SAN MARCOS, CA — The Palomar Community College District (PCCD) will be led by Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, who is returning to Palomar as Superintendent/President with a distinguished record of higher education leadership in the region.

Dr. Rivera-Lacey previously served as Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at Palomar and is currently serving as the Vice President of Student Services at the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), the noncredit division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD).

The Governing Board announced Dr. Rivera-Lacey’s appointment during a special meeting on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, following a lengthy national search and recruitment process.

“We believe Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey is the ideal leader to move our District forward,” said Governing Board President Brian Olson. “There are many challenges now and ahead for the Palomar Community College District, and with Dr. Rivera-Lacey’s experience, we will be successful in overcoming them. We were very pleased with the results of the national search and the community forums held to identify the newest Superintendent/President, and we look forward to working with Dr. Rivera-Lacey.”

As Superintendent/President, Dr. Rivera-Lacey will oversee a community college district encompassing 2,555 square miles in North San Diego County and an annual budget of nearly $582 million. She will lead the District’s strategic planning process and initiatives for the District’s short- and long-term fiscal stability. Palomar College serves over 25,000 students, offers more than 150 degrees and certificates, and operates education centers in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Fallbrook.

“I am honored to be joining the exceptional Palomar College community. Palomar’s rich history of providing extraordinary educational opportunities over the past 75 years is impressive, to say the least, and I am excited to further this work and positively contribute to Palomar’s legacy,” said Dr. Rivera-Lacey. “I am wholeheartedly committed to fostering an institutional environment that supports the educational dreams of students who come through our doors in search of a better tomorrow.”