YCCD Board of Trustees approves Karissa Marino Morehouse as Yuba College Interim President
MARYSVILLE, Calif. — Karissa Marino Morehouse has been approved as Yuba College’s Interim President following a vote by the Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees at its June 2026 meeting. Morehouse, who currently serves as Yuba College’s Vice President of Student Services, will begin the role July 1, 2026.
Morehouse brings 20 years of experience in higher education leadership to the role, including experience as a Vice President of Instruction and Assistant Superintendent. For the past two years, Morehouse has served as Yuba College’s Vice President of Student Services, where she has overseen student support services such as enrollment, financial aid, counseling, TRiO programs, veteran services, and community outreach.
In previous leadership roles, Morehouse developed accelerated educational pathways for student veterans, creating more accessible routes to help them continue their education and reach their academic goals. She is bringing that experience to Yuba College’s Veteran Resource Center to strengthen services, expand educational opportunities and support veterans throughout their college journeys.
Morehouse’s community involvement extends beyond higher education, serving on the Harmony Health Board of Directors. She works closely with local agencies, including the Sutter and Yuba County public health departments, to support access to high-quality medical services in the region.
Being a resident of rural Northern California for more than 20 years and a community college student herself, Morehouse has made it her mission to be involved in her community. She understands the important connection between Yuba College, its students and the communities it serves throughout the Yuba-Sutter area.
“Community college is where I realized that I belonged as a college student,” Morehouse said. “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 support implementation of Yuba College’s Educational Master Plan, focusing on student persistence, retention and completion. The work is intended to assist students in remaining enrolled and completing their degrees or certificates. She emphasized that listening to the campus and surrounding community will be key to guiding that work.
“Listening to our campus and community is essential to ensure Yuba College continues to be an institution of the future, not a relic of the past,” Morehouse said.
Morehouse’s familiarity with Yuba College, combined with her leadership experience across the California community college system, positions her to provide stability and strong leadership during the interim period.