Coalinga, Calif. — Jackson Emerson, a second-year student at Coalinga College, is pursuing his educational goals with aspirations of becoming a law enforcement officer. A Coalinga native, Emerson was attracted to the college for its robust football program and the Administration of Justice (AOJ) curriculum. Inspired by his father’s legacy with the Coalinga Police Department, he is dedicated to his studies while balancing a part-time job.
Emerson appreciates the intimate learning environment at Coalinga College, where small class sizes foster personalized interactions between instructors and students. “They really interact with the students rather than having 100 students in the class, and it’s just grading a piece of paper. They really get to know you,” Emerson shared. This close-knit academic community has led him to consider extending his studies at Coalinga College.
A new partnership between Fresno State University and the West Hills Community College District has further incentivized students like Emerson to remain at Coalinga College. Sam Aunai, the Vice President of Educational Services at Coalinga College, announced that this collaboration will enable students to take essential courses at either Coalinga or Lemoore Colleges, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Plans for a degree in a social science program are also in the pipeline, although details are still being finalized.
“This partnership is significant for our community,” Aunai stated. “In Coalinga, only about 12% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree, which is relatively low.” By facilitating access to higher education, this initiative aims to enhance the educational landscape for local students.
Transportation has historically posed challenges for students commuting to Fresno State, located approximately 70 miles away. To address these barriers, Bobbi Mahfood, the Dean of Educational Services at Coalinga College, highlighted the benefits of offering a bachelor’s degree in criminology. “You’re looking at some of the biggest employers in our area, and this program will remove the barriers to education, allowing students to gain full employment and eliminating obstacles to their academic success,” Mahfood explained.
The new program is set to launch in Fall 2025 and will provide dedicated support services to guide students through graduation requirements. Officials anticipate that this initiative will significantly boost the number of associate degree holders transferring to four-year institutions, as well as enhance completion rates for both associate and bachelor’s degrees.
“We’re hopeful that the program will thrive, expand, and eventually lead to the availability of additional degrees through Fresno State,” Mahfood remarked, underscoring the positive trajectory for educational opportunities in the region. As Coalinga College students prepare to benefit from this partnership, the community looks forward to a future where higher education becomes more accessible and attainable for all.
