Tawny Dotson Named the First Woman President of Mt. San Jacinto College

Tawny Dotson has been named the eighth superintendent/president of Mt. San Jacinto College in California. She is the first woman to lead the community college.

Across its three campuses in San Jacinto, Menifee, and Temecula, Mt. San Jacinto College enrolls more than 17,600 students, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. Women represent 59 percent of the college’s student body.

Since July 2020, Dr. Dotson has been president of Yuba College in California. Earlier, she spent eight years with Clover Park Technical College in Washington, serving in roles such as interim vice president for instruction and vice president for strategic development. Throughout her career, Dr. Dotson has also taught as a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty member in marketing, photography, communication studies, and college success.

“As an educator committed to ensuring students have equitable outcomes that lead to the good jobs and transfer opportunities they want, I knew MSJC was a place that I would love to work,” said Dr. Dotson. “During the selection process, I learned even more about MSJC’s welcoming environment, the care employees show their students, and the college’s drive to transform lives firsthand. I am honored to have been selected for this role.”

A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, Dr. Dotson received her bachelor’s degree in communication from Washington State University. She holds a master’s degree in strategic communications from the University of Missouri and a doctorate in community college leadership from Oregon State University.