College of the Desert Honored with Impact Award for Transformational Education and Community Leadership
Palm Desert, CA — College of the Desert (COD) has been named the recipient of the Impact Award, recognizing its decades-long commitment to educational excellence, workforce development, and meaningful community impact throughout the Coachella Valley.
Founded in 1958 following a landslide vote of approval by Coachella Valley residents, College of the Desert has grown into a cornerstone institution serving generations of students. Since welcoming its first students in 1962, the college has continually expanded access to higher education, with permanent campuses in Palm Desert, Indio, and Mecca/Thermal, and additional permanent locations in Cathedral City and Palm Springs set to open in the coming years.
Under the leadership of Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia, College of the Desert continues to evolve as a dynamic, student-centered institution. Martinez Garcia brings more than two decades of transformative leadership in higher education, guided by a deep commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and strong community partnerships.
Prior to his current role, Martinez Garcia served as Vice President of Instruction and Vice President of Student Services at College of the Desert, overseeing academic programs, instruction, and student services for more than 14,000 students. During this time, he expanded the college’s dual enrollment program, streamlined academic processes, and led the development of the Strategic Educational Master Plan, positioning the college for long-term growth and innovation.
Martinez Garcia has also played a key role in advancing major facilities projects, including the Indio Campus Expansion, Roadrunner Motors, and the development of the permanent Palm Springs Campus. In fall 2025, College of the Desert announced the plEDGE for All initiative, a bold, multi-year expansion of its award-winning plEDGE program that will ultimately provide two years of free education to all Coachella Valley residents.
Before joining COD, Martinez Garcia held leadership roles at West Hills College Lemoore, Porterville College, and Taft College. He holds a Master of Science in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of La Verne, is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership, and is a proud graduate of the California Community College system, having earned his Associate of Arts degree from Bakersfield College.
As Superintendent/President, Martinez Garcia leads College of the Desert’s mission to deliver high-quality degree, certificate, and transfer programs that are accessible, affordable, and responsive to the diverse needs of students and the region. The Impact Award recognizes College of the Desert’s enduring role in shaping lives, strengthening the workforce, and expanding opportunity across the Coachella Valley.
