SAN MARCOS, CA (December 17, 2025) – On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Palomar College Governing Board unanimously selected Dr. Tina Recalde to lead the district as Interim Superintendent/President.  Dr. Recalde had been serving as the Acting Superintendent/President since December 1, when Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, took on a new position as Deputy Chancellor/Provost at the Riverside Community College District. 

Dr. Recalde joined Palomar College as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction in January 2023.  She brings over 27 years of experience working in the California Community Colleges, including an early start as a student worker, and eventually becoming a faculty member and administrator.  During the last academic year at Palomar College, Dr. Recalde led a team of faculty, staff, and administrators in developing and ultimately receiving approval for the college’s first-ever baccalaureate degree program.  The Building Performance and Environmental Design degree is currently accepting applications, and the program will launch in Fall 2026.

“I am honored by the Governing Board’s decision and appreciate the opportunity to lead our faculty, staff, and administrators as we continue our collegewide commitment to increasing enrollment and positively impacting our students as they pursue their educational and career goals,” said Dr. Recalde.

The Governing Board also elected its 2026 officers during the meeting. Dr. Holly Hamilton-Bleakley, who represents trustee Area 4, was elected as the new Board President.  Area 2 Trustee Yvette Marie Acosta will serve as the Board Vice President and Trustee Dr. Judy Patacsil of Area 1 was elected as Board Secretary.  Dr. Recalde was appointed Secretary to the Board.

The Governing Board also voted to continue its current meeting schedule on the second Tuesday of every month: closed session at 4:15 p.m. followed by open session at 5:15 p.m.