Gavilan College (formerly San Benito County Junior College) is a community college located in Gilroy, California.
History
The college was established in 1919 as the San Benito County Junior College. It operated as such until 1963, when a new community college district was drawn that included both San Benito County and southern Santa Clara County. The college moved to its present main campus in 1968.
Campus
The main campus is in Gilroy, California. In 1997, satellite sites were added in Hollister and Morgan Hill to augment offerings on the main campus. In 2008 land was purchased in Coyote Valley and San Benito County for the future development of additional campuses.
Organization and administration
The college president from 2003-2016 was Dr. Steven M. Kinsella. Kathleen A. Rose, Ed.D, was named Superintendent / President in June 2016.
Academic profile
Gavilan College offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, and certificates in a variety of career fields. Popular programs of study include Liberal Arts, Nursing, Administration of Justice, Computer Science, Digital Media, Child Development, Cosmetology, Biological Sciences, Communications and Business. Gavilan College is also the only community college in northern California offering degree and certificate programs in Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Gavilan College hosts an early college high school, Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA), established in 2007. GECA students are able to complete two years of college in their four years of high school by taking advanced placement and honors classes, as well as Gavilan College courses alongside Gavilan students, and can graduate with up to 60 transferable units.
Student life
Fine and performing arts opportunities include theater, children's theater, gallery art, mural art, ceramics, Folklorico dance, choir, instrumental ensemble, symphony, and vocal ensemble.
Sport
Athletics teams include men's football, baseball, basketball, and soccer, and women's soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball. They are nicknamed the Rams.
Student Diversity
African American: 3% Asian American: 7% Hispanic: 43% International: 0% Native American: 1% White: 36% Unknown: 9%
Notable alumni
- Luis Alejo, Former California State Assemblyman
- Jeff Garcia, quarterback for the San Francisco 49'ers
- Frank LaCorte, baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and others
References
External links
- Gavilan College Web site
