(From left: Dr. Kim Zant, Dr. Deborah Casey)

April 17, 2023 (Denver, CO) – Joe Garcia, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), announced two finalists in the Otero College presidential search today.  

The finalists are: 

• Dr. Deborah Casey, Vice President of Student Affairs at Green River College 
• Dr. Kimberly Zant, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cloud County Community College 

A search advisory committee comprised of college and community representatives screened and interviewed applicants and identified the best candidates to lead Otero College. One finalist will be selected to succeed President Tim Alvarez, who announced plans to retire from the position in August.  

Otero will host public forums with each presidential finalist so constituents can learn about the candidates’ experience, leadership style, and philosophies on a variety of issues. The forums will be held in Otero’s Banquet Hall on the following dates and times:   

Biographies and surveys for each finalist, as well as information for upcoming forums, will be available on Otero’s website. 

Community feedback is instrumental to the selection process. Survey results will be reviewed by Chancellor Garcia prior to his decision.   

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About Otero College 

Founded in 1941, Otero College is located on a 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. Otero is an accredited Hispanic Serving Institution that provides cutting-edge education that offers various two-year degrees, transfer degrees in preparation for four-year bachelor degree programs, and workforce-ready certificates.   

About CCCS 

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu