts almost 200 associate degree and certificate programs.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2016. San Diego Mesa College was among the first to offer bachelor’s degrees. The first class with a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management graduated in spring 2018. Twenty-two students earned this degree in Spring 2023. In October 2023, Mesa received approval for another bachelor’s program. This one is in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
For students looking to continue their education, San Diego Mesa College offers Transfer Admission Guarantee programs. These provide clear pathways to San Diego State University and UC San Diego. The college also has a Transfer Center. Here, students receive dedicated counseling and resources.
The San Diego Mesa College Foundation plays a vital role. It offers scholarships to Mesa students. In 2023, the foundation awarded $159,566 in scholarships. This was spread across 118 opportunities. 168 students received these awards.
The campus itself is in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood. It sits near the Tecolote Nature Preserve. It features over 20 instructional buildings. You can find athletic facilities, the Learning Resource Center, and Mesa Commons here. Mesa Commons includes a multi-cuisine cafeteria. It also houses 72Fifty, a student-run restaurant.
The landscaping showcases native species. There is even an environmental learning garden. The Math plus Science Complex has a geo-garden in its courtyard. The Mesa Woodland Nature and Interpretive Trail has 41 native species. It is the largest display of labeled native plants in San Diego County.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Gracia Molina de Pick Glass Gallery. There is also the World Art Collection Gallery and the Mesa College Art Gallery.
The Rosa Parks transit center services San Diego Mesa College. Its name honors the civil rights leader. She visited Mesa three times in the 1990s.
Student life thrives at San Diego Mesa College. The Associated Students government represents the student body. Over 30 student clubs are part of the Interclub Council. Several on-campus community centers support students. These include the Dreamer Resource Center, FAST Center and Veterans Success Center. You can also find the Transfer Center, Career Center, Avanza Engagement Center and Pride Center. The college newspaper, The Mesa Press, has covered Mesa-related news since 1966.
Athletics are a key part of the San Diego Mesa College experience. The Merrill Douglas Stadium is home to the Olympians football team. It also hosts soccer and track and field events. In 2016, the Exercise Science building opened. San Diego Mesa College offers 19 competitive teams. The college mascot is the Olympians.
San Diego Mesa College has a rich history of athletic success. The program has won the Chet DeVore Trophy four times. This award recognizes the most successful athletic program in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.
Notable alumni include NFL players Tony Banks and Darren Comeaux. Actress Annette Bening also attended Mesa. Jonny Kim, a physician and astronaut, is an alumnus. Olympic medalists Monique Henderson, Brittney Reese, Arnie Robinson, and Felix Sanchez have ties to the college.
San Diego Mesa College stands as a testament to accessible education. It’s a place where students can grow. They can achieve their dreams. From its humble beginnings to its current status, Mesa College has impacted countless lives.