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Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, CA

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Quick Facts

1920
Founded
Public community college
Type
13,741
Total Students
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Kevin G. Walthers

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Allan Hancock College

Allan Hancock College: Pioneering community education with a rich history of growth.

Allan Hancock College, established in 1920, stands as a vibrant public community college dedicated to serving over 13,700 students. Nestled in Santa Maria, California, the college has a profound connection to its local roots and a fascinating history that began as Santa Maria Junior College. It's a place where students can embark on diverse academic journeys, supported by a strong community ethos, fostering a welcoming and engaging learning environment.

The college's journey is marked by significant evolution and growth. Initially founded within the Santa Maria High School District, it expanded steadily, leading to its pivotal move in 1954 to the former Allan Hancock Field. This site, once a primary training center for fighter pilots during World War II under G. Allan Hancock, lends a unique historical significance to the campus. Soon after, the college was proudly renamed Allan Hancock College, honoring its esteemed benefactor and the site's patriotic legacy, a narrative that continues to inspire.

Allan Hancock College continually invests in providing state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the student learning experience. Thanks to strategic bond measures, the campus has seen impressive development, including the opening of a large business education building in 1964, a fine arts building in 1965, and a comprehensive industrial technology building, gymnasium, administration, and student services complex in 1967. More recently, a $180-million bond in 2006 fueled a decade of modernization, bringing a remodeled Learning Resource Center, a community education building with modern computers, and a new two-story science building. These modern resources underscore the college's commitment to academic excellence and preparing students for the future.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1920 as Santa Maria Junior College, demonstrating a century of commitment to education.
  • ✦Serves 13,741 students, offering a robust public community college experience.
  • ✦Campus is located on the historic Allan Hancock Field, a former primary training center for WWII fighter pilots.
  • ✦Renamed in honor of G. Allan Hancock, acknowledging significant local and historical ties.
  • ✦Underwent extensive modernization with a $180-million bond measure passed in 2006.
  • ✦Features state-of-the-art facilities including a two-story science building and a community education building with modern computers.
  • ✦Provides diverse academic pathways supported by specialized facilities like business education, fine arts, and industrial technology buildings.

Timeline

1920
Founded as Santa Maria Junior College by the Santa Maria High School District.
1954
College moved to the former Allan Hancock Field site.
1958
A bond was passed, allowing the college to purchase its current site and begin a building program.
1964
A large business education building was opened.
1965
A new fine arts building was opened.
1967
The industrial technology building, gymnasium, administration, and student services facilities were all completed.
1968
The performing arts center was completed.
2006
A $180-million bond measure was passed for new facilities and modernizations.
2007
A remodel of the Learning Resource Center was finished.
2007
A community education building with modern computers and offices, along with a new two-story science building, were opened.
🏛️
106 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Kevin G. Walthers
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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