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As the summer winds down and we prepare to welcome a new cohort of Jaguars on August 24, I find myself looking forward with excitement and reflection.
This season carries special meaning for me. It will be my final fall semester as Superintendent and President before I retire in June of 2027. However, my focus remains exactly where it has always been: on our students and the opportunities that transform lives through higher education.
When I returned to Southwestern College seven years ago, I came with a vision. As a former student, I understood the life-changing impact of higher education because I had experienced it here myself. I also knew Southwestern College could become an even greater force for educational opportunity and economic mobility in South County.
That belief has never been stronger.
Currently, the district is serving nearly 21,000 students, up from approximately 16,700 when I arrived. More than 40 percent of our students are 25 or older, balancing careers, families and school. Nearly 65 percent identify as Hispanic, reflecting the diverse communities we proudly serve. Every one of them comes to us with a different story, but they all deserve the same opportunity to succeed.
That commitment is backed by a strong financial foundation. Entering the Fall 2026 semester, Southwestern is well positioned to navigate economic uncertainty while continuing to invest in the people and programs that matter most. Careful planning isn’t simply about balancing budgets. It’s about ensuring today’s decisions continue creating opportunities for tomorrow’s students.
Those investments are visible across the district.
In recent years, we’ve opened the Performing Arts Center, University Center, Student Union, Planetarium, Botanical Gardens and Tennis Center. Construction continues on our student gateway, which will become a welcoming front door to our Chula Vista campus. These projects, made possible through the community’s support of Measure Z, are transforming not only our campuses but the student experience.
Buildings alone, however, don’t define a college. What matters most is what happens inside them.
One of our greatest accomplishments has been expanding access to bachelor’s degrees without requiring students to leave South County. Through the University Center, students can now complete upper-division coursework through partnerships with UC San Diego, San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos, Arizona State University, Point Loma Nazarene University and National University. Beyond these partnerships, our binational collaboration with CETYS University in Tijuana, extends educational opportunities across the border, fostering academic collaboration and workforce development that reflects the interconnected future of the Cali-Baja region. Together these partnerships mean making a four-year degree far more accessible and affordable for all students.
We’ve also continued strengthening the support systems that help students graduate. Programs like SWC Cares (Food Pantry, Housing Support, Clothing Resources), the Dreamer Center and Men of Color Success and Excellence continue to grow. Last year, we welcomed Haw Kemyulk, our Native American Learning Community, joining BAYAN, CHEL, Puente, Sangam and UMOJA in creating places where students find community, and connection.
This academic year is especially meaningful because Southwestern College is celebrating its 65th anniversary. For six and a half decades, this college has opened doors for generations of students and families across South County. We’ll celebrate that legacy throughout the year, kicking off with a community celebration, Jaguar Spectacular, on Nov. 7. All are invited for a day of family festivities on our Chula Vista campus where you can also explore our progress and programs. I hope you’ll join us as we honor those who built this institution and the thousands of alumni whose lives have been shaped by it. More details will be announced soon.
As proud as I am of what we’ve accomplished, the work isn’t finished. Let’s make this fall semester a time of continued innovation, transformation and success.
Mark Sanchez, Ed.D., is President/Superintendent of Southwestern College.
