Dr. Marielena DeSanctis to Lead Colorado Community Colleges as New Chancellor

Dr. Marielena DeSanctis: A Trailblazer for Colorado Community Colleges

In a groundbreaking appointment, Dr. Marielena DeSanctis has been selected as the Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first Latina to assume this position. The decision was finalized today by the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) after a thorough national search process that emphasized public notice, showcasing a commitment to transparency in leadership selection.

Dr. DeSanctis, who currently leads the Community College of Denver (CCD), is set to step into her role on October 1, 2025. With an extensive background encompassing leadership in both K-12 and higher education sectors, as well as experience in workforce development, her appointment aligns with CCCS’s strategic vision for future growth and accessibility.

The Board praised Dr. DeSanctis’s robust leadership style and her comprehensive approach to educational reform. Dr. Landon Mascareñaz, Chair of the SBCCOE, expressed confidence in her capabilities to guide CCCS through a pivotal time in higher education by fostering innovative practices that meet the evolving needs of students and local economies. “With today’s action, the Board affirms its strong belief in Dr. DeSanctis's vision and capacity to lead CCCS into the future,” said Mascareñaz during the announcement.

Responding to her appointment, Dr. DeSanctis expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Board, emphasizing the critical role community colleges play in enhancing Colorado’s educational landscape and economic prospects. “I'm deeply honored to serve as Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. Colorado's community colleges are essential to the state's economic vitality and educational promise,” she stated. Dr. DeSanctis is eager to collaborate with community leaders, educational institutions, and industry partners to advance the ambitious goals set in CCCS's 2030 Strategic Plan, aptly named “Transforming Futures.”

The strategic plan aims to enhance access to education while promoting upward mobility for learners across Colorado. Through her leadership, CCCS seeks to position itself as not just an educational institution, but a vital pathway for every Coloradan striving for a better life academically and professionally.

Interim Chancellor Diane Duffy, who has successfully steered CCCS since the retirement of former Chancellor Joe Garcia in June 2025, commended Dr. DeSanctis's adept strategic thinking and her genuine commitment to student success and community development. “I've had the privilege of working closely with Dr. DeSanctis over the past several years and have seen firsthand her thoughtful and strategic approach to leadership,” noted Duffy. Her assurance that DeSanctis will enhance CCCS's efforts only adds to the excitement surrounding this leadership transition.

With a network that spans 13 colleges and over 35 locations across Colorado, CCCS currently serves more than 124,000 students annually through a range of credit and non-credit programs. Under Dr. DeSanctis’s tenure, CCCS is poised to reinforce its role as the leading provider of workforce-aligned education, ensuring Colorado's learners are equipped to thrive in a competitive jobs market.

The appointment of Dr. Marielena DeSanctis stands as a testament to the changing landscape of educational leadership, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in positions of influence. Her leadership is expected to inspire not just current students, but future generations, as she emphasizes educational access, innovation, and community engagement.

For more insights into Dr. DeSanctis's professional journey and her envisioned path for CCCS, you can visit the Chancellor Search section on the CCCS website. This transition opens a promising chapter for community colleges in Colorado, aiming to redefine how education can be a catalyst for personal and economic growth for all Coloradans, providing a first and best path towards prosperity.