SAN MARCOS (August 1, 2024) – Like many colleges and universities, student enrollment at Palomar College continues to show recovery from the impact of the pandemic. Palomar has experienced a steady year over year increase in enrollment during the most recent four academic terms. With an unrelenting focus on increasing enrollment, Palomar College recently established a Dean of Instruction position to support initiatives, instructional growth within our service area, and the implementation of enrollment management strategies. The College is pleased to announce Jenny Fererro, a long-time faculty leader, has been selected to serve in this position effective July 29.
Palomar College also announced the hire of Nichol Roe, as the Dean of the Career Technical and Extended Education division. Ms. Roe will oversee the planning, organizing, administering, and developing and evaluation of the instructional programs within the division beginning August 1. The career technical and extended education division at Palomar College continues to be an area of growing enrollments as students learn and train in degree and certificate programs that lead to living wage jobs and support the workforce needs of the region.
“Both Jenny and Nichol have extensive community college experience that will contribute to their success in these important leadership positions at Palomar. I am looking forward to working with them as we continue to increase enrollment and support the region’s workforce needs,” stated Dr. Tina Recalde, Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Instruction.
Jenny Fererro, M.S.
When she first came to Palomar College, Jenny Fererro knew she wanted to stay. She has worked as a full-time faculty member at Palomar College for 20 years. Fererro has taught hundreds of students in the Child Development and Education program—and is an active leader on campus.
As one of the newest administrators, Fererro will oversee the Office of Instruction and direct the expansion of dual enrollment, the development of community college bachelor’s degrees, the implementation of Guided Pathways, and other programs and initiatives that impact the instructional divisions at Palomar. For student enrollment to continue to increase, it takes a campus wide effort. Fererro is known for her strong commitment to collaboration and engaging colleagues in high impact initiatives that have contributed to the success of Palomar College.
“Leadership is something I’ve always been drawn to,” Fererro stated. “We have really great people at Palomar who care deeply about our students and our community. While not an easy decision to move from faculty to administration, I am ready for the challenge, and I am excited for the next chapter of my career at Palomar,” she said.
Fererro earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree at San Diego State University. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at San Diego State University in Community College/Postsecondary Leadership.
Nichol Roe, M.A.
With seven years of experience as the Associate Dean of Workforce Development and Extended Studies at Palomar College, Nichol Roe feels ready to take on the role of Dean of the Career Technical and Extended Education (CTEE) division. “Over these last 7 years, I have had wonderful experiences working with colleagues at Palomar and throughout the region. Our faculty and professional staff in the Palomar CTEE division are truly special. I can’t imagine doing this work anywhere else,” said Roe.
Utilizing her experience earned as the Vice President for the California Community College Association of Occupational Education (CCCAOE) for San Diego and Imperial Counties and as the CCCAOE representative on the California Community College Curriculum Committee, Roe is looking forward to fostering innovation and supporting her colleagues as Palomar plans to meet the demands of the region’s workforce.
Roe started her academic career at MiraCosta College, earning her Associate of Arts degree in history. She went on to transfer to Cal State University San Marcos to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership through a University of California San Diego and Cal State University San Marcos joint doctoral program.
