A Message from the West Valley President
As the proud 12th President of West Valley College, I have the privilege of leading a college that is redefining what a community college can achieve.
West Valley is recognized as California’s No. 1 community college for student transfer success and by Forbes as one of the nation’s top colleges for online associate degrees. These distinctions reflect what drives our work every day: expanding opportunity, removing barriers, and creating exceptional pathways for students to transfer, launch careers, and achieve their goals.
Our momentum extends beyond the classroom. Through strong community partnerships, philanthropic support, and investments in innovative programs and student resources, we are building a college that responds to the needs of our students and the future of our region.
I am proud to champion this work alongside our extraordinary faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community partners. Together, we are expanding what is possible and Igniting the Next for West Valley College and the communities we serve.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
President, West Valley College
Highlights of West Valley College
2027 Top 200 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
2025 College Opportunity Pathway Champion of Placement
2025-2028 Generation Hope FamilyU Student Parent Champion
2025 College Futures Rank #11 in ROI for CA Community Colleges
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Explore this snapshot of a year in the dynamic life of West Valley College, the center stone of higher education excellence for Saratoga, Los Gatos, Campbell, and our neighboring communities. learn what’s new about the Viking community!
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Let’s step out of the conference room and take our conversations on the move. Walking Office Hours: Thursdays from. 2:30-4:30 p.m. & Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon. To schedule a 30-minute slot, please contact Elizabeth%20Tablan.
Connect with President Taylor-Mendoza
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 18, 2026 | Tour de Saratoga | Race to Raise 2026 |
| August 28, 2026 | All College Day |
About President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza proudly serves as the 12th president of West Valley 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. As a nationally recognized voice on educational equity, she is also the co-author of Minding the Obligation Gap in Community Colleges and Beyond: Theory and Practice in Achieving Educational Equity.
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.
Learn more about President Taylor-Mendoza | College Leadership →