A Remarkable 30-Year Milestone: Monica Urmson’s SJVC Career

In 1986, Monica Urmson responded to a local newspaper ad, landing a job as a Financial Aid Officer at San Joaquin Valley College—a new college just starting to put its roots down in Visalia. That job led to a career with SJVC that now spans over 30 years.

Monica’s willingness to say yes and, “learn as you go,” gave her broad knowledge and skills that reached far; over the years she has worked in seven departments, supporting countless students in their own college and career journeys.

In the early days of SJVC, Monica had the opportunity to work with a small team and to get to know SJVC founders, Bob and Shirley Perry. The Perrys often gave inspirational talks to students and gave back to the community. Their vision to provide great education to those who might otherwise be underserved had a lasting influence on Monica; today she continues that commitment to help every student succeed.

What is your current position and responsibilities at SJVC?

I’m currently the Registered Nursing Administrative Assistant to the RN Assistant Directors; I’ve been in the role for eight years.

I work with our RN Admissions Advisor and RN APDs, coordinating and participating in all interviews with new students who are applying for an RN cohort seat.

For Clinical sites, I help ensure that students are eligible and compliant for their clinical rotations. I’m a member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Safety Committee. I am also an SJVC representative on the Race Against Hunger Committee, which the College graciously supports (and sponsors an employee team for) every year.

What was your first job with SJVC? What was it like to work at SJVC in its early days?

Kevin Robinson interviewed and hired me as a Financial Aid Officer in 1986; I was young, and it was only my second real job. This was before we had a building for the Visalia campus; we worked in a space in this little strip mall next to a hair salon, with a donut shop next door. There were only a few of us in the office. There was a satellite campus on Mooney Boulevard, so I spent a lot of time driving back and forth.

We had just started using computers, and reports were delivered to the printer on a roll of paper, so someone had to be there to receive it. So, I’d go in at 3 a.m., read a book, and wait for the reports.

We had “lunch box socials”—you’d buy another employee’s lunch they had brought, and then you would eat together. This helped us get to know each other and promoted interactions with veteran and new employees.

In every position, I learned to jump in and figure out how to do what was needed. I got used to hearing, “Hi Monica, we need you to do something for us.” It didn’t take me long to realize that I should keep a bag packed for a new position.

What are some of the other positions you’ve held at SJVC?

I’ve worked in various roles in Financial Aid, Bookkeeping, Registrar; Front Desk; IT; and as Administrative Assistant to the VN, RN, and PA programs. I just had to learn it as I went, and everyone I worked with was very kind and respectful.

Is there a position you’ve held at SJVC that stands out the most?

The best job I ever had was working in the Physician Assistant (PA) program for Les Howard; I was in that role for 12 years.

Les made sure I was part of everything, including interviewing and selecting students. Everyone valued my input. In 12 years, none of the students I selected for the program dropped—the PA Director used to say I had a good, “picker!”

I remember one student who hadn’t been able to get into other programs. She was a scribe for the hospital in Fresno and worked with a lot of underserved patients; her dream was to become a PA. She applied and interviewed with SJVC, and I gave my recommendation for her to be selected. There was just something about her that was so genuine. She was accepted and is now an amazing PA. We’ve stayed in touch for years; she is still serving the community she loves.

What memories stand out most for you as you look back over 30+ years of working at SJVC?

The day we broke ground on the current Visalia campus site really stands out; we all went to the site and put our shovels in the ground. Remembering that makes me tear up.

The day we moved to the new Visalia campus was also very memorable; we were excited to have everyone under one roof. To see Bob and Shirley’s dream come true was a very special moment. Thinking of Mr. Perry laughing and smiling that day—it still makes me smile.

What are your thoughts as you reach this milestone?

Working here has been an amazing ride! Working for the Perrys has been wonderful. I have been offered other jobs but just couldn’t bring myself to leave. Not only has it been an amazing place to work but it’s also like working with family.

Is there anyone who stands out for the way they supported you in your career? 

Kevin Robinson, who hired me for my first job, and Les Howard (Administrative Assistant to the PA Program Director) as well; I learned a lot from him. Wendy Mendez, who has since retired, was my first director; she taught me so much.

Do you have any words of advice for those starting their career at SJVC?

Say, “yes” to everything you are asked to do! Say, “I don’t know how to do it, but I’ll try, and I’ll learn.” Knowledge is so valuable. Don’t be intimidated to try something new.

My dad was a baseball player, and his advice was, “Be a utility player, which means your coach trusts you. He has faith in your ability to step into different roles as needed—including last-minute positions. You are reliable, and that is a great thing to be!”