A Message from the West Valley President
At West Valley College, we believe education is a catalyst for opportunity — one that transforms lives, strengthens families, and enriches our communities. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the support of our community partners who together create a vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive.
Our focus remains steadfast: expanding access, advancing student success, fostering innovation, and ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to achieve their goals. Whether you are exploring college for the first time, earning a credential, preparing for transfer, or returning to further your career, West Valley College is here to champion your journey.
“West Valley College is a dynamic community where opportunity meets excellence and where every student has the support and resources to build the future they envision.”
Thank you for being part of the West Valley College family. I invite you to explore all that our College has to offer and to join us in the work of expanding opportunity and advancing equity — because when our students succeed, our community succeeds.
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 |
|---|---|
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Luncheon, African American Community Service Agency. Public Event, Attendee - San Jose, CA |
| Saturday, January 24, 2026 | Effective Trusteeship Workshop, Community College League of California. Speaker - Sacramento, CA |
| Thursday/Friday, February 5–6, 2026 | Spring 2026 Leadership Retreat, Community College League of California. Facilitator - TBD, CA |
| Thursday, February 19, 2026 | Asilomar Leadership Skills Seminar, Community College League of California. Speaker - Pacific Grove, CA |
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. 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 →