After a nationwide search and competitive process, the Kern Community College District stated it’s proud to announce the selection of Primavera Monarrez as the next Porterville College president.

Monarrez has been serving as the college’s interim president. Her appointment to the permanent role is a testament to her dedication and the positive impact she has made throughout the campus community,’ the district stated.

“President Monarrez will lead Porterville College into a future built on student results: more completions, more transfers with junior standing, and more industry-recognized credentials that lead to good local jobs. As the trustee representing the Porterville College area, I’m focused on what this means on a practical level. Under her leadership, we will deepen partnerships with employers and universities, align programs to regional opportunities and ensure that every student, whether coming straight from high school or returning to upskill, can see a clear, supported path to success,” said KCCD board president John Corkins,

A proud Central Valley native, first-generation college student, and product of the California community college system, Monarrez brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership. She deeply understands students’ challenges and aspirations and is dedicated to advancing student success while ensuring higher education remains responsive to student and regional needs, the district stated.

Since assuming interim president’s in July 2024, Monarrez has led PC with a focus on transparency, inclusion, and collaboration, the district stated. This has led to significant momentum across key institutional priorities, the district added.

Under her direction, PC has strengthened enrollment, expanded dual enrollment programs to benefit K-12 students, addressed critical facility needs, and enhanced participatory governance, the district stated. She has also advanced the college’s efforts to improve access, persistence, and regional economic mobility for Tulare County students, the district also stated.

Prior to her interim role, Monarrez was PC’s vice president of student services and Taft College’s dean of student success at Taft College. Her earlier leadership experience includes roles at Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield. She has secured competitive grants, improved accreditation processes, and built strong partnerships with K-12 schools, universities, and community organizations.

Monarrez holds a bachelor’s in Sociology and a master’s in Counseling/Student Affairs from

Cal State Bakersfield and is currently pursuing a doctorate. She’ss deeply committed to the Central Valley, Tulare County, and Porterville, the district stated.

KCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven Bloomberg expressed his excitement over the appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to formally appoint Primavera Monarrez as the next President of Porterville College. Following a rigorous national search that drew an exceptionally strong pool of candidates, Primavera Monarrez rose to the top of a highly competitive process. Her student first leadership, commitment to equity, and record of forging partnerships will position Porterville College for its next chapter of growth and impact. I extend my sincere thanks to the search committee for its thoughtful, inclusive work, and to the faculty, classified professionals, students, and community partners who contributed their insights.”

On her official appointment Monarrez said, “I am profoundly honored and excited to serve as Porterville College’s tenth President, especially as we begin planning for the college’s upcoming centennial celebration. As a proud product of the California community college system, I believe deeply in the transformative power of education. At Porterville College, we start small and go big. Empowering students to achieve their dreams, strengthen our community, and shape the future of the Central Valley. Together with the faculty, staff, and partners we will focus on expanding access, accelerating student success, and strengthening the economic mobility of Tulare County.”