Monterey Peninsula College names New Dean of Student Services/Student Affairs & Athletics to Lead the Next Chapter in Student Success
MONTEREY, Calif. - Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) announces the appointment of the new Dean of Student Services/Student Affairs & Athletics, Karen Lee Yoder, who will bring a dynamic vision for advancing student-athlete excellence on and off the field. The appointment reflects MPC's ongoing commitment to advancing equitable access to education, bolstering comprehensive student support, and driving long-term progress for the students and communities it serves.
"It is exciting to have someone with Dean Yoder’s experience boldly lead two core pillars of student achievement that will take our college to the next level," said Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, MPC Superintendent/ President. "She brings decades of proven success in building strong teams, and a strong track record of ensuring the appropriate support is in place for student services alignment and academic initiatives. I am eager to see how her contributions will enrich the overall MPC experience."
Dean Yoder holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from California State University, East Bay, as well as a Teaching Credential in Physical Education and an Adaptive Physical Education Authorization from Point Loma Nazarene University. She has built an accomplished career that includes cabinet-level athletics and academic leadership, executive governance of a multi-institutional athletic conference, and decades of teaching and mentoring student-athletes.
A consistent thread across Dean Yoder’s professional roles is her commitment to advancing student success, faculty excellence, and institutional effectiveness through innovative curriculum development, collaborative governance, and equity-driven leadership. Yoder has served as Athletic Director at Solano College and Director of Athletics & Physical Education at California State University Maritime Academy. She currently serves as Commissioner of the Western State Conference (3C2A Affiliate).
“Having devoted my professional journey to student-athletes and efforts to promote high standards of scholarship and sportsmanship, I look forward to helping students develop and thrive both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Dean Yoder. “I chose MPC because of its deep commitment to student success and equity, and I’m honored to be part of an organization that places students front and center in all its decisions, empowering them to achieve their absolute best.”
As she begins her new role, Yoder looks forward to strengthening academic and athletic partnerships, advancing student-athlete success and equity initiatives, and building on Monterey Peninsula College’s transformative leadership and tradition of excellence across all aspects of student life.
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Media contact: Fátima Rodriguez, (408) 313-5723
Monterey Peninsula College - established in 1947:
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California’s public community college system, is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to the scenic Monterey campus located on 90+ acres, MPC’s district includes campuses in Seaside and Marina. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational and cultural needs of its diverse community and is distinguished for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.