Each fall, the start of classes brings renewed energy and optimism to Cal State Monterey Bay. This year was no exception. From the first-day excitement to our Otter Plunge tradition in the waters of Monterey Bay, our campus is once again alive with purpose and possibility.
What is most striking about this fall is the progress our university has made in such a short time. Just a few years ago, enrollment was declining and financial pressures were significant. Today, we are moving forward with confidence.
Since 2022, enrollment has increased nearly 23%, ending a seven-year decline. This fall, more than 3,600 new students joined the Otter Raft. Nearly half are the first in their families to attend college, and more than 55% represent historically underrepresented backgrounds. Their decision to pursue higher education with us reflects the essential role Cal State Monterey Bay plays in expanding opportunity across the Central Coast.
Growth brings new responsibilities. Over the past two years, we created more than 700 additional student beds by converting existing rooms and using available faculty and staff housing. These steps eliminated the housing waitlist this fall, though demand for family housing remains high. Renovations to Gavilan Hall will add 186 more beds by 2026, and additional projects are being studied. Housing is critical because enrollment growth and student success go hand in hand.
Our academic programs are also evolving to meet the needs of the Monterey Bay region. Enrollment in Social Work has risen by more than 44% since 2022, and the College of Business has grown by 30% in the same period. Marine Science continues to be one of our most popular programs, drawing students to our coastline for hands-on learning. New opportunities in mechatronics engineering, sociology, accounting, agribusiness supply chain management and healthcare are preparing graduates for careers that are essential to the strength of our local economy. Each program expands the regional workforce and helps ensure our communities have the skilled professionals they need.
Financially, the university is stable and strong. We have achieved a balanced or surplus budget for three consecutive years and secured $164 million in external funding last year, including $35 million in new grants. National recognition has followed. U.S. News & World Report ranks Cal State Monterey Bay first among public universities in the West for social mobility, while the Carnegie Foundation recently recognized us as both an opportunity institution and a research institution, honors granted to only a select number of campuses nationwide. These accolades are more than numbers; they are a reflection of the dedication of our faculty and staff and our shared commitment to student success. They demonstrate our promise to provide an affordable, high-quality education that lifts our students, their families, and the communities they serve.
We are also investing in our future. The Edward “Ted” Taylor Science and Engineering Building will break ground this fall. Plans for a new Health Science Building will expand healthcare training for urgently needed nurses and practitioners. The Black Box Cabaret will create a modern performance space that strengthens the arts on campus and across the region. In addition, the development of new greenhouses and a farm complex will expand opportunities for workforce development in agriculture, one of the most important economic strengths of the Monterey Bay region.
At the heart of our mission, our students are making a difference right now. Through internships, volunteer service, and community partnerships, they contribute thousands of hours to local schools, nonprofits, and businesses. Their impact strengthens the economy, supports local organizations, and prepares them for meaningful careers. When our students succeed, the Monterey Bay region succeeds alongside them.
Cal State Monterey Bay is more than a university; it is a partner in shaping the future of the Monterey Bay region. The true measure of our progress is seen in the lives of our students and the communities they touch. When our students thrive, families are lifted, industries grow stronger and our region prospers with them.
Vanya Quiñones is the president of Cal State Monterey Bay. She is also a neurobiologist, biopsychologist and noted researcher.
