President's Office

Welcome to Copper Mountain College!

As I hope you have already discovered, CMC is truly a special place to learn, work, explore, grow, and connect. Everyone at CMC is committed to supporting you throughout your educational journey and helping you achieve your personal, academic, and career goals.

At Copper Mountain College, we recognize that every student’s path is unique. Whether you are pursuing career and technical education, preparing to transfer to a university, building new workforce skills, exploring personal interests, or advancing your military or professional experience into college credit, CMC is here to support your success. We offer a wide range of academic and career education programs, flexible online and in-person learning opportunities, dual enrollment and Early College pathways, student support services, athletics, clubs, leadership opportunities, and activities designed to help you connect with both the campus and the broader community.

Copper Mountain College was built by the people of this community for the people of this community. That spirit continues to define who we are today. We proudly celebrate the visionaries who believed that higher education should exist here in the Morongo Basin and who worked tirelessly to make this College a reality. Their legacy lives on through the continued growth of our academic programs, student services, athletics, sustainability initiatives, military partnerships, and our commitment to serving as an educational and community hub for the high desert region.

As a rural community college, we take pride in providing personalized support and meaningful opportunities that empower students to transform their lives. Whether this is your first semester or your next step toward a larger dream, I encourage you to fully engage in the CMC experience. Ask questions, seek support, get involved, challenge yourself, and take advantage of every opportunity available to you. Our faculty, staff, administrators, and fellow students are here to help you succeed.

When you complete your studies and move on from Copper Mountain College, I hope you will remain connected to the College, share your story, encourage others to pursue higher education, and continue to proudly represent the Fighting Cacti wherever life takes you.

Have an amazing 2026-2027

In Service,
Daren M. Otten, Ed.D
Superintendent/President