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Dr. Jacquelyn Forte

Title: Dean, Student Services, Student Wellness Programs
Department: Accommodations and Support Center
Office: Student Services Building 112/Yosemite Hall A104
Unit: MJC

Biography

As the Dean of Student Services for the Student Wellness Programs Cluster, I am honored to support students in achieving their academic, personal, and professional goals through comprehensive services that promote wellness, belonging, and success. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, I am deeply committed to fostering student-centered environments where all students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.


My educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology, a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Health and Wellness, and a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership. These academic experiences have shaped my understanding of the critical connection between student well-being, academic achievement, and lifelong success.

Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of roles, including teaching, academic advising, student services leadership, outreach and recruitment, program coordination, and health and wellness initiatives. I have had the privilege of working with diverse student populations, including high school students transitioning to college, returning adult learners, continuing students, and students participating in specialized support programs. My passion lies in helping students navigate their educational journeys while connecting them with resources that support their holistic development.


In my current role, I provide leadership for programs and services that advance student wellness, accessibility, inclusion, and success. I am proud to oversee dedicated teams of professionals who work collaboratively to create supportive environments that address students' academic, physical, emotional, and social well-being. This includes providing leadership and oversight for several student-centered programs and services that promote access, equity, well-being, and student success. These areas include Accommodations & Support Center, which ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and support to fully participate in their educational experience and achieve their academic goals; Health Services and the Wellness Center, which provide students with access to health, wellness, and prevention resources that support their overall well-being; Basic Needs programs, which connect students with essential resources such as food assistance, housing support, and other services that help reduce barriers to academic success; Veterans Services, which assists veterans and their dependents in navigating educational benefits, complying with Veterans Affairs requirements, and achieving their educational and career goals; and Title IX, where I support executive leadership in coordinating the College’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws while helping to foster a safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students.


I strongly believe that student success is rooted in well-being. My professional interests include health promotion, mental health awareness, accessibility, equity-minded practices, student engagement, and the creation of systems of support that empower students to reach their full potential. I am passionate about cultivating a campus culture where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.


It is both a privilege and a responsibility to serve our students and campus community. I look forward to continuing to champion programs and partnerships that enhance student wellness, remove barriers to achievement, and promote success for all.