Grossmont College President Denise Whisenhunt is an innovative and equity-minded leader with more than 22 years of leadership experience in higher education. 

 

As the chief executive officer of Grossmont College, President Whisenhunt oversees all operations of the flagship college of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. Whisenhunt has led the college’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including building back enrollment and bringing back in-person operations. She leads initiatives to support students heavily impacted by the pandemic, reengaging students and the community with Grossmont College, and overseeing a transformation of innovative class offerings. 

 

As president of Grossmont College, Whisenhunt is a collaborative leader who works with faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students to serve San Diego’s East County community. She is a student-first decision maker who has dedicated much of her professional career to serving underserved and underprepared populations, with a focus on increasing access and opportunities through equity-based practices. 

 

Whisenhunt 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. She is actively involved in local leadership. She also has been a participant in the prestigious Aspen Institute fellowship program, and the University of California, Davis Wheelhouse Community College Leadership Fellows program. Her community involvement has included serving on the board of directors of the Monarch School, a transformational K-12 school designed to educate homeless youth, Catholic Charities board of directors, as well as the University of California, San Diego Alumni Association Board. She also serves on the board of the San Diego East County Regional Chamber of Commerce.