Marielena DeSanctis has been named the next chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. Upon assuming her new role on October 1, she will become the system’s first Latina chancellor.
With over 35 locations throughout the state, the Colorado Community College System enrolls over 124,000 students across its 13 colleges.
Dr. DeSanctis has over 26 years of experience in K-12 education, academia, and workforce development. Most recently, she has been serving as president of the Community College of Denver. In this role, she secured over $111 million in gifts and grants, as well as more than $40 million in state capital funding. She also oversaw significant increases in enrollment, retention, and student success rates and expanded the college’s academic offerings.
Earlier, Dr. DeSanctis was provost and senior vice president of academic affairs and student services at Broward College in Florida, where she worked for seven years. Earlier, she spent over a decade with the School Board of Broward County, holding both teaching and administrative positions.
“I’m deeply honored to serve as chancellor of the Colorado Community College System,” said Dr. DeSanctis. “Colorado’s community colleges are essential to the state’s economic vitality and educational promise, and I am excited to partner with our institutions, communities, and industry leaders to advance our bold 2030 Strategic Plan. Together, we will expand access, accelerate economic mobility, and position CCCS as the first and best choice for every Coloradan seeking a better life.”
Dr. DeSanctis holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in math education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University.