Academy Team
Wendy Nelson
Wendy Nelson began her teaching career at Palomar College more than 25 years ago, teaching journalism and communication courses while serving as advisor to the student newspaper and magazine. The years she spent working with students at The Telescope and Impact magazine remain some of the most rewarding of her career. During that time, she learned the importance of teaching and serving students, something that has guided her throughout her career.
Wendy’s leadership journey began when her colleagues asked her to serve as Media Studies Department Chair just one week after she received tenure. She embraced the challenge, overseeing five disciplines as well as the college’s radio station, newspaper, photography program, and television production studio. She would go on to serve as department chair three times.
Wendy served as the Student Learning Outcomes Coordinator and Curriculum Co-Chair and discovered that supporting faculty could be just as rewarding as teaching students. She also co-led the college’s Guided Pathways initiative, helping develop meta majors and map degrees and certificates for the Palomar Pathway Mapper. Wendy also served as Faculty Senate President for three years.
Most recently, Wendy served as Interim Associate Dean of Workforce, Community & Continuing Education, where she had the opportunity to work with a team to expand apprenticeships, work-based learning, career education programs and credit for prior learning. Currently, she is serving as the Interim Dean of Arts, Media and Business administration.
Outside of work, Wendy spends as much time as possible outdoors—walking, hiking, and swimming in the ocean. She also enjoys listening to live music and gathering with family and friends.