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Moreno Valley College president outlines expansion, affordable bachelor’s degree and 280-bed housing bid
Summary
President Rudy Bessikoff told the Moreno Valley City Council that Moreno Valley College is expanding programs and facilities, including a planned 280-bed student housing project and a fall 2026 bachelor’s degree in emergency management at roughly $46 per unit, and highlighted workforce partnerships and equity-focused student supports.
Dr. Rudy Bessikoff, president of Moreno Valley College, told the Moreno Valley City Council on March 10 that the college is pursuing an ambitious program and facilities expansion aimed at increasing access and workforce alignment.
Bessikoff said the college’s mission focuses on equity in access, support and student success and highlighted current offerings that include 62 state-recognized certificates and multiple associate-degree pathways. "Noncredit instruction is free," he said, citing English-as-a-second-language and career classes as examples designed to remove cost barriers.
The president outlined graduation and outcomes data for the community: he said the college awarded 1,488 diplomas and 769 certificates last year, and noted that the college ranks highly in national affordability and student-outcome measures. He also said the college is preparing to seek state funding for student housing that, if approved, would provide about 280 beds for students.
Bessikoff announced a new bachelor’s program in emergency management starting this fall and described the tuition structure as approximately $46 per unit. "This essentially means that students can obtain a bachelor’s degree for less than $10,000," he said, adding that curricular and facility planning is under way to support the four-year offering.
Council members asked about noncredit course examples, nursing and allied-health program expansion, and how the college is partnering with local healthcare providers. Bessikoff said the college already offers medical assisting and dental programs, is pursuing paid apprenticeships and internships, and is working with advisory boards required by federal Perkins funding to engage local industry in curriculum development.
The presentation reviewed workforce-aligned training at the Ben Clark Training Center, planned facility improvements including a 19,100-square-foot Ben Clark expansion funded in part by Measure CC with an anticipated completion in 2029, and possible long-term campus projects such as a library/learning resource center and athletics facilities. Bessikoff also described supports for students facing housing and food insecurity, including campus food resources and a veterans resource center.
The presentation concluded with an invitation for the city to collaborate on budget timing and advocacy in Sacramento to support expanded state funding for higher-education programs and student housing. Council members expressed support for industry partnerships and offered assistance with regional advocacy.
Next steps: Council will retain the presentation in the staff packet; Bessikoff confirmed graduation will be held on campus June 12 and said the college will proceed with state funding applications for housing and continued program development.
