Transformational Leader Committed to Student Success Selected as Finalist

February 26, 2019 (Denver, CO) – Joe Garcia, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), announced today that Dr. Rhonda Epper has been named the finalist for president of Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC).

“Dr. Epper brings demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing student access and success through her various roles in higher education and currently at Community College of Denver (CCD),” said Garcia.

He added that the search committee provided a comprehensive search over the past several months, and the result is someone the entire community can be proud of for her inclusive vision and passion for student success outcomes.

Chancellor Garcia anticipates making an offer of appointment to Dr. Epper next month, with a start date of June 1, 2019.

Currently, Dr. Epper is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at CCD. During her tenure as provost, she guided the institution through a transformation of developmental education, a comprehensive accreditation review, implementation of institutional outcomes assessment, a new process for program review, over 30 new transfer agreements, and the adoption of guided pathways.

She has also worked collaboratively with internal and external constituencies, including the expansion of college level dual enrollment programs throughout Denver Public High Schools.

Prior to her role at CCD, Epper was Chief Academic/Student Affairs Officer at the Colorado Department of Higher Education where she engaged statewide stakeholder councils of provosts, student affairs and admissions officers, and the statewide General Education transfer council. She also served CCCS at the system level for nine years in various roles, including Assistant Provost and Co-Executive Director of CCCOnline.

Dr. Epper expressed her eagerness to build upon TSJC’s rich history, while establishing tighter connections between the college and the communities it serves.

“I am excited and honored to serve as the next president of Trinidad State Junior College,” said Dr. Epper. “Their ‘Students First’ philosophy drew me in from the moment I set foot on campus. I look forward to serving alongside the faculty and staff as we build brighter futures for students, families, and businesses in Trinidad and the San Luis Valley.”

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About Trinidad State Junior College

Trinidad State Junior College serves students of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico on campuses located in Trinidad and Alamosa. A Hispanic-Serving Institution, TSJC offers a wide variety of unique academic programs with tuition rates consistently 40% below Colorado’s state colleges and universities. TSJC’s comprehensive student experience also features 11 athletic programs and on-campus housing in Trinidad.

About Colorado Community College System

The Colorado Community College System is the state’s largest provider of higher education and career training, serving over 137,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 40 locations across the state. With its open access mission, CCCS colleges play a vital role in educating both the emerging and existing workforces, as well as meeting the needs of Colorado’s businesses and communities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to member colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE).