March 2, 2023 (Denver, CO) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has launched a nationwide search to select Otero College’s next president following President Timothy Alvarez’s retirement announcement last month.  

“Thanks to President Alvarez’s strong leadership, Otero College is on the rise,” said CCCS Chancellor Joe Garcia. “We are looking for candidates who can continue the college’s momentum and deepen community and industry partnerships. I am eager to get to work with the search committee to find the right person for Otero and the wider La Junta community.” 

Candidates are encouraged to apply by Monday, March 20 to receive full consideration. Community members may nominate candidates. 

The timeline for the search is available on the Otero website. CCCS’s goal is to identify a new president by May with a start date in August.  

Community members gave input on preferred attributes for the next president—including a commitment to student success and equity— that helped develop the position profile. CCCS has also established the following search advisory committee that will view applications and recommend candidates to Chancellor Garcia:  

• Joyce Beal, Administrative Assistant for Physical Plant, Otero College 
• Rana Brown, Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, Otero College 
• Maureen Rikhof, Director of International Relations, Otero College 
• Monica Valdez, Cosmetology Faculty/Barber, Otero College 
• Brooke Wersland, Otero College Student 
• Curtis (CJ) Montoya, Advisory Council Member, Otero College 
• Ross Dueber, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, Board Member 
• Curt Freed, PhD, President, Morgan Community College 
• Mary Nero, Associate General Counsel, CCCS 

For updates and more information on the search, visit Otero College’s webpage. 

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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 and 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