MVC President Launches Advisory Board

Community leadership in Perris and Moreno Valley took a collaborative step forward in July as Moreno Valley College launched its President’s Advisory Board, bringing together elected officials, business leaders, civic partners, educators and community stakeholders. The Board creates a forum for regional voices to share perspectives on student success, identify workforce needs and inform conversations about the evolving educational priorities of the Inland Empire.

The President’s Advisory Board, established under the leadership of MVC President Rudy J. Besikof, Ed.D., held its first official meeting July 7 on the MVC campus. The gathering marked the next step in an initiative that began in December 2025 when Besikof hosted Partnerships for Progress: An Evening with the President to introduce himself to the community and begin conversations about strengthening connections between the College and its regional partners.

The Board serves in an advisory capacity and does not hold decision-making authority over College operations, academic policy or fiscal matters. Instead, its work focuses on five key areas:

• Advising College leadership on academic programs, institutional priorities and community relevance.
• Strengthening the College’s perspective through active engagement with external leaders.
• Supporting fundraising efforts that advance the College’s mission.
• Expanding strategic relationships with business, government, civic and academic partners.
• Advocating for educational access, student opportunity and institutional excellence.

Those who joined the Board include Riverside County Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez of District 5, an MVC alumnus; Moreno Valley City Commissioners Rylee Peak and Nathan Urena, both MVC alumni; Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce President John Menke; Moss Bros. Auto Group Community Liaison Stu Sherfey; Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Project Manager Edwin Quinonez; Altura Credit Union Vice President Karina Cocoletzi; and Moreno Valley Unified School District educational leader and MVC Legacy Award winner Kymberly Taylor. MVC leadership, directors and faculty members also participated in the meeting and discussions.

During the meeting, Besikof shared updates on MVC’s continued growth, including the College’s national recognition for affordability, its No. 11 ranking among U.S. community colleges and its recognition as No. 7 in California and No. 13 in the Western United States for veteran-focused programs and services. Discussion also included planned campus facility investments, academic program expansion and student support initiatives. Community members shared perspectives on opportunities to increase awareness of College resources, provide community and industry support to career programs, expand partnerships with the College and better connect MVC’s programs with regional needs.

“Community colleges are strongest when the communities they serve have a voice in shaping their future,” said Besikof. “The success of our students and the strength of this region’s workforce depend on collaboration among educators, employers, civic leaders and community partners. This Board creates an ongoing opportunity to bring those perspectives together as we continue building pathways that prepare students for the careers and opportunities ahead.”

The evening concluded with a tour of MVC’s Native Botanical Garden at the Edmund C. Jaeger Desert Institute, led by biology professor Felipe Galicia, who founded the project. The experience gave attendees an opportunity to further connect with one another while learning about a unique educational resource developed through faculty leadership and community engagement.

Board membership is by invitation, with the Office of the President also considering nominations from current members as the group continues to grow. The Board will reconvene this fall and continue meeting during the academic year to support ongoing conversations between MVC and its community partners. Community members interested in learning more can contact the Office of the President at president@mvc.edu or visit the President’s Advisory Board page.