Cal State Monterey Bay had an exciting start to the semester with the first students entering our new mechanical engineering program – which combines the skills of mechanical, electrical, software and systems engineering – and the launch of the Edward Project” Our Ted” Taylor of Science and Engineering Architecture.
As we celebrate our 30th year at Cal State Monterey Bay, we are focused on the future of the university and the ways we can enrich the community around us. That includes supporting one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country. In Monterey County, agriculture makes up the largest share of the workforce by industry, with the Farm Bureau reporting contributions of at least $3.9B annually, and our region provides 61% of the nation’s leaf lettuce.
A growing number of adults from King City to Salinas and throughout our state are pursuing careers in the agricultural sector. Our top-ranked university provides accessible, high-quality education and opportunities for all students in our region.
For the past five years, Cal State Monterey Bay has been committed to supporting these students, which has led to significant growth in agricultural enrollment. Our rapidly growing Agricultural Plant and Soil Science program, with approximately 83% of students remaining in this area, as well as our new Mechatronic Engineering program and upcoming Agribusiness degree Supply Chain Management is launched in Fall 2025, Cal State Monterey Bay’s position as a leader in. agricultural science education.
Cal State Monterey Bay faculty members have been instrumental in securing important grants in recent years, including $30 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These funds support partnerships with UCSC, Hartnell and the CSU Agricultural Research Institute to provide internships, field experiences for students and the advancement of agricultural science. In addition, large amounts of funds have been secured from federal, state and private sources for applied research.
The growth and success of Cal State Monterey Bay’s agricultural technology programs are critical to the development and meeting the needs of these emerging industries throughout the region. Our achievements in this area are critical to the future of this regional economic sector and are essential to the success of our community.
Cal State Monterey Bay is committed to developing state-of-the-art facilities that provide our students with the learning experiences essential to their success and to assist research in solving industry problems. The Edward “Ted” Taylor Science and Engineering Building is the centerpiece of the infrastructure that supports our students and faculty.
We also plan to establish a research and teaching farm and greenhouse complex on about 10 hectares of campus land. With this new building, our greenhouses and university farm, we will be able to expand the valuable contributions our faculty and students are already making to agricultural research and support.
We have valuable relationships within the agricultural community, and would like to express our gratitude to the generous community members and industry businesses that have supported our new science and engineering building. It is the result of a collaborative effort, including philanthropic donations, government support, and the commitment of our university community. Thanks to Bruce and Linda Taylor, the entire Taylor family and Taylor Farms for their support. Naming the building after Ted Taylor, a well-known Salinas agricultural leader, reflects Taylor Farms’ commitment to innovation and regional economic growth.
We thank Congressman Jimmy Panetta and NOAA for their valuable federal support, as well as Julie Packard, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Sally Hughes Church Foundation, Roberta “Bertie” Bialek Elliott, and others for their generous donations open. has greatly enhanced our engineering and marine science and technology programs.
Our Greenhouse Complex and Teaching/Research Farm has also received significant support from the Tanimura Family Foundation, the Rick and Tonya Antle Fund of the Community Foundation of Monterey County, the Harden Foundation, David and Susan Gill, and Wilber Ellis. In addition, the USDA NextGen Grant will support equipment for greenhouses. Our Agribusiness Supply Chain Management program has received support from more than two dozen philanthropic gifts supporting the new degree.
At Cal State Monterey Bay, we are committed to developing social mobility for undergraduate and graduate students. Our affordable education equips them with essential skills for impactful careers that benefit our local economy. As agribusiness grows, it will create valuable job opportunities and provide a brighter future for our alumni and the Monterey Bay community.
We have started a transformational process with our growing agricultural programs and now we invite the public to join us in shaping the future of our region. Together, we will continue our strengths and create sustainable and innovative farming practices that build on our history as pioneers in the industry. We find “Strength in Us.”
Vanya Quiñones is the president of Cal State Monterey Bay.
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