Former Imperial County supervisor donates $25,000 scholarship to SDSU Imperial Valley

An endowed scholarship for SDSU Imperial Valley students has been established under a $25,000 contribution of county funds from Michael Kelley, an SDSU Imperial Valley, as he completed his final term as a member of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.

“As an undergraduate student, SDSU Imperial Valley prepared me with all the right tools to launch my career,” said Kelley. “This is only a portion of support toward a community who has given me so much, and to so many of our youth as well.”

Kelley, who left the board in December, made the contribution from a set of discretionary funds allocated to each board member to be used toward community benefits of their choice.

As an endowment, controlled by SDSU Imperial Valley and enhanced by any future gifts it may attract, the ongoing account will grow over time and provide financial support to students beginning, under the current projection, in 2026-27.

He graduated in 1975 from what was then the SDSU Imperial Valley Campus with a bachelor’s degree in political science. 

Kelley first began his professional career by working in the Imperial County Probation Department. He served 10 years as a juvenile detention officer and later as a deputy probation officer. 

He then transitioned into assistant superintendent, then later as a director of Juvenile Facilities. His career in law enforcement took a turn as he then began working in the County as a court administrator/jury commissioner for the next 10 years at the  Municipal Courts of Imperial County. 

Kelley then served another 17 years as chief probation officer before joining the Board of Supervisors. He also taught criminal justice and public administration courses at SDSU Imperial Valley.

Now, as a former member of the Board of Supervisors, he reflects on his partnerships and involvement with the community. For Kelley, education has been a key milestone in his career. 

He hopes the scholarship will support students’ careers, especially as SDSU Imperial Valley is expanding its academic offerings in STEM-related degrees at its upcoming Sciences and Engineering Laboratories in Brawley.

“SDSU Imperial Valley is not only vital for our youth to obtain a good quality four-year degree, but also key in growing our local workforce and the demands our valley will have in the future,” said Kelley. “Our community benefits so much when one student gets to launch a professional career locally.”

“I encourage students to remember that dignity and treating people with respect will go a long way when you are creating lasting relationships,” said Kelley. “That was true for my career and I hope the assets they learn will build a strong, solid foundation for their career.”

To donate to the scholarship fund, please visit the website online here.