Merced College President Chris Vitelli highlighted record growth, expanding student success and major future initiatives during his State of the College address April 16 at the Raj Kahlon Agriculture & Industrial Technology Complex.
“By all metrics, we are thriving as a college,” Vitelli said.
Vitelli pointed to strong performance across enrollment, completion, and student success. Over the past five years, the college has seen a 20% increase in degrees and certificates awarded, including more than 3,400 credentials conferred last year alone.
Enrollment has grown by more than 25% since 2017, with the college on track to serve more than 22,000 students this year, the highest in its history. And for first-time, full-time students, tuition is free.
Student outcomes are also improving, with course success rates increasing by more than 4% and course retention rising by 7%. Vitelli credited the work of faculty and classified professionals for driving those gains.
“For those of you in education, it’s really hard to move that needle,” he said. “That’s because of the innovative and outstanding work and focus of our talented team of professionals.”
Career technical education programs are producing strong workforce outcomes, with about 90% of graduates securing jobs in their field within six months, Vitelli said. He emphasized the college’s growing role in the region’s agricultural economy, highlighting the development of a $22 million AgTEC Innovation Center and partnerships with UC Merced and industry organizations.
Innovation was a central theme throughout the address, with Vitelli noting recent changes designed to improve student outcomes, including a shift to a 16-week semester model and the expansion of immersive learning through Dreamscape Learn. Students participating in the virtual reality learning platform have seen an 8% increase in success rates and nearly a 4% improvement in course completion compared to traditional formats.
“Innovation is not just a buzzword here,” Vitelli said. “We’re focused on being the most innovative community college in the country.”
Vitelli also highlighted the importance of student support services, noting that more than half of Merced College students are first-generation college students. Programs supporting veterans, foster youth and other underserved populations continue to expand, helping students persist and complete their goals.
Community engagement remains a key priority, with dual enrollment growing from about 70 students at its inception to more than 700 in recent years, with local students earning college credits and even completing associate degrees by the time they graduate high school.
The college is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of its College for Kids summer program, which introduces younger students to higher education. And arts and culture continue to play a central role on campus, with a $47 million renovation planned for the college’s theater, music and arts facilities.
Looking ahead, Vitelli pointed to major initiatives that will shape the college’s future, including a joint student housing project with UC Merced. The project is designed to create a seamless transfer pathway while encouraging students to remain in the region.
“This is about transforming our community,” he said. “We want our students to stay here, build careers here and help strengthen the Central Valley.”
The event also marked the launch of Merced College’s 2025 Annual Report, which highlights key achievements and initiatives from the past year. The report is available online at https://mercedcollege.foleon.com/annual-reports/merced-college-annual-report-2025/.