Monterey Peninsula College Names Three New Academic Deans, Deepening Its Commitment to Equitable Access and Student Success
MONTEREY, Calif. - Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) announces the appointment of three new academic deans: Dr. Kenneth Henry, Shane C. Reynolds, and Dr. Carissa A. Purnell, who will lead instructional and student support divisions across the college. The appointments reflect 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.
"I'm genuinely excited to welcome three new Deans of Instruction to MPC this year," said Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, MPC Superintendent/President. "They bring decades of combined experience in scientific research and STEM education, career and technical education, and workforce development — but more than that, they bring a real passion for our students. I can't wait to see the doors they'll open and the impact they'll have on the MPC experience."
Dr. Kenneth Henry Named Dean of Instruction for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
“Having devoted my career to STEM and its learning, I'm genuinely excited to be here at MPC, helping connect our students with real opportunities in the STEM sector,” said Dr. Henry. “I chose MPC because this community is full of students who are determined to change the world through science, technology, and innovation, and being part of that is exactly where I want to be.”
Dr. Henry holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His professional journey includes groundbreaking biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leadership in the biotechnology industry, and years of teaching and mentoring students at California community colleges, with a consistent commitment to expanding educational access for students from historically underrepresented communities.
Dr. Henry looks forward to strengthening academic programs, expanding industry partnerships, and ensuring MPC students have the knowledge, support, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in tomorrow's STEM workforce.
Shane C. Reynolds Named Dean of Instruction for Public Safety, Allied Health, and Nursing
"Leadership starts with heart and humility," Dean Reynolds said. "When a student is given a real chance, real support, and a genuine sense of belonging, it changes who they believe they can become. That's why I'm honored to join the Monterey Peninsula College family, a community that shows up for students. I can't wait to build pathways with faculty rooted in compassion, pathways that prepare students not only for careers, but for lives of purpose, leadership, and service to the communities they call home."
Reynolds brings over a decade of progressive leadership in the California Community College system as both Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty and program director, with a career rooted in collaboration, humility, and a steady commitment to removing the barriers that keep underrepresented students from reaching sustainable, meaningful careers. Reynolds has deepened his leadership practice through The Coalition's Aspiring Radical Leaders Institute and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainability Education at Prescott College.
Reynolds is committed to deepening partnerships with faculty and regional employers, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and ensuring every MPC student has the tools, support, and confidence to achieve their educational and career goals. He will serve both the main campus and the Seaside Public Safety Training Center.
Dr. Clarissa Purnell Named Dean of Instruction for Career Education and Workforce Development
"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. Purnell. "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."
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 earned 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.
As she begins her new role as Dean of Instruction and Lead Facilitator at the Marina Campus, Dr. Purnell aims to foster collaboration across campus and strengthen community partnerships to support MPC student success in college, career, and beyond.
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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.