Karissa Marino Morehouse, formerly Yuba College's vice president of student services, was appointed interim president of Yuba College effective July 1. Photo courtesy of Yuba College

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Yuba College will begin the new fiscal year under interim leadership following action by the Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees.

The board appointed Karissa Marino Morehouse as Yuba College's interim president, effective July 1. Morehouse previously served as the college's vice president of student services and brings about 20 years of higher education leadership experience to the position, according to Yuba College.

During her time at Yuba College, Morehouse has overseen student support services including enrollment, financial aid, counseling, TRiO programs, veteran services and community outreach. College officials said her background also includes serving as a vice president of instruction and assistant superintendent.

Morehouse's leadership experience includes developing accelerated educational pathways for student veterans, an area she plans to continue supporting through Yuba College's Veteran Resource Center. The college said those efforts are intended to strengthen services, expand educational opportunities and help veterans achieve their academic goals.

A rural Northern California resident for more than 20 years, Morehouse also has been active in regional community health efforts. She serves on the Harmony Health Board of Directors and has worked with local agencies, including the Sutter and Yuba county public health departments, to improve access to medical services in the region.

Morehouse said her own experience as a community college student shaped her understanding of the role community colleges play in student success.

"Community college is where I realized that I belonged," Morehouse said in the announcement. "I discovered my major and received support from faculty and classified professionals at the community college which helped me succeed throughout my college journey. That experience gave me the confidence to continue my bachelor's degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and earn my master's degree from Chico State. I am forever grateful to the community college system and thankful for the opportunity to continue supporting students here."

As interim president, Morehouse will help guide implementation of Yuba College's Educational Master Plan, with a focus on student persistence, retention and completion. The initiative is intended to help students remain enrolled and complete degrees or certificates.

Morehouse said listening to students, employees and the surrounding community will be an important part of guiding the college during the transition.

College officials said her familiarity with Yuba College and experience within California's community college system position her to provide stability during the interim period.