Greetings, WVC!
As we enjoy the last few weeks of summer and look ahead to the fall semester, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your hard work, dedication, and positive energy. Your continued efforts are what keep our college moving forward. Whether in the classroom, behind the scenes, or supporting our students—you create an environment where learning, growth, and innovation thrive.
With summer coming to a close, I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the time we have left and schedule some well-deserved time off. Recharging is essential to the important work we do. Our impact on the college community starts with taking care of ourselves. Let’s continue supporting one another and finish the summer strong!
Community colleges are America's best-kept secret.
— Dr. Jill Biden
I am excited to introduce to the college community two new additions to the executive leadership team.
Interim Provost
Mr. Joe Morello will start in the position of interim provost August 28, pending Board approval August 19. Thank you to the hiring committee for their input and recommendations in the selection process. We are thrilled to welcome Joe Morello to the West Valley College community.
Joe Morello has served as the Vice President of Administrative Services (VPAS) at Skyline College since October 2021. In that role, he has been responsible for the development, organization, supervision, evaluation, and fiscal management of a comprehensive College business services program. Fiscal services, budget development and management, expenditure control, purchasing liaison and control, cashiering functions, shipping and receiving, facilities rental, emergency preparedness, and contract services were all part of that impactful program. In coordination with District central services, he has also been responsible for college maintenance, operations, capital construction, and facilities modification, as well as safety and security.
Prior to assuming his role as VPAS, Morello served as the Dean of Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance at Skyline starting in August 2006. While at Skyline, Morello was tasked with overseeing a broad range of programs within Kinesiology, Dance and Athletics, including student athlete support, budget and finance, curriculum, program review /assessment, human resources, facilities, staff supervision and evaluation, CCCAA, Title V and federal rules compliance, game operations, sport supervision, and capital projects. Joe has also served as Co-Chair of Standard III, Resources (Human, Physical, Technology and Budget) at Skyline College during the 2013, 2019 and 2026 accreditation cycles and as the acting administrator in the following areas while a permanent administrator was being hired: Campus President; Campus Student Discipline Officer; Dean of Academic Support and Learning Technologies, Dean of Business, Education and Professional Programs, Dean of Language Arts, and Dean of Social Sciences and Creative Arts.
Prior to coming to Skyline College, Morello served as the Advising Coordinator in the Athletic Study Center (ASC) at UC Berkeley (2003-2006), Dean of Physical Education, Dance and Athletics at Santa Rosa Junior College (2001-2003), Director of Physical Education / Athletics and faculty member at College of Marin (1994-2001) and Assistant Baseball Coach (pitching) and adjunct faculty member at College of Marin (1989-1994).
Morello attended College of Marin (1983-1985), earned his BA in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Administration from the University of San Francisco (1988) lettering in baseball four years and cross-country one year. He was given the Peter Paletta Award by the University of San Francisco for being the senior most distinguished for unselfish and loyal service to the athletic programs of the University. In addition, Morello also earned a MA in Education with an emphasis in Educational Administration from the University of San Francisco (1991).
Joe and his wife Trish reside in San Francisco and have two daughters, Catherine and Hannah.
Director of Marketing and Communications
Katie Woods has assumed the role of Director of Marketing and Communication. Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting her, as she has been actively engaged on campus this past week. From day one, Katie has hit the ground running, eager to begin shaping and elevating the college’s marketing and communications strategy in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on her first days here, Katie shared, “I’m so grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received. With so much passion and potential here, I’m excited to help tell the college’s story in a way that’s bold, authentic, and deeply aligned with its mission. My goal is to build systems and narratives that not only reflect who we are but also inspire people to connect with where we’re going.”
With over 15 years of experience spanning public relations, brand strategy, and executive communication across both public and private sectors, Katie brings a thoughtful, equity-centered approach to every project. Her leadership is grounded in creating inclusive and accessible messaging, revitalizing brands, and fostering teams and cultures where creative ideas can thrive.
Summer Leadership Retreat
West Valley College hosted its second annual Summer Leadership Retreat on June 11 and 12 at the History Club of Los Gatos, bringing together community partners and more than 60 campus leaders representing diverse areas of the college.
The retreat successfully energized participants and helped clarify a shared vision for the college’s future, guided by the theme, “Getting to Yes.” Prior to the gathering, participants reviewed the books Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In and The New Emotional Intelligence.
Interactive sessions focused on leadership development, collaboration, and community building. Sessions were led by a div
erse set of presenters — authors, scholars, and WVC leaders — with research-based expertise in areas such as mediation, compassionate leadership, DEI, and belonging in the workplace.
Topics included: human-centered design, systems thinking, crucial conversations, mission-aligned goals and strategy, and crafting narrative. Participants worked with the college’s new strategic objectives, aligning their goals with the institution’s mission and designing a shared narrative for progress. Additional sessions focused on emotional awareness, managing challenges with intention, and fostering connection through mindful movement and breathwork.
Commitment 14: Win for All
This past year we took a journey to explore The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. For the upcoming academic year, we will dive into commitment 14. Stay tuned for related activities, book club readings, and structured dialogue.
Commitment 14 calls on us to create win-for-all solutions—ones that benefit me, the other person, the organization, and the greater whole—in response to any issue, problem, concern, or opportunity life presents. Collaboration unlocks possibilities far beyond what competition or compromise can offer. Through mutual understanding, shared vision, and co-creation, we can achieve outcomes that honor everyone involved.
Please continue to visit the Office of the President webpage to stay connected and to review President’s Communications.
See you all soon,
Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza, Ph.D.