In March, Dr. Vanessa Fountain joined College of the Desert as the new dean of social sciences and arts. Long before becoming the college’s newest dean, Fountain was a young adjunct instructor teaching music courses on the same campus she now helps lead.

Nearly 21 years ago, shortly after completing her doctorate, she was hired to teach part-time in the music department. She said community college was never a part of her original career plan.

“I really had no idea what community college even was,” she said.

Originally from the Los Angeles area, Fountain grew up surrounded by music and began playing the harp at age 9 after being inspired by her mother, who also played. She later started college at just 13 years old before pursuing advanced studies in music performance and eventually earning her doctorate in musical arts.

She first began working at COD at 19 years old, teaching night classes to students who were often older than she was. At first, she said, the students did not know her age.

“One student said, ‘I don’t even think you’re 30.’ So, I got nothing but respect from my students. Even when they found out, they were respectful of who I was, and I knew that in all the relationships I had with them.”

Fountain taught courses such as American music, introduction to music and music history. She said working with students from a variety of backgrounds quickly changed her perspective on teaching.

“What’s beautiful is they’re in my class because they like music or they’re willing to open up their minds to the possibility of liking music.”

Over time, she began to appreciate the role community colleges play in offering students new connections and experiences.

“One of the lovely things I heard back from the students, particularly when I taught them jazz and blues, is that the classes connected them with their grandparents,” she said. “Their grandparents would say, ‘Oh, this music was popular when I was a kid,’ and I think that connection is beautiful.”

Although she hoped to continue to grow at College of the Desert, a full-time opportunity did not become available during her years as an adjunct instructor. After spending nearly a decade teaching part time at multiple colleges, she accepted a full-time faculty position at Mt. San Jacinto College.

During her time there, she served as a music professor, department chair and orchestra director. The orchestra included both students and community members, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens. She said the experience taught her how to bring together people with very different backgrounds and skill levels.

“I really enjoy bringing all the different elements together and letting everyone shine,” she said.

Her leadership experience eventually led her into administration, where she later became the dean of arts, languages and communication at Grossmont College near San Diego. There, she oversaw programs in the arts, world languages, American Sign Language and communication studies.

Despite working outside the Coachella Valley, she remained closely tied to the area and continued living in Palm Springs, maintaining her performance career in the desert and staying connected to the local community.

When the position at COD opened, she said the opportunity to return felt personal.

“When I saw the opportunity to come back home and bring the knowledge that I’ve learned from other colleges, I just knew I had to go for it,” she said.

Now that she is back at COD, her immediate focus is on learning more about the college’s current needs and identifying ways to expand opportunities for students.

“The first thing I want to do here is learn about everything,” she said. “Learning about what’s working and maybe what’s not working. What are some needs that students have that we’re currently not providing?”

Some of her priorities right now are expanding ethnic studies courses, strengthening dual enrollment opportunities and increasing awareness of art programs available to all students, regardless of major.

“A lot of students come to me and ask about our theater and music programs,” she said. “They wanted to know if they could be in those classes without majoring in music or theater. I said, ‘Yes, of course.'”

She is also working with faculty to build a formal dance program at COD, with hopes of launching an associate degree by fall 2027. Proposed additions include hip-hop and baile folklórico.

“So many great high school dance programs and local companies exist here,” she said. “[COD] just had a sprinkling of dance classes over the years.”

She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and community engagement. These, she said, have shaped her approach as both an educator and an administrator.

“I’ve always said that college is the community and the community is the college,” she said.

As she begins the next chapter at COD, Fountain said she hopes to use both her teaching and administrative experiences to continue supporting students while strengthening the college’s connection to the Coachella Valley.

“I’m proud of the work that we’re doing. I smile every time I drive on campus, and I’m grateful to be just one of the many fountains here on campus.”

She encourages any student to stop by her office inside the Social Sciences Building, listen to some harp music and share their ideas, concerns and goals.

For her, education has always been rooted in connection, not just between departments or campuses but between people. As she settles back onto campus, where her career first began, she said her focus remains on creating opportunities for students while helping the college continue to grow alongside the community it serves.