As principal of Pasadena High School, Dr. Ewing encouraged the Pasadena Board of Education to reorganize the public schools into a 6-4-4 plan (6 years of elementary school, 4 years of junior high school, and 4 years of senior high school/junior college).

1924 - The Pasadena Board of Education approved the establishment of
a 2-year junior college to be an extension of Pasadena High School. Pasadena Junior College was founded. Ewing became PJC principal.

The College was housed along with the High School in buildings dating from about 1912: the Horace Mann Building (now the C Building), the Jane Addams Building (D Building), the Lou is Agassiz Building (E Building), a Men's and Women's Gym, and a Music Building.

The College mascot was the Pirate; the school colors were blue and gold.

"Five years ago, Pasadena Junior College was a dream; four years ago
it was a plan; three years ago it was a reality. Today, it is one of the largest and best junior colleges in the State of California.

Although less than three years old, Pasadena Junior College has already won national recognition. The rapid growth and development of our college has been remarkable. It has far exceeded my fondest hopes.

In leadership, in scholastic achievements, and in intercollegiate debates and athletic contests, students of Pasadena Junior College have won signal honors.

During the seven years that I have been principal here, I feel that Pasadena Junior College has been the outstanding educational contribution to this community.

I rejoice with the teachers and students in all their successes. I believe that Pasadena Junior College is destined to become one of the greatest and most important junior colleges in the United States."
(Parting Message, 1927 Yearbook, The Pirate)