-Editorial
San Diego State University Imperial Valley held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for its new Wellness and Success Center, marking a significant milestone in expanding essential student services locally. The event brought together university leadership, students, and community members, underscoring SDSU’s ongoing commitment to fostering student well-being and academic achievement in the Imperial Valley.
Dr. Henry Villegas, Dean of Students at SDSU Imperial Valley, emphasized the center’s crucial role in bridging resource gaps between the San Diego and Imperial Valley campuses.
“This initiative started in 2021 as an effort to better align the resources available on the San Diego campus with our students here in Imperial Valley,” Dr. Villegas said. “Previously, students had to travel to San Diego for certain services. Now, they can receive support right here on campus at no cost, as long as they are enrolled.”
Housed in a renovated space that once served as the campus bookstore, the Wellness and Success Center will offer a range of services, including mental health counseling, student health resources, career and veterans’ services, and student success and retention programs.
With student mental health concerns on the rise nationwide, SDSU Imperial Valley is taking proactive steps to make wellness a top priority.
“We’re seeing more students struggling with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and even grief,” Dr. Villegas noted. “This center will ensure they have the support they need, right when they need it.”
Funding for the project was secured through SDSU’s main campus in San Diego, supplemented by student fees. The center is part of a broader investment in the Imperial Valley campus, which includes the upcoming student dormitory project set to open in 2026 and new developments at the STEM campus in Brawley.
Dr. Guillermina Núñez, Dean of SDSU Imperial Valley, highlighted the broader impact of the new center, emphasizing its role in supporting student success beyond the classroom.
“This is really important for providing mental health services, referrals to our community partners, and career services,” Dr. Núñez said. “We know it’s not enough just to recruit students to the university—we need to support them while they’re here. If they’re struggling to balance work, life, and school, this center gives them the opportunity to get help on campus, stay on campus, and graduate. Beyond that, our career services will connect students with internships and regional employers. This center is going to offer a lot of hope and much-needed support to our students.”
As SDSU Imperial Valley continues to grow, initiatives like the Wellness and Success Center signal a transformative shift in the university’s commitment to its students. By prioritizing mental health, career development, and academic retention, the university is not only creating a more supportive environment but also strengthening the future of the Imperial Valley’s workforce. With additional projects on the horizon, SDSU Imperial Valley is solidifying its role as a cornerstone of educational and professional advancement in the region.
