BOARD NEWS: Dr. Whisenhunt named Fresno City College president

FCC: homecoming for Dr. Denise Whisenhunt 

Ms. Denise Whisenhunt, J.D., has been selected as the next president of Fresno City College effective July 2025 pending contract approval by the State Center Community College District (SCCCD) Board of Trustees at its May 6 meeting.

She will also take a seat on the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Board of Directors at the quarterly meeting May 8, filling the spot vacated when Dr. Robert Pimentel became chancellor of the West Hills Community College District.

A native of Fresno, Ms. Whisenhunt returns to her hometown with both personal ties and a strong sense of purpose, backed by a proven track record of leadership within California’s community college system. She has served as President of Grossmont College since 2021 and has more than two decades of leadership in education including working at San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College. She has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, equity, and collaborative leadership, working side-by-side with faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students to serve San Diego’s East County communities.

She is no stranger to the complexities of higher education. She brings the seasoned perspective of a current sitting president, with the added strength of having led in a multi-college district, much like our own District.

The committee unanimously identified four outstanding finalists through a process that began nine months ago through a nationwide search with outreach to the community, a Campus Listening Session, and a Community Feedback Survey. More than 80 participants shared their expectations and hopes for the next president, which the committee used to shape the application, screening, and interview processes. Finalists participated in public forums, as well as meetings with FCC constituency leaders and Chancellor’s Cabinet members.

Ms. Whisenhunt is a student-first decision maker whose career has been dedicated to expanding access and opportunity—particularly for underserved and underprepared populations. Her leadership is grounded in equity-based practices, and her deep understanding of the California community college mission has earned her praise as a thoughtful, steady, and visionary leader.

She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, and a J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Her commitment to leadership development and lifelong learning is evident in her participation in two of the most prestigious professional fellowships in higher education: the Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship and the UC Davis Wheelhouse Community College Leadership Fellows program.

Fresno City College was the first California Community College established in 1910 and second in the nation.

See SCCCD press release.