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Presidential Search
Presidential Search
Two Finalists Announced for President of the Community College of Denver
CCCS Chancellor DeSanctis has announced two finalists in the running for president of the Community College of Denver. The presidential finalists will meet with the CCD community March 16 and 18, 2026. CCD faculty, staff, students and interested community members are invited to meet the finalists during scheduled town halls.
The town halls provide an opportunity to ask questions of the finalists and get to know more about them and their interest in CCD.
Dr. Jesse L. Mason
Dr. Jesse L. Mason is a distinguished higher-education executive with more than twenty years of experience advancing student success, strengthening cultures of belonging, and enhancing the educational and economic vitality of communities. A first-generation high school and college graduate, he has devoted his career to expanding transformative learning opportunities that improve lives and broaden pathways to economic mobility.
Dr. Mason currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Office. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for systemwide initiatives in academic innovation, transfer and academic pathways, accreditation, and student-centered teaching and learning. His work emphasizes academic quality, equitable outcomes, and collaborative approaches to institutional effectiveness across the state’s colleges and universities.
His previous leadership experience includes serving as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at North Hennepin Community College, Academic Dean at Century College, and Department Chair at Clark Atlanta University. Across these roles, Dr. Mason has guided mission-critical work in academic planning, student development, faculty engagement, and organizational transformation.
Recognized as both a scholar and a community advocate, Dr. Mason has contributed to numerous local, state, and national boards, advisory groups, and cross-sector initiatives focused on reducing educational and health disparities and expanding opportunities for underserved communities.
Dr. Mason holds a Ph.D. in Psychology (Cognitive and Biological Sciences) from the University of Minnesota and a B.S. in Psychology from Morris Brown College.
Dr. Bishane Whitmore
Dr. Bishane Whitmore is a mission-driven executive leader committed to advancing student success, workforce development, and community prosperity through inclusive leadership and disciplined strategy. A senior United States Air Force officer and scholar-practitioner, he brings more than two decades of experience leading complex military organizations whose missions parallel public higher education: talent development, fiscal stewardship, governance, innovation, and civic partnership.
He began his military career in 2001, when he enlisted as a Medical Laboratory Technician and rose to his current role as Deputy Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. There, he assists in leading 2,200 Airmen across multiple operational units, overseeing a $70 million annual budget and $3.8 billion in infrastructure, and invigorating over $198 million in local economic impact.
In this capacity, he integrates strategy, personnel policy, infrastructure planning, and public accountability. He has chaired senior governance boards responsible for budget prioritization, workforce development, morale and welfare funding, and institutional policy alignment. He has also partnered with local government entities and universities to advance STEM-focused educational collaborations and cooperative research agreements.
Dr. Whitmore understands firsthand the transformative power of the community college system, as his three associate degrees opened the door for further educational pursuits. His academic credentials also include a Bachelor of Arts, four master’s degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy. His distinctions include designation as an Art of War Scholar from the Army’s Command and General Staff College, four times Distinguished Graduate from various military schools, selection as a Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award winner, and a Distinguished Flying Cross recipient for saving coalition lives during combat operations.
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend town halls in person to engage with the finalists.
Stakeholder feedback from the campus visit is an important aspect of the selection process for the next President. All are invited to provide their feedback for each of the finalists. Links to feedback surveys for each finalist are included with their bio. Survey responses will be made available to the CCCS Chancellor to assist with final selection. The surveys will close for feedback on Thursday, March 19 at 10:00 AM.
Town halls will not be recorded.
Dr. Jesse L. Mason
Monday, March 16, 2026
4:00 – 4:45 PM, Clear Creek Atrium
Dr. Bishane Whitmore
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
4:00 – 4:45 PM, Clear Creek Atrium
FAQ's
The State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (Board) has delegated to the CCCS Chancellor the personnel authority to manage the selection and employment of the College Presidents. The Chancellor will make the final selection of the next CCD President in consideration of the feedback gathered throughout the selection process.
The search advisory committee has been charged with assisting in the development of the position profile. They will consider potential candidates and review applications against the Chancellor approved position profile. The search advisory committee will conduct initial interviews with semi-finalist candidates and make recommendations of a group of finalists for the Chancellor’s consideration.
The position profile is developed with the search advisory committee and consultant and inclusive of feedback obtained in stakeholder conversations and the CCD President feedback survey. The final position profile is approved by the Chancellor.
The search advisory committee will work to recommend an initial group of semi-finalist candidates for interview. Following initial interviews, the search advisory committee will provide recommendations to the Chancellor of a group of finalist candidates. The finalists identified by the Chancellor will be invited to the CCD campus for further stakeholder engagements.
The names of candidates will only be known by the search firm, search advisory committee, and Chancellor until finalists have been identified. Finalists’ information will be made public prior to their visit to campus.
The CCD community is invited to participate in available stakeholder conversations in November or complete the CCD President feedback survey. The feedback will be used to shape the CCD President position profile. Once the Chancellor has announced finalists for the position, the CCD community will be invited to meet with the finalists in a series of campus forums. Opportunities to provide feedback on the finalists will be made available and the feedback will be shared with the Chancellor.