Superintendent / President

 

Val Martinez Garcia

Superintendent/President, College of the Desert

Val Martinez Garcia serves as Superintendent/President of College of the Desert, bringing over two decades of transformative leadership in higher education to the Coachella Valley. His career exemplifies a deep commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and community partnership.

At College of the Desert, Martinez Garcia previously served as both Vice President of Instruction and Vice President of Student Services, overseeing student services, academic programs, and instruction for over 14,000 students. Under his leadership, he expanded the dual enrollment program, streamlined academic processes and led the development of the Strategic Educational Master Plan.

Martinez Garcia has played a key role in major facilities projects, including the Indio Campus Expansion, Roadrunner Motors, and the development of the permanent Palm Springs Campus. In fall 2025, under Martinez Garcia’s leadership, the college announced its plEDGE for All initiative which will expand the award-winning plEDGE program over the course of a multi-year, phased roll-out to ultimately offer two years of free COD education to all Coachella Valley residents.

Prior to joining College of the Desert, he served as Vice President of Student Services at West Hills College Lemoore, Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Academic Affairs at Porterville College, and Associate Dean of Instruction at Taft College.

He holds a Master of Science in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of La Verne and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership. He is a proud product of the California Community College system having earned his Associate of Arts in Sociology at Bakersfield College.

As Superintendent/President, Martinez Garcia leads College of the Desert's mission to provide high-quality degree, certificate, and transfer programs that are accessible, affordable, and responsive to the diverse needs of students and the Coachella Valley community.