President's Office

February 6, 2025

(1) MIPC meeting Friday, Feb 7th.

The third MIPC meeting of the Winter quarter will take place this Friday from 1- 3 pm in 1901 and online. The agenda features feedback on Pacific Dining food services, a discussion with OLA about data and advocacy for our Latiné population, and a draft resolution, endorsed by the President and recommended to the Chancellor, to name 8100-8300 the Jean Thomas Student Services Center. Just a reminder—the Mission Informed Planning Council accepts proposals for agenda items from the entire college campus. If you would like to address the council, visit the MIPC website.

(2) Voices United!

Please see the attached flyer and come to the dining hall next week, Feb. 13 from noon – 2 p.m. for music, community support and delicious elote. This gathering dually serves to uplift our immigrant community and fundraise for undocumented students and staff. Together, we can stand against fear and build a future of hope.

(3) Foothill Dean Named Silicon Valley Influencer.

The Silicon Valley Business Journal has released its top 100 Influencers for 2025. On the list–Foothill College’s very own Dean Of Apprenticeship, Chris Allen. Congrats to Chris! And, he would want me to recognize his entire team at the Sunnyvale Center for their pioneering work.

(4) We are #1!

For the second year in a row, Foothill College was named the #1 Community College in California by Niche and the #4 Community College in the nation. According to their website, Niche rankings “relies on the most trustworthy sources, like the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation, to supply our data.” and “By thoughtfully combining the most accurate facts with reviews from real students . . .”.

(5) Items of note on the February Board of Trustees meeting.

• A new Director of Governmental and Community Relations was hired by the District. Welcome Ellen Kamei. Ellen has a long resume in the field of governmental relation–and she is the current mayor of Mountain View!
• The Chancellor announced that a series of Town Halls will be scheduled addressing the Trump administration's actions and executive orders on immigration and DEI. The Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, union leaders, and College Presidents will convene together to share district on-going, coordinated support to both areas and hear campus concerns. While these are not yet scheduled, please be on the lookout for information.

Yours in Service,
Kristina

Dr. Kristina Whalen
President, Foothill College
@prezfoothill on IG