Last year, attendees heard from keynote speakers on fostering belonging among adult learners and designing pathways for “skill builders,” among many other topics. We sat down with Dr. Ayelet Zur-Nayberg, ���Ҵ�ý Director of Adult Student Success, to learn what participants can expect from this year’s summit.����

What is the goal of the Chancellor’s Summit, and what will attendees take away from it?����

The summit provides a forum for educators, administrators, and stakeholders to highlight successful strategies, innovative ideas, and lessons learned when working with adult student populations. That includes insights from all 13 ���Ҵ�ý colleges gained through their Lumina Foundation grants. Other goals include following:����

• Understanding Adult Learners: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and needs of adult students, who often balance work, family, and other commitments alongside education. The summit will address issues like accessibility, flexible learning models, and support services tailored for these learners.��
• Addressing Equity: One of the main focuses of the summit is closing equity gaps within higher education, particularly for adult learners of color. We will explore strategies for removing barriers and ensuring these students have the support needed to succeed.��
• Networking and Collaboration: The summit fosters connections between colleges, community organizations, and policymakers. This collaboration can lead to new partnerships, shared resources, and a more systemic approach to supporting adult learners.��
• Advancing Policy and Advocacy: We hope that the summit will spark discussions on policy changes needed to better serve adult learners. By raising awareness of their needs, we can advance efforts that improve funding, support systems, and legislation.��

I hope that attendees leave with actionable steps to refine their adult learner strategies and feel more equipped to empower these students.��

How does the Summit address the needs of adult learners from rural communities?����

Participants choose from presentations that are most relevant to their specific college environment. Additionally, sponsors will demonstrate how tools and strategies can be adapted to benefit adult learners in both rural and urban settings.����

Why is it important to focus on adult learners?��

Adult learners represent a critical part of Colorado’s workforce. With adult enrollment declining, and less than 42% of adult learners of color earning credentials, we must act. This Summit is about empowering community colleges and other higher education institutions to upskill this population, meet workforce needs, and carry out the mission of equitable educational access.��

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April 2, 2024 (Denver) — Joe Garcia, chancellor of the ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý), has announced Dr. Chato Hazelbaker as the next president of Pueblo Community College (PCC). A federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, PCC enrolls over 9,000 students annually across its three campuses.

Dr. Hazelbaker currently serves as the president of Northland Pioneer College (NPC) in northeastern Arizona and will begin his tenure on July 1, 2024. He will succeed president Dr. Patricia Erjavec, who will stay on to support the transition ahead of her planned retirement.

With more than 20 years in higher education, Dr. Hazelbaker brings holistic leadership experience serving at both two-year and four-year colleges. He has successfully increased enrollment and retention of students, developed in-demand workforce training programs, and forged strong partnerships with surrounding communities.

Upon accepting the position, Dr. Hazelbaker thanked Chancellor Garcia for the opportunity and expressed his excitement to lead PCC.

“I’m looking forward to building on the strong partnerships Pueblo Community College has developed and promoting economic development in Southern Colorado,” he said. “I also hope to continue the college’s focus on student success. When our students achieve their goals, the entire community benefits.”

Dr. Hazelbaker comes to PCC with a strong focus on equity and economic mobility. As president of NPC, a federally designated Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution, he established the college’s first formal group dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion that effectively strengthened partnerships with the surrounding tribal nations. He also secured a federal grant that directly supported Native and Indigenous learners and worked closely with local communities affected by coal plant closures to expand programming.

A collaborative, entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Hazelbaker spearheaded a college-wide strategic planning process and revamped NPC’s enrollment strategy, reversing a ten-year decline and boosting student retention by 7 percent. To meet industry needs, Dr. Hazelbaker also partnered with experts to launch in-demand programs in behavioral health, allied health, and energy and industrial technology and led accreditation of new bachelor’s degree programs.

Dr. Hazelbaker previously served as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing for Carroll College, a private four-year college located in Helena, Montana. There, he oversaw a 28 percent growth rate in first-time, first-year student enrollment and partnered with the local community college to improve higher education access across the region.

Dr. Hazelbaker graduated from the Aspen Institute’s prestigious and has served on many boards and commissions, including , Northeast Arizona’s Economic Development Engine, and the Governor’s Interagency and Community Broadband Advisory Council. He is excited to relocate to Pueblo with his wife and connect with the wider community.

“Pueblo Community College has a strong reputation, and I really enjoyed my time getting to know the community and the college,” Dr. Hazelbaker said. “The faculty, staff, and students that I met are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities. I’m honored to be invited to be a part of that.”

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About PCC

Founded in 1933, is a premier teaching institution focused on providing academic and service excellence, without discrimination, to help its students acquire the 21st-century skills needed to better their lives. An educational and technological leader, PCC fosters economic development and utilizes strong partnerships in the communities it serves through its Pueblo, Fremont, and Southwest campuses.

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About ���Ҵ�ý

The ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the ���Ҵ�ý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at www.cccs.edu.

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Chancellor Garcia has dedicated his decades-long career to advancing equitable outcomes in education and workforce development. His journey started at the University of Colorado Boulder, where Garcia became a student activist focused on supporting his Hispanic peers. These early experiences inspired his passion for educational equity, leading Chancellor Garcia to a career in law, and later, higher education leadership.

Photo of Joe Garcia (back row, left) and other campus group members when they were students.

Through various roles, you have demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing access and equity in higher education. Was there a defining moment or experience that catalyzed your journey?

Although I work in higher education today, I struggled to connect or believe I belonged in college. That changed when I joined a campus group dedicated to advancing Hispanic students. The experience inspired me to work harder, to go on to law school, and to dedicate my career to educational equity.

How��have experiences from your previous roles, particularly in the public sector, informed��how you approach and embed racial equity into your work��and��role as Chancellor?

As a public servant, I learned to listen to diverse groups and mobilize others around common goals. Those strategies have been key to leading our systemwide equity efforts, which require buy-in at all levels and functions. Being an unapologetic advocate for equity helps.

���Ҵ�ý is one system powered by 13 independently led colleges. As Chancellor, how does this factor into how you prioritize higher education initiatives for the entire system?

As an open-access system, equity is the cornerstone of our work. We teach about 40% of all undergraduate students of color enrolled in college in Colorado! Every college contributes, and all share our goal of equitably serving diverse learners. We rely on data, and we monitor our progress continuously.

���Ҵ�ý is the state’s largest provider of higher education and workforce training. Tell us more about how ���Ҵ�ý is supporting workforce development, and how these programs promote or center racial equity.

Across ���Ҵ�ý we offer thousands of career-connected programs—many of which are free for students—that align directly with high-wage, in-demand jobs. Our workforce development programs are focused on providing needed skills in critical industries and spur economic and social mobility.

Colorado Online is an enterprise-wide online learning model that’s the first of its kind in the nation. Can you tell us more about this model and how it supports student success and racial equity in the state?

Colorado Online combines virtual courses and programs from all 13 colleges with the goal of providing more options to students regardless of their location. This dramatically improves access and flexibility for all learners—many of whom are balancing school, work, and caregiving.

To do this work, we must continue learning and partnering with others. How do you educate yourself and who is informing your practice?

We are fortunate to have equity experts here at ���Ҵ�ý and at all our 13 colleges. Their commitment inspires me to keep pushing for progress. I also work closely with Complete College America and other equity-focused organizations like , the , and the .

We all have a vision of the future we want to live in. What is your freedom dream for higher education and what gives you hope for its future?

There has never been a shortage of talent, only a shortage of opportunity. We must work to ensure everyone can access affordable, high-quality education and training—and that starts with strong community colleges. I am heartened that more people are recognizing our value today.

The road to racial equity is long. How are you sustaining yourself? What practice would you recommend to other Equity Avengers?

With equity work, it’s important to find collaborators. I am blessed to be married to a strong Black woman academic who shares my values and commitment to students of color. I remind DEI leaders that we go farther together, and we can achieve our goals when we lean on each other.

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Nov. 30, 2023 (Denver) — Today, Joe Garcia, chancellor of the ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý), announced Dr. Landon Pirius as the tenth president of Red Rocks Community College (RRCC). Enrolling more than 10,000 students annually, RRCC is one of the largest colleges within ���Ҵ�ý and is home to two campuses in Lakewood and Arvada.

With 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Pirius has led impactful, statewide initiatives to advance student outcomes, promote equity and inclusion, and forge community and industry partnerships. He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs for ���Ҵ�ý and will succeed current president Dr. Michele Haney on March 18, 2024, following her planned retirement.

Dr. Pirius emerged as the successful candidate following an extensive nationwide search process. An advisory committee carefully reviewed applications from over 80 experienced applicants. The college also hosted campus visits and open forums that sought input from community members.

“Dr. Pirius has been behind some of the most transformative work we have undertaken at ���Ҵ�ý and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our colleges,” said Chancellor Garcia. “This experience, paired with his extensive background in student and academic affairs, will allow Dr. Pirius to make an immediate impact at RRCC and deliver a clear vision for its future.”

After accepting the position, Dr. Pirius expressed excitement for the opportunity and reiterated his commitment to Colorado students.

“Upon joining the ���Ҵ�ý, I quickly discovered that Red Rocks Community College is a special place with a welcoming community,” Dr. Pirius said. “From its strong academic offerings to its groundbreaking collaborations with industry and the community, RRCC has pioneered some of the most unique programs in the country. I am honored to continue my service as Red Rocks’ next president and look forward to providing leadership that inspires innovation, fosters inclusiveness and trust, and empowers students and employees to thrive.”

At ���Ҵ�ý, Dr. Pirius has overseen several systemwide initiatives to expand access to education and training. He has spearheaded the implementation of Colorado Online, a next-generation online learning model that allows students to take asynchronous courses and programs from all 13 ���Ҵ�ý colleges. He also supported work to establish the Rural College Consortium, which streamlines courses and services across several rural institutions to provide joint synchronous programs and received an $8.6 million investment from the General Assembly.

Working closely with faculty, Dr. Pirius led the transformation of developmental education by deploying a co-requisite model systemwide. Today, just 3 percent of ���Ҵ�ý students enroll in traditional development education courses—down from 15 percent—and pass rates have improved for gateway English and math courses. The shift has also narrowed academic success gaps among white students and students of color.

Beyond these efforts, Dr. Pirius played a critical role in expanding workforce development programs in Colorado. In recent years, his strategic planning played a critical role in securing more than $100 million in federal, state, and philanthropic funding to build stackable education pathways in high-need sectors, including health care, behavioral health, and renewable energy. Dr. Pirius’s leadership also paved the way for the state’s zero-cost training programs for community and technical colleges, Care Forward Colorado and Career Advance Colorado, that have already trained more than 5,000 students for in-demand jobs.

Prior to joining ���Ҵ�ý, Dr. Pirius served as the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs for in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. There, he administered a multimillion-dollar budget and led strategic planning for the college’s academic offerings. He also built relationships with K-12 school districts that boosted participation in the college’s dual enrollment program and established an on-campus transfer center with six universities.

Dr. Pirius graduated from the prestigious and has served on many boards and commissions, including the Colorado Commission of Higher Education and the WICHE Alliance Executive Committee. He is eager to bring this state and national expertise back to a college campus, where he began his career in higher education.

“I believe that people and institutions are stronger when we build on our collective success,” Dr. Pirius said. “RRCC’s distinguished 50-year history and nationally known reputation reflect the positive impact of visionary, dedicated, and resourceful faculty, staff, students, and partners. I am eager to join this exceptional community and will be dedicated to further bolstering its thriving campus culture and future where all graduates have pathways to prosperity and a vibrant learning environment.”

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About Red Rocks Community College��

Since 1969, (RRCC) has supported students in meeting ambitious career and education goals in an exciting, collaborative environment with multiple pathways to success. We deliver career enhancing courses, certificate programs, and degrees that invest in each student’s personal and professional development. Learn more at .����

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About ���Ҵ�ý��

The (���Ҵ�ý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 113,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35+ locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at .����

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More than any other higher education system in Colorado, we are powered by veteran talent. About 4% of instructors, faculty, and staff across the ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý) have served in some capacity, and nearly 10,000 of our students are connected to the military.

Veterans Day is about more than honoring the past, however—it’s about celebrating our future. We know veteran employees bring outstanding experience that make organizations stronger and smarter. It’s why we are leaders in providing college credit for military training, and why we are so proud to employ veterans across our System Office.

Jordan, CarrieAnn, and Brian bring diverse and essential skills to our organization. I encourage you to read, in their own words, how their service prepared them to lead in their roles today. And to all our veteran employees, thank you for serving our country and our state. We are indebted to your dedication and sacrifice.

Sincerely,����

Joe Garcia,�����Ҵ�ý Chancellor

Jordan Whittington

CTE Program Director of Health Science and Public Safety

Branch: S. Army

Role: Sergeant (E5) and Combat Medic (68W)

Years Served: 4

About Jordan: “Through my military service stateside and on combat deployment, I learned what it meant to put the people you lead first and to know their individual needs to help them grow. This people-first mentality ensures that your team will do everything they can to complete a given task no matter how big or small it is. I continue this mentality in my current role as the Program Director of Health Science and Public Safety CTE here at ���Ҵ�ý. We work to ensure that every stakeholder knows that we hear their needs and that we will accomplish our common goals.”

CarrieAnn Mathis

CTE Program Director for Engineering, Technology, and Media Arts (ETMA)

Branch: S. Army, Signal Corps

Role: Captain

Years Served: 7

About CarrieAnn: “As a telecommunications officer in the Army, I learned how to lead a team of like-minded individuals to accomplish goals and missions in a high-paced environment. This platoon and company of soldiers transitioned into a classroom of students, where I continued to teach and show real-world examples of technology applications. My role as CTE Program Director for Engineering, Technology and Media Arts at ���Ҵ�ý has allowed this authentic learning for students to continue at a state level in CTE Programs with our new ETMA initiatives.”

Brian Silver

Lead Cyber Security Analyst

Branch: S. Army and Army Reserve

Role: Signals Intelligence Analyst with the 18th Airborne Corps

Years Served: 9

About Brian: “My time in the Army taught me that leadership is an art, not a formula. The members of your team are skilled and know how to do their job. The art of leadership is knowing when to stay out of their way and when to provide the motivation, focus, or support.”

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Finalists to participate in public forums November 14-16

Nov. 6, 2023 (Denver, CO) – Today, Joe Garcia, chancellor of the ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý), announced three finalists in the Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) presidential search. The successful candidate will replace outgoing RRCC president Dr. Michele Haney, who is retiring in December after more than 15 years at the college.

The finalists are:

• Morgan Phillips, Vice Chancellor for Academic Excellence, Pima Community College
• Landon Pirius, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, ���Ҵ�ý
• Rebecca Woulfe, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Front Range Community College

Bios for each finalist are available on RRCC’s website at the following link: .

The finalists were selected following a national search and comprehensive review process conducted by Christina Cecil, ���Ҵ�ý Chief Human Resources Officer. A nine-member search advisory committee, comprised of college and community representatives, dedicated significant time and energy to review a pool of over 80 candidates from across the country and identified the best candidates to move forward to the final round of search process.

Community Forum Schedule

Finalists will visit RRCC on November 14 – 16 and participate in numerous engagements, including public forums, to allow campus employees, students, and community members to learn about each candidates’ experiences and interest in the position. Community members may submit forum questions . The forums will be held virtually and in-person on during the following dates and times.

Community Feedback

Community feedback will continue to be instrumental in the selection process. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to complete surveys for each candidate. Chancellor Garcia will review all the survey results before making his final decision.

For more information about the search, please visit RRCC’s website: .

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About Red Rocks Community College

Since 1969, Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) has supported students in meeting ambitious career and education goals in an exciting, collaborative environment with multiple pathways to success. We deliver career enhancing courses, certificate programs, and degrees that invest in each student’s personal and professional development. Learn more at .

About the ���Ҵ�ý��

The ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35+ locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy and support to the colleges under the direction of the ���Ҵ�ý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at .����

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I can hardly believe this is my sixth State of the System address. We have been through a lot over those years, and I truly believe we have become stronger through the adversity we’ve faced and the challenges we’ve overcome.

At every turn, we have demonstrated outstanding collaboration, an unwavering commitment to students, and a willingness to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. And we have never lost sight of our mission: to provide affordable, accessible, and responsive education and training for all.

Our strength has always come from working as one system powered by 13 independently led colleges serving diverse communities with different workforce needs. So, as we start another successful school year, let’s talk about where we are now—and where we are headed together.

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Below is a summary of the Chancellor’s message. To hear his full remarks, please watch the video above.

Continuing Our Recovery

I am heartened that many students are coming back to campus, and we can do even more to fuel future growth. We know we cannot effectively recruit or serve non-traditional students if we try to do it in traditional ways. To truly meet students where they are, we must embrace new models, adapt our approaches, and question long-held practices.

Supporting Workforce Development

I am proud that ���Ҵ�ý remains the partner of choice for workforce development. Through the Care Forward Colorado program, our colleges have trained thousands of Coloradans for entry-level healthcare positions—and we are expanding this zero-cost model with Career Advance Colorado. This is an incredible testament to our career-connected approach, and we are grateful to Governor Polis and the General Assembly for entrusting us with this investment.

Harnessing the Power of 13

Colorado Online, our new online education model, takes a first-in-nation consortial approach to dramatically improve access to high-quality, online education, and will put the primary responsibility for instruction back on the colleges. We have also spent $8 million in state funding to stand up the Rural College Consortium, which will link rural colleges’ programs, services, and backend process. Not only will these projects make colleges more efficient and sustainable—they will expand options for students.

Improving the Employee Experience

We are working hard to improve the employee experience. This year, look for more professional development opportunities coming from the System Office. We are also co-designing a new shared governance model with faculty, instructors, and staff that encourages robust dialogue around key issues.

Committing to Inclusive Excellence

Finally, I want to reiterate that equity and inclusion remain a cornerstone of our open access mission—especially when that mission is under attack. Equity and inclusion can’t be standalone initiatives or projects: they must be an integral part of everything we do in our classrooms, our colleges, and or communities.

Thank You for Choosing ���Ҵ�ý

Thank you for lending your talents to ���Ҵ�ý. As we forge ahead, let’s continue to lean on one another and to treat each other with grace, collegiality, and respect, and commit to the Power of 13. When we come together, we truly transform the way Colorado goes to college.

Sincerely,

Joe Garcia
Chancellor, ���Ҵ�ý

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With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Zant is a proven leader in advancing student outcomes, building strong and sustainable institutions, and forging innovative partnerships with community and industry. She will succeed current president Dr. Tim Alvarez following his planned retirement this summer.����

Dr. Zant emerged as the best candidate through an extensive nationwide search. A nine-member advisory committee carefully screened dozens of experienced applicants and conducted open forums that sought input from community members.����

“Dr. Zant will be a transformational leader for Otero College and the wider Arkansas Valley region,” said Chancellor Garcia. “Not only is she dedicated to our open access mission—she has seen firsthand how rural colleges can transform and revitalize entire communities. Her background in business and teaching, coupled with her experience in academic and student affairs, make her the right person to take Otero into the future.”����

After accepting the position, Dr. Zant told Chancellor Garcia she is excited and grateful for the opportunity.����

“Growing up in West Texas, I come from a farming and ranching community and deeply believe in the transformative power of rural colleges,” Dr. Zant said. “I am also a former business owner and keenly aware of the challenges facing industry leaders, especially in remote areas. Working together, we can ensure Otero College honors the traditions of the region while becoming more flexible, adaptable, and resilient in meeting local workforce needs. Thank you to Chancellor Garcia, Otero College, and the La Junta community for placing your trust in me.” ��

Throughout her career, Dr. Zant has excelled at forging collaborative relationships within and outside the college. In her current role as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cloud County Community College, located in Concordia, Kansas, Dr. Zant aligned curriculum to industry needs and partnered with K-12 schools to expand dual enrollment programs.����

Dr. Zant also specializes in managing institutional finances and resources. In recent years, she secured state and philanthropic funding that supported new capital construction. She led the development and implementation of a comprehensive enrollment management plan that resulted in an 11% growth rate between 2021 and 2022. In 2023, her current��college was ranked among the top 25 community colleges by the Aspen Institute.

Prior to joining Cloud County, Dr. Zant served in workforce development roles with the Grossmont/Cuyamaca Community College District in El Cajon, California. There, she mapped career-connected education and training pathways and led the allocation of $14.5 million dollars in workforce funding.����

Dr. Zant and her family will relocate to La Junta in the coming months and are eager to join Rattler Nation.����

“I entered the higher education field 18 years ago so I could support others in becoming the best versions of themselves,” Dr. Zant said. “That is exactly the mission of Otero College, and I look forward to building upon its successful history as its next president.”����

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About Otero College������

Founded in 1941, Otero College is located on a 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. Otero is an accredited Hispanic Serving Institution that provides cutting-edge education that offers various two-year degrees, transfer degrees in preparation for four-year bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready certificates.����

About ���Ҵ�ý��

The ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 113,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35+ locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at .����

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April 17, 2023 (Denver, CO) – Joe Garcia, Chancellor of the ���Ҵ�ý (���Ҵ�ý), announced two finalists in the Otero College presidential search today.����

The finalists are:��

• Dr. Deborah Casey, Vice President of Student Affairs at Green River College��
• Dr. Kimberly Zant, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cloud County Community College��

A search advisory committee comprised of college and community representatives screened and interviewed applicants and identified the best candidates to lead Otero College. One finalist will be selected to succeed President Tim Alvarez, who announced plans to retire from the position in August. ��

Otero will host public forums with each presidential finalist so constituents can learn about the candidates’ experience, leadership style, and philosophies on a variety of issues. The forums will be held in Otero’s Banquet Hall on the following dates and times: ����

Biographies and surveys for each finalist, as well as information for upcoming forums, will be available on Otero’s website.��

Community feedback is instrumental to the selection process. Survey results will be reviewed by Chancellor Garcia prior to his decision.������

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About Otero College��

Founded in 1941, Otero College is located on a 40-acre campus on the southern edge of La Junta, Colorado. Otero is an accredited Hispanic Serving Institution��that provides cutting-edge education that offers various two-year degrees, transfer degrees in preparation for four-year bachelor degree programs, and workforce-ready certificates. ����

About ���Ҵ�ý��

(���Ҵ�ý) is the state’s largest system of higher education, delivering more than 1,000 programs to over 115,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 35 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the ���Ҵ�ý for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college. Learn more at ����

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The Colorado Business Roundtable engages with elected leaders, business and non-profit leaders, and other strategic allies to improve the business climate in our state.

On this episode, Chancellor Garcia talks about ���Ҵ�ý’s open-access mission, how community colleges adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways we are meeting the evolving needs of the business community.

Listen below.

Listen on .

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