April 11, 2018 (Denver, CO) – The State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Chair, Dr. Russell Meyer, announced today that Joe Garcia, J.D. has been named the finalist for president of the Colorado Community College System .

Garcia brings demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing higher education initiatives and access through various roles in both the public sector and in higher education.

Currently, Garcia serves as President of The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, an interstate compact created to provide access to, and improve the quality of, higher education opportunities for residents of the western United States.

From 2011-2016, he served as the Lt. Governor of Colorado and as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. During his time as Lt. Governor, Garcia focused on increasing equity in outcomes for all students. Garcia also served as President of Pikes Peak Community College and President of Colorado State University-Pueblo. His previous public service positions included serving as a member of the Cabinet of Governor Roy Romer and as a White House appointee under President Bill Clinton. He also was a partner at the Denver-based law firm of Holme Roberts & Owen where he focused on public education law.

Dr. Meyer called Garcia the ideal person to lead the Colorado Community College System into the next stage of its history.

I could not be more pleased with this decision. Joe Garcia has demonstrated throughout his distinguished career the type of strong, effective and transformational leadership that will ensure CCCS has a worthy successor to Dr. Nancy J. McCallin.

– Dr. Russell Meyer

Dr. Meyer added that the committee provided a comprehensive and exhaustive search over the past several months, and the result is someone the entire CCCS community can be proud of for his scholarly vision and executive leadership.

The Board anticipates making an offer of appointment to Garcia later this month, with a start date in July.

Garcia has expressed his eagerness to listen and learn more from the students, faculty, staff and the greater CCCS community.

It is an honor to be selected as the finalist. During my career in higher education, I have learned so much from the students who come to our colleges with big dreams, but often limited resources. With dedicated faculty and staff, we can help them reach their goals, support their families, and give back to their communities. I am excited to play a role in that process.

– Dr. Joseph Garcia

For information, contact:
Fiona Lytle
fiona.lytle@cccs.edu
303-595-1641