Academic Affairs

Our goal is to ensure the best possible learning experience for our students at Monterey Peninsula College, with the highest standards in teaching, learning, and support.  Whether your goal is to complete a degree or a certificate, to transfer, or participate in life-long learning, the Office of Academic Affairs is here to support you.

Mission

The Office of Academic Affairs provides leadership to advance excellence in teaching and learning through fiscally responsible academic programs and related services for students, faculty, and staff.

Vision

Serve as a leader providing outstanding educational pathways and partnerships to foster vibrant futures for our students and the Monterey Peninsula community.

We value service and leadership that includes:

  • Collaboration
  • Effective Communication
  • Fiscal Responsibility
  • Innovation
  • Student Success

Stay Updated

2024-25 Academic Calendar    2024-25 Final Exam Schedule

We look forward to helping you launch your bright future at MPC!

The Office of Academic Affairs oversees the administration of academic and career programs, and continuing education at our campuses in Monterey, Marina, Seaside and Online. Our responsibilities include curriculum development and approval, catalog development, academic calendar, scheduling, faculty/staff hiring and development, and other functions related to the academic operations of the college.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jon Knolle, and the Deans of Instruction are located in the Administration Building (Office #120) on the Monterey campus. The academic leadership team along with their areas of responsibility is listed below:

*Contact information for the Office of Academic Affairs can be found in our Staff Directory.

Dean of Instruction Associates Duties
Jon Knolle, Ed.D. - Vice President of Academic Affairs Robyn Drake - Administrative Assistant
  • Academic Affairs
  • Accreditation
  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Enrollment Management
  • Faculty Hiring and Development

Leslie De Rose - Interim Associate Dean of Instruction—Career Education

Jill Cavanaugh - Unit Office Manager

The Associate Dean supports the following programs:

  • Dental Assisting
  • Fitness Trainer Program
  • Horticulture
  • Medical Assisting
  • Nutrition
  • Fire Protection Technology
  • Fire Academy
  • Police Academy

The Dean is also responsible for:

  • Strong Workforce Program (Grant)
  • Perkins/Transitions (Grant)
  • Public Safety Training Center (Seaside)

Jessie Betancourt - Director—Dual Enrollment & K-12 Partnerships

   

Jeannie Kim - Dean of Instruction—Liberal Arts 

Marilu Muniz - Administrative Assistant

The Dean Supports the following programs:

  • Creative Arts Division
  • Humanities Division
  • Social Sciences Division

The Dean is also responsible for:

  • Basic Skills (English)
  • General Education Curriculum (Liberal Arts focus)
  • Guided Pathways
  • Older Adult Program

Jeff Sundquist - Dean of Instruction—Library, Learning Resources, and Online Education

 

The Dean Supports the following programs:

  • Library
  • Online Education

The Dean is also responsible for:

  • Adult Education Consortium - Pathways and Programs
  • Adult Education Block Grant
  • Dual Enrollment with High Schools
  • Student Tutoring

John Skellenger - Dean of Instruction—Career & Technical Education (CTE), Public Safety, and Workforce Development

The Dean Supports the following programs:

  • Administration of Justice
  • Automotive Technology
  • Business
  • Computer Information Systems (Networking and Cyber Security)
  • Computer Science (Programming & Software Development)
  • Cooperative Work Experience
  • Elementary Teacher Education
  • Fashion
  • Hospitality
  • Emergency Medical Technician

The Dean is also responsible for:

  • Regional Economic & Workforce
  • Development Programs and Pathways
  • Contract Education
  • South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Programs

Alexis Bollin - Interim Director of Continuing & Professional Education

 

 

Vincent van Joolen, Ph.D. - Dean of Instruction—STEM

 

The Dean Supports the following programs:

  • Life Sciences Division
  • Physical Sciences Division
  • Physical Education Division
  • School of Nursing

The Dean is also responsible for:

  • Basic Skills (Math)
  • General Education Curriculum (STEM focus)
  • Pathways to University
  • Scheduling at the Marina Campus
  • STEM-related Grants