Merritt College would like to congratulate Mr. Damon Covington, who works as a faculty member in Merritt College’s Fire Sciences and Emergency Medical Technician department. Merritt is proud to share that last month he was appointed as Oakland’s new Interim Fire Chief!
Merritt Congratulates Faculty Member Damon Covington
Aug 2, 2023 3:16:52 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
Merritt College President’s Report – July 26, 2023
Jul 26, 2023 12:12:46 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
Merritt and OUSD Celebrate Anniversary of Pre-Collegiate Academy
More than three decades ago, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and Merritt College began a collaboration that resulted in the creation of the Pre-Collegiate Academy (PCA), a program specifically designed for students in Oakland middle and secondary schools.
Merritt African American Studies Students Study Abroad in Jamaica
Jul 20, 2023 10:51:54 AM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
Students who enrolled in Merritt College’s African American Studies 27 course (Afro-Caribbean History, Politics, and Culture) recently returned from their study abroad trip to Jamaica. This was a tremendous opportunity for them to learn first-hand about the historical, economic, and cultural development of the Caribbean and the effects of colonization on the region.
Merritt College President’s Report – July 12, 2023
Jul 12, 2023 2:19:36 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
Lisa Cook Appointed Acting VP of Instruction at Merritt
Merritt College officially welcomes Lisa Cook as Acting Vice President of Instruction. Lisa comes to Merritt from Berkeley City College, where she has served as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences since 2016. Her time in the Peralta District as an experienced leader and educator, however, spans more than 25 years.
Welcoming Lisa Cook to Merritt College
Jul 3, 2023 12:32:52 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
Good morning, Merritt Community.
I am pleased to welcome Lisa Cook to the Merritt College family, as she formally begins her tenure as our Acting Vice President of Instruction. This morning marks her first day in the role, and we are grateful to have her. Lisa comes to us from Berkeley City College, where she has served as the Dean of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences since 2016. Her time in the Peralta District as an experienced leader and educator, however, spans more than 25 years.
PCCD Leadership Statement on the SCOTUS Decision Against Affirmative Action
Jun 29, 2023 2:05:03 PM / by Jannett N. Jackson -->
Oakland, June 29, 2023
Dear Peralta Community,
Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the admissions systems used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill illegally violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively overturning Affirmative Action programs. This is an unfortunate decision.
Merritt College President’s Report – June 28, 2023
Jun 28, 2023 2:37:33 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
Merritt College Participates in Peralta Summer Institute
As part of the Peralta Summer Institute, Merritt is offering four career pathways for high school students to explore:
- iCare: EMT & Medical Skills
- iDeal: Business & Digital Marketing
- iGrow: The Business of Urban Agriculture
- iServe: Administration of Justice
Peralta in the News – June 22, 2023
Jun 22, 2023 5:59:09 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->
KTVU - Oakland Has New Interim Fire Chief
Merritt College President’s Report – June 14, 2023
Jun 14, 2023 2:37:16 PM / by David M. Johnson -->
Merritt College Partners with Cultural Curators
Merritt College is partnering with two cultural curators to expand our reach into the community and attract students to our programs. The first collaboration is with Rod Campbell of Dope Only Marketing and will begin on July 1, 2023. This collaboration will enable us to recruit and retain a cohort of underserved, motivated high school students who are interested in beginning a Pre-Med/STEM pathway at the College.
2023 Merritt College Graduation Celebrations
Jun 7, 2023 5:18:05 PM / by Johnathan Freeman -->

