Archive Room

The Archive Room in the Downey Learning Resource Center at Merced College contains a collection of the history of the college since its inception in 1962. From the first classes held at the Merced County Fairgrounds to the building of the current campus, ephemera details its early growth and current state, including yearbooks, student newspapers, news clippings, photographs, programs, administrative records, student and faculty publications, college catalogs, commencement programs, and other materials pertaining to the college. All presidents are pictured and bios are included with each. Every aspect of the college is represented. We welcome you to visit us and enjoy learning our history as much as we do. This collection is closed stacks and by appointment only.  To visit, call the library at 209-384-6177 or email us at [email protected].  We look forward to your visit.

Archive Room

Inferno Yearbooks

These yearbooks represent one of the initial collections from Merced College's early years.

Merced College Presidents

Dr. Chris Vitelli

Dr. Chris Vitelli is the current and 7th president of Merced College since January 2nd, 2017.  A Florida native, Vitelli is a former National FFA President.  He earned his MA from Harvard and his Doctorate from Arizona State University.  Vitelli was the vice president of student services at Merced College when he was selected as the new president. Dr. Vitelli fosters innovation to drive the growth and success of Merced College and its students.

  • Ronald Taylor

    Dr. Ronald C. Taylor

    Dr. Ronald C. Taylor became 6th president of Merced College on July 29, 2012.  He served as president for 4 years.  Taylor began his career teaching English in Japan.  Prior to Merced College, Dr. Taylor was president of Feather River College in Quincy after serving in administrative roles at Chabot College, Reedley College, and Santa Rosa Junior College.

  • Ben Duran

    Dr. Benjamin Duran

    Dr. Benjamin Duran stepped into the presidency of Merced College on January 1st, 1998.  A product of both Planada Elementary and Le Grand High School, Dr. Duran obtained his BA degree from CSU Stanislaus and went on to teach and then serve as both vice principal and superintendent at Le Grand High School.  In 1991 he earned a doctorate at USC and became a vice president at Merced College.  Dr. Duran remained president until December 31st, 2011 when he retired.  However, he served as interim president until July 1st and then served as an on-call consultant for the new president.

  • Jan Moser

    Dr. E. Jan Moser

    Dr. E. Jan Moser (Kehoe) signed to become the 4th president and 1st female president of Merced College on August 1st 1990. She had been serving as assistant-vice president for instruction at Palomar Community College District in San Diego. Her MC focus was on improving all aspects of college diversity and selecting a new campus site in Los Baños. Kehoe left in June 1997 to accept the superintendent-president position at Long Beach City College.

  • Tom Harris

    Tom K. Harris

    On July 2nd, 1984, Tom K. Harris became the 3rd president of Merced College.  He was vice-president of academic affairs at Long Beach City College, and had also been dean of Long Beach City’s satellite Pacific Coast Campus.  Harris earned a BA from San Jose State, afterwards teaching both the mentally disabled and later high school.  He served as Merced College president until January 31st, 1990, when he resigned to become chancellor of the North Orange County Community College District.

  • William Martinsen

    Dr. William C. Martineson

    Dr. W.C. Martineson was selected to become the 2nd president of Merced College in Spring of 1973 by the MC Board on a vote of 5-2.  Martineson was previously MC Dean of Instruction.  He earned his BA and MA degrees from the University of Montana and his Ed.D. from New Mexico State University.  He resigned his presidency in June, 1984.

  • Dr. Lowell Barker

    Dr. Lowell Barker

    Dr. Lowell F. Barker was selected to serve as the 1st president of the fledging Merced College in a unanimous decision on February 15th, 1963.  Raised in Utah, he earned degrees at the University of Utah (BA), Columbia University (MA) and USC (Ed.D.).  Selected when he was president of Antelope Valley Junior College, he served as president of Merced College for 14 years.

If you have materials (photos, posters, ticket stubs, event programs, books, tapes or videos of events, workbooks from special trips, etc.) that you would like to either donate or loan to the Archive Room, please fill out the form using the following link, submit it to the Archive Room, and someone will contact you. You may also drop items at the Downey Learning Resource Center at Merced College and specify the items are for the Archive Room. Include your contact information with the items. Thank you in advance for your interest in helping to preserve the history of Merced College.