CAEAA Member Spotlight: Steve Hobbs

For more than a decade, Steve Hobbs has led Merced Adult School as Principal, guiding a team that serves over 3,000 students each year. With 11 years in adult education, Steve has dedicated his career to opening doors for learners who may have once thought higher education or career advancement was out of reach. His leadership reflects both a deep commitment to his students and a strong belief in the transformative power of adult education.

One of Steve’s proudest accomplishments has been forging partnerships across Merced County. By working with the local AJCC, UC Merced Extension, Merced College, and the County Office of Education, Merced Adult School created a pathway into early childhood education. This initiative responds directly to a critical community need for preschool teachers, paraprofessionals, and childcare providers. Beyond the classroom, the program offers students paid internships and a clear route to employment — giving them not only new skills, but also the chance to step immediately into meaningful careers.

For Steve, the greatest reward lies in the personal stories of achievement. Whether it’s hearing a graduate’s child proudly shout, “That’s my mom!” at commencement or watching grandparents walk the stage with diplomas in hand, those moments affirm why this work matters. His advice to new administrators is simple: learn the field from the ground up, take full advantage of the unmatched support network in adult education, and never hesitate to ask for help. Away from campus, Steve is equally dedicated to his family, sharing that supporting his youngest son, who has Down Syndrome, has become one of his greatest passions.

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