Martha Garcia to lead the Imperial Valley College into the future as it’s new President

A historic moment for Imperial Valley College a fter the board unanimously voted in the school’s first female president.

Martha Garcia is a champion in the community. Garcia looks forward to continuing her legacy and leadership on campus by being an inspiration for her students.

“I feel like I’m dreaming. And really, this is a testament to my students. The 8,200 students that I serve, that all of them can achieve the dreams they aspire to achieve,” said Garcia.

After nearly 40 years of being president of the college, Victor Jaime said the campus is in the best hands.

“For Imperial Valley College, you need someone who has the heart and soul of the college, has the understanding and loves the valley. So her passion and her love and tenacity are here. So I feel very very fortunate that I’m leaving the college in very very good hands,” Jaime said.

Students from the college can rest assured knowing that their newest president is a native of the valley and understands their needs. Associated Student Government President Karla Rodarte said, “It’s key for them to know that this isn’t just some random person who’s coming to the valley and thinks they know all that. Thinks that they can boss me around. This person was in my shoes. They walked through [what] I did. They had the same struggles as I did. They understand me. I have some sort of connection to them.”

Garcia promises to continue the institution’s path towards success. “We will continue to do great things. We’re doing them now. And we’re only going to grow from here.”