About President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza proudly serves as the 13th president of West 天涯社区 College, breaking barriers as the first African American educator to lead the College. A visionary and trailblazer in Bay Area education, she brings over twelve years of transformative leadership within the San Mateo County Community College District. Her distinguished career includes her recent role as the President of the College of San Mateo, Vice President of Instruction at Skyline College in San Bruno, founding Dean of Academic Support and Learning Technologies at College of San Mateo (CSM), and as the Director of the Learning Center at CSM. Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and equity continues to inspire and shape the future of higher education.
With more than twenty-five years of dedicated experience in both instruction and student services, primarily within the California community college system, Dr. Taylor-Mendoza has served as a classified professional, tenured faculty leader, director, dean, vice president, and now president. She draws inspiration from the brilliance, resilience, and boundless potential of community college students. Committed to leading with a fierce dedication to social justice and liberation, President Taylor-Mendoza embraces the collective responsibility to confront and dismantle the enduring legacy of racism. Her vision is to build a more equitable system鈥攐ne that ensures fair access, meaningful opportunities, and lasting outcomes鈥攆ueling not only individual achievement but also generational transformation.
Learn More About President Taylor-Mendoza |
College Leadership 鈫�
About President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza proudly serves as the 13th president of West 天涯社区 College, breaking barriers as the first African American educator to lead the College. A visionary and trailblazer in Bay Area education, she brings over twelve years of transformative leadership within the San Mateo County Community College District. Her distinguished career includes her recent role as the President of the College of San Mateo, Vice President of Instruction at Skyline College in San Bruno, founding Dean of Academic Support and Learning Technologies at College of San Mateo (CSM), and as the Director of the Learning Center at CSM. Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and equity continues to inspire and shape the future of higher education.
With more than twenty-five years of dedicated experience in both instruction and student services, primarily within the California community college system, Dr. Taylor-Mendoza has served as a classified professional, tenured faculty leader, director, dean, vice president, and now president. She draws inspiration from the brilliance, resilience, and boundless potential of community college students. Committed to leading with a fierce dedication to social justice and liberation, President Taylor-Mendoza embraces the collective responsibility to confront and dismantle the enduring legacy of racism. Her vision is to build a more equitable system鈥攐ne that ensures fair access, meaningful opportunities, and lasting outcomes鈥攆ueling not only individual achievement but also generational transformation.
Learn More About President Taylor-Mendoza | College Leadership 鈫�
A Message from the West 天涯社区 President
Yes to West.
Welcome to West 天涯社区 College! We are thrilled to have you join our community.
West 天涯社区 College is more than just a college, we are a community dedicated to your success. As a premier institution of higher education, WVC is a place where you can grow with confidence, discover your voice, and shape a future that is meaningful to you. Our mission is to inspire and empower students from all backgrounds to unlock their full potential. We proudly promote economic opportunity and inclusive prosperity for everyone鈥攔egardless of age, background, ability, or life experiences. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, we are committed to offering programs and resources that support and uplift every student. Whether you're an international student, just beginning your academic journey, or returning to school after time away, becoming part of the West 天涯社区 community means joining a family that truly cares about your success.
Thank you for choosing us; we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Located in the heart of Silicon 天涯社区, West 天涯社区 College offers a transformative and personalized academic experience within a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. For over 60 years, we have proudly served the communities of Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, and nearby districts鈥攅mpowering generations of students to reach their full academic and professional potential.
Our college offers a broad range of academic programs, including sixty-eight-degree options鈥攖hirty-two of which are associate degrees for transfer鈥攁nd fifty-four certificates. Whether you are aiming to jumpstart your career or transfer to a top-tier university, I am confident we have a program to meet your needs. West 天涯社区 College boasts the highest transfer rates among community colleges in Silicon 天涯社区 and the Bay Area. Our students frequently continue their education at prestigious institutions such as the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), elite private universities both in and out of state, international institutions, and even Ivy League schools. In fact, 80% of our transfer students who applied to the University of California were accepted, a testament to the strength of our academic foundation and student support.
If your goal is to earn a certificate and enter a specific career field, I encourage you to explore our wide array of workforce programs. Here, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today鈥檚 competitive job market, with direct access to employment opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships that connect classroom learning to real-world experience.
As president, I am proud to lead our ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education, especially for those who have historically faced barriers. This progress is possible because of the shared commitment of our faculty, staff, and community partners. Together, we have extended our 鈥淔ree Tuition, Endless Possibilities鈥� campaign to eligible district residents, removing financial obstacles for many students. Additionally, we have announced a districtwide Universal Free Meals initiative launching in Fall 2025, ensuring that no student will ever have to learn on an empty stomach. Further support for students includes weekly free food options, no-cost childcare, textbooks and technology assistance, free clothing swaps, and complimentary haircuts.
For students interested in athletics, West 天涯社区 College offers exceptional opportunities. We are a premier community college for athletics with facilities and fields unparalleled in the State. Our twelve intercollegiate teams thrive under dedicated coaches who foster an environment where student-athletes succeed both in the classroom and in competition.
West 天涯社区 also offers a true liberal arts education that inspires creativity and critical thinking through programs in the arts, dance, humanities, and fashion. Our campus is vibrant with energy, and I encourage you to participate in our many events and to become an active member of our community.
Our cutting-edge science programs and innovative labs prepare students to meet the challenges of today鈥檚 rapidly evolving world. With a vast array of academic offerings, West 天涯社区 creates opportunities for every interest, passion, and ambition.
College is about more than just classes, it is an enriching experience that includes academics, athletics, the arts, music, student services, and supportive learning communities. Whatever your goals may be, West 天涯社区 has something for you. Here, your future isn鈥檛 just possible鈥攊t鈥檚 within reach.
As a community college student myself, I understand how valuable these early opportunities can be. That鈥檚 why we are dedicated to providing exceptional faculty, supportive staff, active student organizations, and a competitive athletics program to help you thrive.
Welcome to West 天涯社区 College 鈥� let鈥檚 make this journey unforgettable together.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
President, West 天涯社区 College