Santa Barbara Business College Announces Pending Change in Ownership, Passing the Torch to San Joaquin Valley College, Inc.

San Joaquin Valley College, Inc. signs agreement to acquire Santa Barbara Business College

For more than 125 years, Santa Barbara Business College (SBBCollege) has been a key educator and business partner in communities across Central and Southern California. We have provided generations of students with the necessary skills to meet the needs of local employers and start great careers. Under the leadership of the Johnston family, the College has grown to reach more hearts and minds than ever before. The Johnstons are now proud to announce a new chapter for its SBBCollege campuses, one that includes another family with a long history of success in higher education. The Johnston and Perry families have signed an agreement to transfer the ownership of SBBCollege.

Founded by Robert and Shirley Perry in 1977, San Joaquin Valley College, Inc. (SJVCI) is the parent organization of both San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) and Carrington College. The Perry family and SJVCI, currently led by second-generation family owners Mike and Mark Perry, have enjoyed a positive, collaborative relationship with Dean and Matthew Johnston for more than thirty years. As both family-owned and operated institutions, SBBCollege and SJVC are highly aligned in their career-focused programs and long history of serving local students and communities.

The transaction requires accreditor and regulatory approvals before it is complete. Once approved, SBBCollege campus locations would continue to operate as an independent college. There will be no change for current students and faculty as a result of the change in ownership. SBBCollege will continue to provide instruction and student services without interruption.

This marks a significant milestone and transition for the College, and the Johnstons are pleased to pass on the legacy and well-being of its SBBCollege operations to the Perry family and their proven track record in operating a quality career college. The planned transition will provide a new path forward for SBBCollege and its current students, faculty and staff.