Strategic Scheduling Yields Strong Enrollment and Increased Productivity at Merritt College

With the Fall 2025 semester fully underway, I am pleased to share that Merritt College is in a very strong position as it pertains to our enrollment picture this term. Compared to this same time last year, we are currently offering 39 fewer sections and utilizing 13 fewer FTEF. And yet, we have only 88 fewer students attending the college (which resulted in an increase in productivity from 13.92 to 15.47). In essence, this means that we are reaching just about the same number of students with almost 40 sections to spare. This is the outcome when we are laser-focused on developing a schedule that is more closely aligned with student demand. It also allows us to now add sections back to the Fall 2025 schedule (as late-start courses) in those areas where there is a waitlist. Kudos to VPI Cook and the Deans for all of their hard work.

Investing in Excellence: Nursing Program Renewal at Merritt College

I would like to take a moment to offer an update on our nursing program. Merritt College has a history of delivering excellent associate degree nursing instruction since 1978. Our program has supported the Bay Area by graduating nurses who have stayed in the community to provide excellent, compassionate, and safe care. The program is off to a great start this year, as we have 21 continuing students who we expect to graduate this upcoming spring term. But recently, however, there have been challenges, including the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) identifying areas of non-compliance in 2023. Given our commitment to ensuring that our nursing program reclaims its top-tier status in the state, this year we applied for and were awarded a $1.15 million Nursing Infrastructure Grant that has enabled us to begin addressing the issues. Over this next year, we anticipate that nearly 700 students will declare nursing as their major at Merritt College (it is by far the most popular major), and we are preparing to welcome an incoming 40-student cohort group in Fall 2026.

We have already made tremendous progress toward that goal thanks to our Program Director, Dr. Diane Breckenridge, who is implementing her Strategies for Success approaches to improve student, faculty, and program outcomes. The ongoing support from classified professional staff members Ms. Waaduda Karim and Ms. Amecia Young has been critical as well. Finally, we are in the process of recruiting new contract faculty members to round out our current team of instructors (pictured above).

Merritt College Deepens Community Ties Through Oakland Rotary Club

This past Thursday, Laney Interim President Becky Opsata and I had the honor of being inducted into the Oakland Rotary Club. As President of Merritt College, my membership in the Rotary provides a vital bridge between our institution and the broader business and civic community, creating opportunities that directly benefit Merritt, the Peralta district, and the students we serve. Rotary offers a unique space to connect with leaders across industries, fostering partnerships that can lead to internships, mentorships, scholarships, and employment pathways for our students. By staying engaged with the business community through Rotary, we ensure that our academic programs remain aligned with workforce needs, while also elevating the visibility of Merritt and Peralta as engines of talent, innovation, and social mobility in Oakland.

Ultimately, Rotary strengthens our ability to prepare students not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers that contribute to the vibrancy and success of our city. And if that were not enough, I also get the honor of spending some time with our former chancellor, Dr. Wise Allen!