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 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 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.”