Editor’s note: As Joel Kinnamon prepares to retire from public life, he does so on a high note. Nobody could summarize his accomplishments better than he could, so read and take a moment or two to thank him for his service.
With COD Back on Track, Joel Kinnamon Announces Plans to Retire from Public Office
As I conclude my term as Trustee for College of the Desert’s Area 4, I do so with a tremendous sense of gratitude, accomplishment, and confidence in the college’s future.
When I retired as Superintendent/President of College of the Desert in March 2021, COD was in an exceptionally strong position. The college had achieved a $30 million budget surplus, record graduation rates, national recognition for educational excellence, and, thanks to the voters’ overwhelming approval of Measure CC in 2016, a bold vision for expansion throughout the Coachella Valley.
Those plans included doubling the size of the Indio Campus, major renovations to the Palm Desert campus, construction of Roadrunner Motors in Cathedral City, and the long-awaited West Valley Campus in Palm Springs.
Unfortunately, within weeks of my retirement, that vision began to change quickly.
Political maneuvering and conflicts of interest redirected attention—and resources—away from the college’s master facilities plan. A new college president was appointed on a 3-2 board vote, a new college attorney was hired, and many of the commitments made to the community began to unravel.
On my successor’s very first day as superintendent/president in August 2021, the leader of the Palm Springs Development Project was removed from his position and instructed not to discuss the project without authorization. Just two months later, Roadrunner Motors was canceled through a press release while the college simultaneously entered into a secret land purchase agreement in downtown Coachella.
Those decisions sent shockwaves throughout the Coachella Valley. It became clear to me that if the college was going to honor the promises made to voters and restore confidence in its leadership, the composition of the Board of Trustees would have to change.
After months of encouraging others to run for the Area 4 seat without success, my husband and I made a life-changing decision. We sold what we believed would be our forever home in Palm Springs, moved into Area 4, and entered the race ourselves.
It was a hard-fought campaign that raised nearly a $150,000 from likeminded supporters and spending countless hours on the campaign trail because we believed College of the Desert and its students’ future were worth fighting for.
The voters agreed.
Following my successful election in November 2022, a new board majority immediately began restoring transparency and accountability.
Over the next four years, I had the privilege of working alongside my fellow trustees in the new majority to put College of the Desert back on the course envisioned by our community.
Together we:
- Guaranteed $405 million for construction of the West Valley Campus in Palm Springs.
- Restored the Palm Springs Development Project leadership team.
- Set aside funding to construct Roadrunner Motors in Cathedral City.
- Opened the major expansion of the Indio Campus.
- Continued significant improvements throughout the Main Campus in Palm Desert.
But facilities were only part of the work.
The college still faced declining enrollment following COVID-19, lower graduation rates, shrinking revenues, the search for a permanent superintendent/president, and ongoing governance issues that placed the institution’s accreditation under increased scrutiny.
Today, I am proud to say those challenges have largely been overcome.
College of the Desert is once again moving forward with purpose and momentum.
Enrollment has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Graduation rates are again reaching record highs. The college has outstanding leadership under Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia. Roadrunner Motors in Cathedral City and the West Valley Campus in Palm Springs are both scheduled to open next year. Most importantly, the college’s full accreditation has been reaffirmed through 2031 from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Simply put…
College of the Desert is back on track.
With the college once again on solid footing, I am pleased to announce my retirement. This time from public office. I remain fully committed to serving as Trustee for Area 4 through the completion of my term in December 2026, ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation of leadership.
Unlike my retirement in 2021, this one comes with peace of mind. The work we set out to do has been accomplished, and I believe the college is positioned for an incredibly bright future.
My husband and I can finally enjoy the retirement we envisioned five years ago — spending more time with family and friends, traveling to places still on our bucket list, and yes, even taking two leisurely hours to wander through the grocery store if that’s what we feel like doing.
Before I leave, there is one final piece of unfinished business.
Four years ago, finding the right candidate for Area 4 proved impossible. Today, I have the privilege of supporting the right leader to continue the progress we’ve made.
I am enthusiastically proud to support Dr. Stone James as the next Trustee for COD Area 4.
Dr. James is a graduate of College of the Desert’s Public Safety Academy and earned his doctorate in Planning and Development from the University of Southern California. He previously served as Economic Development Director for the City of Cathedral City, where he played a leading role in the effort to save Roadrunner Motors. His experience also includes serving as a city manager and working as a commercial development director.
Perhaps most importantly, he understands today’s students because his family is living that experience. One child currently attends College of the Desert, and another child plans to enroll in the near future.
Dr. Stone James understands the importance of fulfilling promises, investing wisely, and ensuring that College of the Desert continues serving every community throughout the Coachella Valley.
I have every confidence he will continue to protect the promise made to the voters and to all who call COD home.
Serving the students, employees, and communities of College of the Desert has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and the opportunity to serve you.
The future of College of the Desert is bright.
And once again…
Image Sources
- Joel Kinnamon: Joel Kinnamon
