New FCC President Denise Whisenhunt celebrates return to Fresno, shares hopes for all students

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- There's a new leader for Fresno City College.

The new president is settling in as the fall semester gets underway.

She was raised in Fresno, and now she's back.

"The idea that I went to high school down the street and now, I get to be the very proud president of Fresno City College is amazing," FCC President Denise Whisenhunt said.

Whisenhunt graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School before going to college at UC San Diego.

She earned her degree in political science and went on to work for the University of California before going to law school in Washington, D.C.

Her experience includes working in higher education for the last 28 years, most recently as president of Grossmont College.

"So every step that I've taken, I've been intentional that I'm constantly kind of loading my tool belt with opportunities of how to improve what I want to do," Whisenhunt said.

Whisenhunt, who was sworn in as president last month, says it's important for her to find ways she can help change and form the community.

She's started listening sessions with the classified professionals on campus, faculty, and executive leadership.

Her goal is to determine the best path forward, but she wants to take her first 100 days to get a full understanding of the college.

"I've really engaged already in getting to know people and to begin to formulate relationships, but I would be remiss to presuppose what the vision of a college is without listening to what is now 115 years of experience," Whisenhunt said.

After 100 days, she says she'll develop common themes and communicate them to the campus.

Whisenhunt says her life mission is to create conditions that support the advancement of all students in higher education.

She hopes students know they have a president at the college rooting for their success.

"I am just like you. My story is probably not so different, but I know you could do it, that if you decide to make a change in your life, that you can absolutely do it," Whisenhunt said.

Current students will have the option to attend "Pizza with the President" very soon.

There will also be a public reception for Whisenhunt on September 4.

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