Dr. Marielena DeSanctis has been appointed Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, becoming the first Latina to lead the state’s largest provider of higher education and workforce training. Currently President of the Community College of Denver, she will begin her new role on October 1, 2025, with a focus on advancing the System’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

The Community College of Denver has been selected as the only Colorado institution to join the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity Network, a national initiative helping community colleges connect students to meaningful careers or smooth transfers. Over the next three years, CCD will strengthen advising, expand access, and align programs with high-demand jobs, furthering its role as a leader in student success and workforce development.