Dr. Cheryl Calimlim Mendoza, Educator, Scholar, and Academic Leader

 Dr. Cheryl Calimlim Mendoza

Educator, Scholar, and Academic Leader

In the continuing tradition of Bayambang as a cradle of scholarship and public service in Pangasinan, Dr. Cheryl C. Mendoza stands among the contemporary educators who have devoted their lives to the advancement of learning, the cultivation of teachers, and the strengthening of academic institutions. Through decades of dedication to teaching, research, and academic leadership, she has become one of the respected figures in higher education in the region.

Born on January 13, 1980, in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Dr. Mendoza grew up in a community long known for producing scholars, educators, and civic leaders. She is the daughter of Adoracion Latorre Calimlim and Eligio Alvarez Calimlim, whose values of discipline, perseverance, and commitment to education would later shape her own aspirations. She is married to Avelino P. Mendoza, Jr., and together they have been blessed with two children, Aviel Jared and Cyrle Elisha, who remain her enduring inspiration.

Dr. Mendoza’s academic journey reflects both intellectual diligence and a deep sense of purpose. She completed her Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies, graduating Cum Laude from Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus, where she first embraced the vocation of teaching and scholarship. Determined to further expand her knowledge and professional capacity, she pursued graduate studies and earned her Master of Education major in Social Studies from the same institution.

Her pursuit of learning did not end there. Recognizing the importance of law in shaping institutions and public life, she studied Juris Doctor at the University of Baguio College of Law, gaining legal insight that would later strengthen her leadership in academic governance and institutional development. She subsequently completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at the Pangasinan State University School of Advanced Studies in 2015, an academic milestone that deepened her interdisciplinary understanding of education, society, and development.

Dr. Mendoza has devoted much of her professional career to Pangasinan State University, where she began her service as a faculty member and steadily rose through the academic ranks. Since 2008, she has served as Associate Professor V, contributing to the university’s mission of academic excellence and public service. Over the years, she assumed numerous leadership roles within the institution, including Chairperson of the Social Sciences Department and Chairperson of the General Education Department, where she helped guide the development of curricular programs and faculty initiatives.

Her administrative leadership expanded when she became Program Dean for the PhD in Development Studies at the School of Advanced Studies, further strengthening graduate education and interdisciplinary research. She also served as Center Head of the Center for History, Culture, Arts, Languages and Innovative Education (CHCALIE), promoting scholarship that highlights cultural heritage, innovative teaching, and community engagement.

Committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic quality, Dr. Mendoza has likewise served as an AACCUP Accreditor, participating in the evaluation and development of academic programs across higher education institutions in the Philippines.

In January 2026, she was appointed Dean of the College of Teacher Education at Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus, a position that placed her at the forefront of shaping the preparation of future educators. In this capacity, she continues to guide programs that develop competent, ethical, and socially responsive teachers who will serve communities throughout the country.

Beyond the classroom and administrative offices, Dr. Mendoza has distinguished herself as a researcher and scholar. Her studies have been published in reputable academic journals, including the Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. Her research addresses significant educational issues such as bullying intervention strategies in elementary schools and the role of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education in preserving cultural identity and informing educational policy.

Her scholarly work has also reached an international audience. She has presented research papers and participated in academic conferences in Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore, reflecting her engagement with the broader global community of educators and researchers.

Dr. Mendoza has likewise contributed to national initiatives aimed at strengthening teacher education in the Philippines. She participated in the development of prototype syllabi aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) for priority pre-service teacher education programs. She has also taken part in national faculty training initiatives for the implementation of new General Education courses, helping shape curriculum reforms in Philippine higher education.

Widely respected as a speaker, consultant, trainer, and conference organizer, Dr. Mendoza frequently shares her expertise in seminars, workshops, and academic forums. She also contributes to the scholarly community as a peer reviewer and session chair in international research conferences, supporting the advancement of research and academic dialogue.

In addition, she has co-authored books and instructional modules used in higher education, particularly in subjects such as Philippine History, Teaching Strategies in Social Studies, The Contemporary World, and Rizal Studies, providing valuable academic resources for both students and educators.

Through her work as an educator, scholar, and administrator, Dr. Cheryl C. Mendoza continues to uphold the enduring ideals of education—knowledge in the service of society, scholarship guided by integrity, and leadership dedicated to the formation of future generations. In doing so, she contributes not only to the advancement of Pangasinan State University but also to the continuing legacy of Bayambang as a community that nurtures learning, leadership, and public service.