FH President Kristina Whalen

President Kristina Whalen

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Welcome to Foothill College

At Foothill College, we believe education transforms lives and communities. We strive to be a catalyst for the change we want to see in the world. Here, you’ll join a vibrant community of learners, dreamers, and doers who are inspired to make an impact.
 
Ranked the #1 Community College in the Nation by Niche and Best in the Bay Area by the Bay Area News Group, Foothill offers award-winning academics, a supportive campus culture, exceptional online learning options, and an unwavering commitment to student success. From unique opportunities for experiential learning to our new Belonging Centers in the Campus Center complex, every space is designed to ensure you feel valued and confident that your education will add lifelong value.
Whether you’re preparing to transfer, advancing your career, or sharpening your skills, Foothill offers flexible pathways and nationally recognized programs, including bachelor’s degrees, apprenticeships, and hands-on training for the region’s most in-demand careers.
 
Discover what’s possible when excellence, equity, and innovation come together. Experience Foothill College.
 
Kristina Whalen 
 

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Messages from Kristina Whalen

Spring quarter 2026

 

 

 

Welcome To Foothill College!

Thank you to all who joined us for Opening Week!

Our theme this year—Empowering Each Other Through a Culture of Care—captured both who we are and who we aspire to be as a college community. 

Leading up to District Opening Day on Sept. 17, we posted a daily video from our Foothill senior leadership about goals for the coming year.

 

 See all videos here!

 

The Way of the Owl is the heart of Foothill’s approach to learning and care. It’s our promise to you.

The Way of the Owl

At Foothill, you’re supported by a community that believes in your goals, your well-being, and your future. Our mission is simple: remove barriers, open doors, and give you the tools you need to thrive—inside and outside the classroom.

The Way of the Owl is the heart of Foothill’s approach to learning and care. It’s our promise to you.

Way of the Owl

 

We commit to:

  • Meet your needs by listening to your experiences and creating services that support you.

  • Remove barriers so you can stay focused on your goals.

  • Exceed your expectations through high-quality teaching, programs, and service.

  • Provide heart-forward care that centers empathy, respect, and belonging in everything we do.

This framework guides every decision we make—including the president's annual goals.

Annual Goals—2024–2025

Each year, Foothill sets clear goals to strengthen your experience, expand opportunity, and support your success. Our goals reflect campus-wide work to improve learning, enrollment, wellness, equity, and innovation.

that fosters confidence, collaboration, and trust.
to increase engagement, professional satisfaction, and caring.
so that our distinctiveness and value proposition are clear.
to increase retention and completion.
to meet changing demographics & technological innovation.
to increase new enrollment opportunities.
with data, reflection, research & learning.

Strategic Planning

Vision 2030 Town Hall of Tutoring Models & Resources Fiscal Forums
2025–2026 2024–2025 2023–2024
2023–2024

Past Reports & Publications

We are committed to making our content accessible. Some archived materials may not yet meet current accessibility standards.
If you encounter any accessibility barriers or need an alternative format, please contact Kristina Whalen at whalenkristina@fhda.edu, and we will work with you to provide access.

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