A Sun City/Menifee businesswoman for more than four decades and a well-known community volunteer, Vicki Carpenter is running for re-election to the Mt. San Jacinto College Board of Trustees.
In September 2018, Carpenter was appointed to complete the term vacated when Bill Zimerman became the mayor of Menifee. She was elected to a full term in November 2018 and was re-elected in 2022, representing Area 3. During her time on the board, MSJC administrators and students have achieved many accomplishments.
In her campaign statement, Carpenter says she is committed to helping the college continue its growth.
“It has been an honor to serve as your Mt. San Jacinto College Trustee for Area 3,” she said. “I have been a Menifee resident for 24 years, community leader, and advocate for education. I am committed to ensuring students have access to affordable, high-quality education and opportunities for successful futures. I am seeking re-election because I believe in the transformative power of MSJC and its impact on our communities.
“As your trustee, I have championed student success, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and continued investment in our college. During my tenure, MSJC has opened new STEM buildings in Menifee and San Jacinto, completed the Menifee Valley Campus stadium, advanced the Temecula Valley Campus, completed major Measure AA projects, and earned full accreditation reaffirmation through 2032. Enrollment has grown significantly, with the Class of 2026 celebrating a record breaking 2,952 graduates earning 3,881 degrees.
“I will continue supporting dual enrollment, university transfer, career education, veterans’ services, financial aid, and programs preparing students for high-demand careers while ensuring MSJC remains fiscally responsible, transparent, and focused on student success.
“I respectfully ask for your vote to continue serving our students, strengthening our communities, and helping MSJC transform lives.”
Carpenter, a realtor for 35 years, previously worked as a paralegal in the Sun City law firm of her late husband, Tom Carpenter. She is chair of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce, a director with the Rotary Club of Menifee, a director with the Menifee Union School District Ed Foundation, a member of the Southwest Higher Education Coalition, and a director with the California Association of Realtors. She has been honored by the City of Menifee as a Hometown Hero and Citizen of the Month, by Senator Mike Morrell as Woman of the Year in 2020, and by the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce at Citizen of the Year in 2016.
In addition, Carpenter has received endorsements from former Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman, former Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, Menifee Mayor Ricky Estrada, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin, and retired MSJC President Roger Schultz.
“Vicki deserves election due to her excellent record of performance,” Ashley said. “She was and is instrumental in the growth of the Menifee campus with new educational facilities and new football stadium. She helped with the establishment of a new campus in Temecula. She is a longtime supporter of the City of Menifee through her participation in the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Realtors, and other community organizations. She is a winner!”
“MSJC is on a solid foundation in so many ways — a legacy Dr. Roger Schultz left as he exited,” Carpenter said. “Dr. Tawny Dotson has great energy and is looking to continue moving us forward. In fact, ‘Keep MSJC Moving Forward’ is my campaign slogan, because I truly believe that is exactly what we need to do.
“I want to continue to Keep MSJC Moving Forward, and would be honored when elected, to be a part of MSJC’s future student successes in higher education. Graduation is the best day of the year for me in this role!”
