Colorado Community College System Launches National Search for Next Trinidad State College President

Description: The Colorado Community College System has launched a national search for the next Trinidad State College president, inviting campus and community input as Dr. Rhonda Epper prepares to transition in March 2026. Read the Full Press Release from the Colorado Community College System...

Colorado Community College System Launches Search for Next Trinidad State College President

January 21, 2026 (Denver) — The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has launched a national search for the next president of Trinidad State College (TSC), following the upcoming transition of current president Dr. Rhonda Epper, who will depart TSC at the end of March to assume the presidency at Colorado State University Pueblo. 

“I want to thank Dr. Epper for her transformational leadership and service to Trinidad State College and the Colorado Community College System,” commended CCCS Chancellor Dr. Marielena DeSanctis. “Under her leadership, Trinidad State strengthened academic programs, expanded workforce pathways, and deepened its impact across Southern Colorado. As she begins her next chapter at Colorado State University Pueblo, we are grateful for her contributions and proud of the momentum she leaves behind. This presidential search is an opportunity to build on that foundation and engage the community in identifying a leader who will continue advancing student success, academic excellence, and strong regional partnerships.” 

The search will be guided by broad engagement with campus and community stakeholders to identify a visionary leader to continue TSC’s mission of advancing the Southern Colorado region through high-impact educational experiences and workforce training. CCCS is inviting feedback from Trinidad State College stakeholders and community members through a brief online survey and a series of virtual stakeholder conversations scheduled in January

Opportunities to Participate 

Faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to share their perspectives through the feedback survey link and to attend one of the upcoming virtual stakeholder conversations: 

• Open to All: Thursday, January 29, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

• Open to All: Friday, January 30, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Details and meeting links are available on the Trinidad State College Presidential Search webpage.

Timeline 

Recruitment efforts will begin immediately to develop a candidate pool for the search advisory committee to review, interview, and assess in early 2026. The strongest candidates in that pool will be invited to meet with a larger group of campus constituencies in late March or April. It is the Chancellor’s expectation to announce the next TSC President late April or early May

Search Advisory Committee 

CCCS Chancellor DeSanctis has appointed a search advisory committee to guide the selection process and make recommendations for a group of finalists to visit the Trinidad and Valley campuses and meet with a larger group of stakeholders. Selecting committee members is a thoughtful, deliberative process, and includes representatives from all aspects of the CCCS and TSC community – colleagues who will bring a variety of relevant professional, cultural and personal experiences to the table. 

Members of the search advisory committee include:  

Yvette Atencio                    Director of Human Resources, TSC 

Desi Maxwell                     Faculty, TSC

Linda Perry.                       Executive Assistant to President, TSC 

Mathilda Westerman         Student Services Specialist, TSC 

Lindsay Haras                   Student, TSC

Karl Gabrielson                 TSC Community Representative 

Dr. Landon Mascareñaz    SBCCOE Board Member

Dr. Kimberly Zant              President, Otero College

Dr. Sarah Heath                Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, CCCS

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