Born and raised in Colton, Dr. Garcia earned an Associates degree from San Bernardino Valley College majoring in Spanish. In 1950, his college career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he was stationed in Japan. In 1955 he received his Bachelor's in Social Science from the University of California, Riverside, his Masters in School Administration and Curriculum from the University of Redlands, and his Ed.D. in Instructional Technology from UCLA. Eventually, he taught at all levels -- Elementary to University and was an administrator with the Rialto Unified School District. He was an Associate Professor of Education at the University of Redlands, Professor of Education at Cal State San Bernardino, Dean of the School of Education (CSUSB) and served on the Rialto Unified School District Board from 1970-79. Recently, he had the Dr. Ernest Garcia Elementary School in Rialto named after him; was selected by UCR as one of 40 graduates who "Made a difference"; and served as President of the Board of Directors of the National Orange Show in 1996. Dr. Garcia lives in San Bernardino with his wife Dorothy. The Garcia's have three sons and four grandchildren.