The Mendocino College Welcome Center building on campus, shown on a clear day. The single-story structure has a covered walkway supported by columns, large windows, and a sign reading “1000” near the entrance. A white sandwich-board sign with the Mendocino College eagle logo directs visitors to the Welcome Center along a concrete walkway bordered by landscaping and trees.
The welcome center at Mendocino College in Ukiah, Calif. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Founded in 1973, Mendocino College serves approximately 4,000 students in Mendocino and Lake counties. (Sarah Stierch via Bay City News)
(Illustration by Joe Dworetzky/Bay City News)

This opinion piece was written by Dr. Gerardo E. de los Santos, vice president for Community College Relations at National University, and Dr. Timothy Karas, president of Mendocino College.

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