Accomplishments as a Trustee and Board President for the South OC Community College District
“As an Irvine Valley College alum, I enthusiastically endorse Tim Jemal for re-election as President of the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD). Having known Tim for many years, I've been consistently impressed by his unwavering dedication to education, his ability to foster a positive learning environment, and his inspiring leadership.”
- Unanimously elected Board of Trustees President of premier community college district in the state and nation
- Under my leadership as a Trustee and President of the Board, Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College have thrived and continue to provide an exceptional education for our students
- Irvine Valley College is the #1 ranked community college in California
- Saddleback College is the #5 ranked community college in California
- Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are recognized as two of the best colleges in the nation
- Irvine Valley College is #1 in transfer rates to four-year institutions
- Saddleback College has the #1 ranked Nursing Program in the nation
- For the 2024-25 Academic Year, Irvine Valley College achieved the highest student enrollment in the 40-year history of the college.
- Saddleback College is in the top 10 statewide in transfer rates to four-year colleges and universities among all California community colleges
- Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College received commendations for exemplary academic performance from the national accrediting commission for Community Colleges
- 11 consecutive balanced budgets – precious use of tax dollars
- Fiscally conservative in using taxpayer dollars
- Zero taxpayer debt
- No tax increases or student tuition hikes
- Transparency and active community engagement
- Over 45,000 students awarded associate degrees and certificates at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College
- Over 30,000 students at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College transferred to four-year colleges and universities including the University of California and California State University systems
- Nearly $10 million in scholarships awarded to over 6,000 students at Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College
- Serve more than 8,000 older adults annually through our Emeritus Institutes of lifelong learning
- Active promoter of business partnerships at Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College and the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP) in Tustin
- Our District partners with more than 450 area businesses, associations and local governments to prepare a highly qualified workforce for a range of productive careers in high demand jobs
- Expanded business and transfer partnerships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and advanced manufacturing which are high-growth fields in Orange County and the nation
- Led the dedication in 2023 of the new 78,000 SF LEED Gold Gateway Building at Saddleback College. The fantastic structure is a testament to the academic excellence and student support at this vibrant campus in my home city of Mission Viejo. The Gateway Building seamlessly connects various academic departments and programs, including Counseling, Admissions, Financial aid, Veterans Center, DSPS, and EOPs, enhancing the student experience at this great College.
- Led the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Art's Village at Irvine Valley College (IVC). The ribbon-cutting event shed light on the impressive facility now hosting many of IVC’s music, dance, and art classes. The event was alive with spectacular live performances, art displays, and art demonstrations from every corner of the Arts Village, captivating many of our esteemed guests and elected officials. To learn more about the Arts Village at IVC and the classes offered, visit www.ivc.edu/arts-village; OC Register article: https://lnkd.in/gjqT7xH3
- Working with Dislocated Workers to Transition to Meaningful Employment: Along with engineering and advanced manufacturing, presided over significant expansion in SOCCCD’s healthcare workforce training initiatives.
- Served over 20,000 students needing food security assistance since 2012
- Support for Minority Students, with a focus on in-demand careers: Our District works to support high need student populations with tailored programs.
- Veterans Services: Advocated to the state and federal government to require public institutions to provide veterans in-state tuition. The District offers one of the 100 VetSuccess on Campus sites nationwide with a full-time federal Veterans Administration employee. Each college has vibrant veteran’s centers that serve as hub for support and services.
