Ron Oden Appointed Chair of College of the Desert Board

Former Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden—a historic figure in local Black leadership and a longtime advocate for education and equity—has been appointed Chair of the College of the Desert Board of Trustees, further cementing his legacy of public service in the Coachella Valley.

Oden, who made history as Palm Springs’ first Black mayor, continues to break barriers in civic leadership. His appointment as chair of the governing board of the region’s primary community college underscores the enduring importance of Black leadership in shaping public institutions that serve diverse and working-class communities.

Currently representing Trustee Area 3, which includes Palm Springs, Oden’s term on the College of the Desert Board of Trustees runs through 2028. His elevation to board chair places a Palm Springs leader—and a historically significant Black public servant—at the helm during a pivotal period of growth and transformation for the college.

Throughout his career, Oden has consistently championed inclusive policy, economic opportunity, and access to education. As mayor, he focused on revitalization efforts, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration, always emphasizing that education is foundational to long-term community empowerment. Those principles now guide his leadership at College of the Desert, an institution serving tens of thousands of students across the valley.

College of the Desert plays a critical role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and career pathways for first-generation students, students of color, and adult learners. Under Oden’s leadership as chair, the Board of Trustees is expected to continue advancing policies that strengthen educational equity, expand opportunity, and align academic programs with regional workforce needs.

For Palm Springs’ Black community—and for the broader Coachella Valley—Oden’s appointment carries historical weight. It reflects decades of progress while also highlighting the continued need for representation at decision-making tables that shape education, economic mobility, and community well-being.

Urban Palm Springs recognizes this moment as both a celebration of Ron Oden’s leadership and a reminder of the power of sustained civic engagement. As College of the Desert looks toward the future, Oden’s stewardship represents continuity, accountability, and a deep-rooted commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and responsive to the communities it serves.