CCCS Internal 
Lindstrom to begin role as interim president on October 1, 2025
September 11, 2025 (Denver, CO) – Diane Duffy, Interim Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), today announced that Peter Lindstrom, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Community College of Denver (CCD), will serve as Interim President of the college effective October 1, 2025.
Lindstrom’s appointment follows the selection of CCD President Dr. Marielena DeSanctis as the next Chancellor of CCCS, whose new role begins the same day. Dr. DeSanctis’s last day as President of CCD will be September 30, 2025. CCCS will launch a national search in the coming months to identify the college’s next permanent president.
“Peter Lindstrom is a trusted leader whose deep knowledge of CCD, unwavering commitment to students, and long record of advancing equity and innovation make him the right person to lead during this transition,” said Interim Chancellor Diane Duffy. “His leadership will ensure continuity for the college as Dr. DeSanctis steps into her new role as Chancellor of the System.”
Peter Lindstrom is a trusted leader whose deep knowledge of CCD, unwavering commitment to students, and long record of advancing equity and innovation make him the right person to lead during this transition.
Lindstrom has served CCD for more than 15 years in a variety of academic and leadership roles, including Dean of Instruction for multiple academic pathways, Director of the Teaching Learning Center & Online Learning, and faculty member in Developmental English. Drawing on his Colorado roots, he brings a deep understanding of the state and its communities, supported by an academic foundation from the University of Colorado Boulder and Naropa University.
Dr. DeSanctis praised the appointment, stating: “Peter has played a vital role in advancing CCD’s mission and supporting the success of our students. His thoughtful leadership and student-centered approach will continue to move CCD forward, and I have every confidence he will build on the momentum we’ve created together.”
Peter has played a vital role in advancing CCD’s mission and supporting the success of our students. His thoughtful leadership and student-centered approach will continue to move CCD forward, and I have every confidence he will build on the momentum we’ve created together.
Lindstrom began his higher education career as an adjunct instructor while also running a small carpentry business, later transitioning fully into academia. He credits CCD’s student-centered mission and diverse community for inspiring his lifelong dedication to education and equity.
“I am honored to serve as Interim President of the Community College of Denver,” said Lindstrom. “CCD is more than a college—it is a community that empowers students to realize their dreams and transform their lives. I look forward to working with our talented faculty and staff to continue building on our shared vision of access, inclusion, and excellence.”
CCD is more than a college—it is a community that empowers students to realize their dreams and transform their lives. I look forward to working with our talented faculty and staff to continue building on our shared vision of access, inclusion, and excellence.
CCCS comprises 13 colleges and more than 35 locations, serving over 124,000 students annually. Together, its colleges play a vital role in delivering workforce-aligned education, expanding economic mobility, and serving as the first and best path to opportunity for Coloradans of all backgrounds.
