Dr. Bishane Whitmore Takes Office as Community College of Denver's President

Community College of Denver Welcomes Dr. Bishane Whitmore as President

On October 1, 2026, the Community College of Denver (CCD) officially welcomed Dr. Bishane Whitmore as its new president, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the institution. Dr. Whitmore, a native of Colorado and a decorated U.S. Air Force Colonel, was chosen for this crucial position after an extensive nationwide search conducted by Dr. Marielena DeSanctis, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System.

Dr. Whitmore brings an impressive background to his new role, boasting over 25 years of experience in various areas including strategy, operations, and organizational leadership. Most recently, he served as the deputy commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, where he managed 2,200 personnel and oversaw a significant budget while supporting multifaceted operational units.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Whitmore expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to his roots in Colorado, stating, "I am honored to return home to Colorado and join the Community College of Denver. CCD changes lives by expanding access to higher education, building pathways to meaningful careers, and helping students turn their goals into opportunity." His personal connection to the college's mission is profound, as his own educational journey began at a community college, leading him to acquire multiple degrees including three associate degrees, a bachelor's, four master's, and a doctoral degree.

Dr. Whitmore's accolades are noteworthy; he has received multiple honors including the prestigious Art of War Scholar distinction, the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor during combat operations, where his actions were credited with saving coalition lives. When Dr. DeSanctis announced his selection, she highlighted his proven leadership abilities and clear vision for the future of CCD, stating, "Dr. Whitmore is a proven leader with the vision and experience to lead CCD into its next era."

As president, Dr. Whitmore's focus will be on enhancing CCD's role as a bridge to quality education for diverse learners, promoting in-demand careers, and improving economic mobility throughout the community. His immediate initiatives will prioritize engagement—actively listening to faculty and staff to collaborate effectively in boosting student success within Denver's vibrant educational landscape.

The Community College of Denver is well-regarded as a fully accredited institution, consistently recognized for its commitment to student empowerment and its innovative approach to higher education. Recently voted Colorado's Best Community College by readers of The Colorado Sun, CCD is celebrated for graduating students with lesser debt while ensuring smooth transfers to public colleges and universities across Colorado.

Additionally, CCD offers a range of on-campus and online degree and certification programs to accommodate diverse learning needs. Their introduction of a no-tuition high school diploma program further exemplifies the college's dedication to nurturing students from various backgrounds, providing them a solid foundation to embark on their chosen paths.

In embracing his new role, Dr. Bishane Whitmore stands poised to lead CCD through new horizons of educational achievement and community engagement, advocating for an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. As he sets forth on this journey, the future looks promising not only for the College but for the greater Denver region, moving towards a more educated and empowered populace.

To learn more about CCD and the exciting new developments under Dr. Whitmore's leadership, visit ccd.edu.