Pikes Peak State College Recognizes CCCS Chancellor Joe Garcia’s Legacy as He Announces Retirement 

Colorado Springs, CO – February 19, 2025 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) joins the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) in celebrating the remarkable career of Chancellor Joe Garcia, who has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025. Garcia has been a transformative leader in Colorado higher education, workforce development, and public service, shaping policies and programs that have expanded opportunities for students statewide. 

Garcia’s leadership journey began at Pikes Peak State College, where he served as President from 2001 to 2006. His commitment to increasing access to education, strengthening workforce partnerships, and supporting diverse student populations laid the foundation for PPSC’s continued success. He later led Colorado State University Pueblo, served as Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor, and became Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, advocating for college affordability and student success at the state level. 

PPSC President Dr. Lance Bolton praised Garcia’s impact, stating, “I think that he was one of, if not the greatest, educators in our state in terms of the impact of our institutions. He brought a passion for our schools to the legislature and created opportunities for our low-income students that previously had not been available to them.”  

Returning to CCCS as Chancellor in 2018, Garcia oversaw 13 colleges serving more than 124,000 students annually. His tenure brought landmark initiatives, including the Bridge to Bachelor’s program, guaranteeing seamless transfer pathways for community college students, and Colorado Online, a systemwide digital learning initiative expanding online access. He also played a pivotal role in hiring 11 of CCCS’s 13 current college presidents, shaping the next generation of leadership in Colorado’s community colleges. 

Reflecting on his career, Chancellor Garcia stated, “I started my higher education leadership career within CCCS, and it’s incredibly meaningful to conclude it here. Community colleges are the most powerful engines of economic opportunity, and I am proud to have spent my career ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can access the education and training they need to succeed.” 

To ensure a smooth transition, the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education intends to appoint Diane Duffy, CCCS Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Strategy Officer, as Interim Chancellor following Garcia’s retirement. A national search for CCCS’s next permanent chancellor will begin in the coming months.  

For more information on Chancellor Garcia’s retirement and CCCS leadership transition, visit CCCS.edu.