CCCS Internal Across the Colorado Community College System, we are proud that eight of our 13 colleges presidents are women, five of whom are women of color. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to learn more about their leadership journeys and lessons they would pass along to community college students. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series!
President Dr. Lisa Jones
College: Colorado Northwestern Community College
Years with the College: 2.5 Years
What drew you to higher education leadership?
I wished to work in education and help others find their path the way I found mine. This came from the help I received and the belief in me shown by my community college advisor and faculty. It is for this reason that my parents’ quote, “Doing well is good, doing good is better,” sticks with me to this day.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring leaders?
See yourself as a priceless original rather than a copy. Identify what you want and draw a path forward unique to you. Harness fear and use it as fuel to achieve your goals—the reward is always greater. Lean on others but only until you can stand alone. See yourself as a priceless original rather than a copy. Identify what you want and draw a path forward unique to you. Harness fear and use it as fuel to achieve your goals—the reward is always greater. Lean on others but only until you can stand alone.
President Dr. Rhonda Epper
College: Trinidad State College
Years with the College: Nearly 5 Years
What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
I am especially proud of our student outcomes data. Whether it’s our graduation, persistence, retention, or program completion rates, we have among the strongest outcomes in the state and nation. We also have among the smallest equity gaps between our students of color and overall student population. This is because of our caring staff and faculty who help students feel a sense of belonging and to strive to do their best.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring leaders?
Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to opportunities that broaden your knowledge and experience. Many of us have “zigzag” paths to leadership, similar to the way our students navigate through work and higher education. Stay connected with your colleagues, friends, and mentors. They will help you find your way!
Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to opportunities that broaden your knowledge and experience. Many of us have “zigzag” paths to leadership, similar to the way our students navigate through work and higher education. Stay connected with your colleagues, friends, and mentors. They will help you find your way!
President Kimberly Zant, Ed.D.
College: Otero College
Years with the College: 7 months
What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
On my third day of serving in my former role, I led the efforts to address accreditation concerns. After much work and effort by our taskforce and steering committee, we received notice from the peer team’s report that our probationary visit met with no concerns or need for monitoring reports. This experience demonstrates my commitment to excellence, my ability to build trust, and to lead change strategically and successfully, which are traits that I am proud to possess.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring leaders?
My advice to aspiring leaders is to really get to know your true self. Identify your leadership style and understand other styles. Assess your why for wanting to be a leader. This assessment will help you to know your strengths and weaknesses better.
Really get to know your true self. Identify your leadership style and understand other styles. Assess your why for wanting to be a leader. This assessment will help you to know your strengths and weaknesses better.
President Dr. Patricia Erjavec
College: Pueblo Community College
Years with the College: 14 years as president and eight as a State Board member
What drew you to higher education leadership?
I was drawn to higher education leadership because of my admiration for academia, desire to continue to shape educational policies, and a passion to foster student success and growth. During my 14-year tenure as president, I have been afforded the opportunity to contribute to the academic and personal growth of students, engage in research and scholarship, and collaborate with colleagues on a plethora of innovative initiatives impacting students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The work is noble and the benefits, for me and for those around me, are beyond measure.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring leaders?
Develop strong communication skills, cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence, continuously learn and adapt, foster a positive and inclusive culture, lead by example, build strong teams, embrace challenges and failures, and prioritize self-care.
Develop strong communication skills, cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence, continuously learn and adapt, foster a positive and inclusive culture, lead by example, build strong teams, embrace challenges and failures, and prioritize self-care.
