New Dean Brings a Student-Centered Vision for Health, Wellness, and Community Success to Monterey Peninsula College
Monterey Peninsula College welcomes Dr. Carissa A. Purnell as its new Dean of Instruction, Career Education and Workforce Development, and lead Administrator for the Marina Campus. Dr. Purnell brings two decades of leadership in education, student wellness, community engagement, and workforce development to MPC.
A longtime educator and administrator, Dr. Purnell has dedicated her career to creating systems that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University, a master's degree in Library and Information Science, Information Architecture and Systems Design, from San José State University, and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her experience spans K–12 education, higher education, public service, and community advocacy, with a consistent focus on social justice, expanding educational opportunities, and improving student outcomes.
Most recently, Dr. Purnell served as Director of Health, Wellness, and Community for the Salinas Union High School District, where she led districtwide initiatives supporting more than 17,000 students. She oversaw multidisciplinary teams, secured grant funding, developed behavioral health services, expanded workforce pathway programs, and built partnerships with colleges, healthcare providers, and community organizations to improve student success, health, and well-being. She has taught as adjunct faculty at California State University, Monterey Bay in the Service Learning Department since 2013. Throughout her career, she has also taught at Hartnell College for the Rising Scholars Program at Salinas Valley State Prison and San José State University.
"I believe that student success is built by creating environments where every learner recognizes their voice and power while being uplifted, supported, valued, and loved by a family of faculty and staff who truly care," said Dr. Carissa A. Purnell, Dean. "I chose Monterey Peninsula College because of its deep commitment to the communities that raised them. I look forward to working collaboratively alongside our faculty, staff, and entire community to strengthen pathways that empower students to achieve their goals, improve their well-being, and make a lasting impact in our region."
As she begins her new role, Dr. Purnell looks forward to fostering collaboration across campus, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring every MPC student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to succeed in college and beyond.