Denise Whisenhunt, a Fresno native, is returning home as the newest president of Fresno City College. She is currently president of Grossmont College in San Diego. SCCCD photos/ photo illustration by Cecilia Lopez

State Center Community College District Chancellor Carole Goldsmith announced Tuesday morning that Denise Whisenhunt has been selected as president of Fresno City College after a nationwide search. 

Her contract will be presented to the board of trustees in May, and her planned start date is July.  

Whisenhunt, a Fresno native, served as president of Grossmont College in La Cajon near San Diego since 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in the California community college system. Before her stint at Grossmont College, she worked at San Diego City College and San Diego Mesa College. 

“As I reflect on my journey, returning to Fresno is truly a homecoming for me,” Whisenhunt said in a news release. “I am extremely excited to return to the community that provided me with a strong educational foundation. Fresno City College is an exceptional academic institution, and I am both honored and humbled to be able to work amongst student-centered faculty, classified professionals, and administrators as the incoming president. I look forward to working together to continue our efforts to start strong, stay strong, finish strong and most importantly be strong for the Fresno community.”

A news release mentions her emphasis on student achievement, equitable access and collaborative leadership.

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 educational start was as a preschooler at Bambi’s Day Care School on Fresno’s westside.

“Throughout the selection process, Ms. Whisenhunt stood out as a genuine, thoughtful, kind, and capable leader,” Goldsmith wrote in the release. “From her knowledge of Fresno’s unique needs to her calm and authentic presence, she impressed those she met. Like many, I was moved by her genuine desire to return to Fresno and make a lasting impact. She is not seeking a steppingstone; rather, she is coming home to serve.”

The recruitment process lasted nine months and involved over 80 candidates who applied for the position. 

Whisenhunt takes over for Robert Pimentel, who left Fresno City College after two years as president in August 2024 for a job as chancellor of West Hills Community College District.

Goldsmith believes Whisnehunt will thrive in her new role.

“I am confident that Ms. Whisenhunt has both the professional preparation and the personal passion to lead with courage, compassion, and clarity. As president, she can help us write the next great chapter of Fresno City College’s storied legacy,” Goldsmith said.