|
The
College's History
Reedley College was established in
May, 1926, as Reedley Junior College. Institutional doors were opened in September 1926,
with a total of 30 students and six course offerings. In 1936, a separate building on the
Reedley High School campus was built to house the junior college administration and
provide additional classrooms. On July 1, 1946, the college recognized its role as a total
community college.
| By the late 1940s
the governing board decided the time was right for the college to develop a separate
campus and a separate identity. Thus, the board began negotiation to purchase the current
campus site at Reed and Manning Avenues, once part of the historic
Thomas Law Reed Ranch. |
|
 |
|
Photograph:
T.
L. Reed home and ranch, on what is now the site of Reedley College, circa
1891.
Photograph by C. C. Curtis
|
In September 1956, the college
moved to its present site where it has continued to grow and expand. It now encompasses
420 acres, including the school's 300 acre farm adjacent to the main campus.
In 1963, the college became a
member of the State Center Community College District, combining the resources of two of
the oldest community colleges in the state. Reflecting the expanded area covered by the
influence of the college, Reedley College officially became Kings River Community College
in 1980. In accordance with the surrounding communities' wishes, the name Reedley College was restored in
July, 1998.
In the fall of 2001, more than
11,147 students registered at Reedley College (RC campus, South Centers and
North Centers). The college offers associate degree
programs, the first two years of a transfer program, and short-term career training
programs.
|
