Dr. Rivera-Lacey joins National Community College Hispanic Council Board

SAN MARCOS – Palomar College's Superintendent/President, Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, joined the Board of Directors of the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) during an installation ceremony Friday, Sept. 16 in Denver.

The council, which prepares Hispanic leaders for community and technical colleges across the U.S., invited Rivera-Lacey to join its board following a previous NCCHC fellowship and a successful first year at the helm of Palomar College.

"I am deeply honored to have been invited onto the NCCHC board, which has done so much to advance the cause of increasing Hispanic leadership throughout the country," she said. "I hope to be able to give back to this organization that helped me prepare to lead such an incredible institution, and I hope to see many more strong and visionary leaders make an impact in the years to come."

Rivera-Lacey participated in the NCCHC as a Fellow in 2018, an experience that helped prepare for her tenure as superintendent/president at Palomar: "It was very helpful for me to recognize some of the challenges that presidents encounter, and to explore successful leadership models," she recalled.

She also spent time at the Aspen Institute, where she received further training, mentorship and networking opportunities with leaders nationwide.

Since its founding in 1985, NCCHC has provided mentorship and professional development opportunities, including an annual Leadership Symposium and a Leadership Fellows Program. It is affiliated with the American Association of Community Colleges.

"As a student, community college was extremely important to me-the support I received set the foundation for going on to earn my doctorate degree. I will always believe in the power of the community college system to improve individuals lives and communities," said Rivera-Lacey.

From the NCCHC website: "Our charge has never been more important than it is today. As college leaders across the nation, we need to prepare to meet the dynamic needs of the expanding Hispanic population and create clear pathways to completion," writes NCCHC Board President Dr. Jose Fierro of Cerritos College in Norwalk. "This organization is dedicated to delivering high-quality leadership development opportunities so that our members have the skills and experience necessary to lead this important work."

Submitted by Palomar College.