Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza Will Be the Thirteenth President of West Valley College in Saratoga, California

The board of trustees of the West Valley-Mission Community College in Saratoga, California, approved the appointment of Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D. as the next president of West Valley College. She will take office on August 24.

West Valley College, located west of San Jose, enrolls just over 6,500 students, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Education. Women make up 56 percent of the student body.

“I am honored to work alongside West Valley College’s talented students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and community partners to continue the college’s rich history of academic excellence,” said Dr. Taylor-Mendoza. “West Valley College is the destination for upward economic mobility for generations of Santa Clara County residents. I pay tribute to the great work of my predecessors by continuing to focus on strategic planning, policy reform, and professional development to enhance student access and achievement. Leadership matters, and I realize my role during this pivotal time in our nation as we work towards a more just society for our communities, no matter the political winds.”

Dr. Taylor-Mendoza has over 20 years of experience in the California Community College system, serving in a variety of roles. Since 2021, Dr. Taylor-Mendoza has served as the president of the College of San Mateo in California.

A community college alumna, Dr. Taylor-Mendoza holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Los Angeles. She earned a master’s degree in counseling from California State University, Northridge, and a Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University in California.