Community College of Denver (CCD) community received momentous news on July 22, 2025, as the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education publicly announced that President Dr. Marielena DeSanctis has been named the sole finalist for the position of Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS).

This announcement marks the beginning of a formal 14-day announcement period before any final decision is made, representing a significant milestone not only for Dr. DeSanctis, but for the entire CCD community.

A Message of Gratitude and Vision

In a heartfelt message to the CCD community, Dr. DeSanctis expressed deep honor at this extraordinary opportunity to transform even more lives across Colorado while reflecting on the remarkable journey shared with the CCD faculty, staff, and students.

"Since arriving at CCD in 2021, I have been inspired every single day by your unwavering commitment to our students, our mission, and to one another," the president imparted with faculty, staff, and students. "Together, we have grown enrollment, launched innovative academic and workforce programs, expanded holistic student support, strengthened our partnerships, and amplified our college's role as a powerful force for opportunity and economic mobility in Denver."

Transformational Leadership at CCD

Under the presidential leadership of Dr. DeSanctis since 2021, CCD has experienced unprecedented growth and innovation:

• Enrollment Growth: The college has successfully reversed declining enrollment trends affecting many institutions nationwide.
• Program Innovation: New academic and workforce programs have been launched to meet evolving industry demands.
• Student Support Expansion: Holistic support services have been enhanced to address the comprehensive needs of students.
• Partnership Development: Strategic community and industry partnerships have been strengthened.
• Economic Impact: CCD's role as a catalyst for opportunity and economic mobility in Denver has been significantly amplified.

Commitment to CCD's Continued Success

Should the appointment be confirmed, President DeSanctis emphasized an unwavering commitment to CCD's future success. "While I may be stepping away from day-to-day leadership of CCD, I will never step away from CCD's future," the president stated. "As Chancellor, I will continue to champion CCD's success as part of my broader responsibility to all 13 colleges in the CCCS system."

The president has outlined a thoughtful approach to leadership transition, should the appointment be confirmed in the coming weeks. An interim president will be appointed, and a comprehensive search will be launched to identify CCD's next permanent leader. This process is designed to ensure continuity of the college's upward trajectory while honoring the significant progress made in recent years.

This commitment ensures that the momentum and progress achieved at CCD will not only be maintained but will serve as a model for excellence across the entire Colorado Community College System.

Looking Forward

As the CCD community awaits the final decision in the coming weeks, there is a palpable sense of pride in the recognition this appointment represents. The nomination reflects not only exceptional individual leadership but also the collective achievements of the entire CCD family – faculty, staff, students, and community partners who have contributed to the college's remarkable transformation under Dr. DeSanctis’s leadership.

The potential elevation of Community College of Denver’s president to lead the entire Colorado Community College System represents an unprecedented opportunity to scale the innovative approaches and student-centered philosophy that have made CCD a standout institution.

To read more about Dr. DeSanctis and this historic opportunity for CCD’s president to become the first Latina Chancellor in CCCS history, visit cccs.edu.