SAN MARCOS — Palomar College Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey is departing the community college after more than four years of leadership to take a management role in the Riverside Community College District.
Rivera-Lacey will be joining Riverside Community College as its first Deputy Chancellor/Provost, where she will oversee all district operations and act as the chancellor in their absence. Her last day at Palomar will be Nov. 30, she said in a statement to Palomar employees on Tuesday.
“I want to thank each of you for your unwavering dedication, collaboration, and care for our students and for one another. It is my deepest hope that Palomar College continues to shine as a model of excellence, innovation, and equity, remaining steadfast in its mission to empower students and transform lives,” Rivera-Lacey said in her statement.
The Palomar College Board of Trustees will begin the process of selecting a new superintendent/president in the coming weeks.
“We are grateful to Dr. Rivera-Lacey for her dedicated service to Palomar College for the past 4.5 years and wish her well in her next endeavor at the Riverside Community College District,” said Palomar spokesperson Julie Lanthier Bandy.
Rivera-Lacey has emphasized the importance of promoting equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility during her tenure at Palomar, helping to define the college’s reputation as a leader in these areas.
Under her leadership, the college established the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Antiracism, as well as the position of Chief Diversity Officer.
In her email to faculty, she highlighted various accomplishments over the past four years related to these values, including: supporting students impacted by the justice system through the Rising Scholars Program; expanding basic needs and mental health resources; establishing the Cariño Dream Village; expanding spaces for Umoja and the Pride Center; launching a planning initiative for a program to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students.
“Students, please, please, always remember, this is your home. Your voice matters, your education matters, and the whole reason we exist? It’s for you, and the betterment of your future, and the generations to come,” Rivera-Lacey said, speaking through emotion at the Governing Board’s Nov. 5 meeting.
Several staff members, students, and college leaders expressed their appreciation for Rivera-Lacey, noting her commitment to supporting all students.
“Today, I find myself holding two very strong emotions. I was really happy for Dr. Rivera-Lacey … Riverside Community College is incredibly lucky to have her. At the same time, it’s a deep sadness for us, because we’re losing an exceptional leader,” said Trustee Robert Rodriguez.
Associated Student Government (ASG) President Yaretzi Hernandez said seeing Rivera-Lacey as the college’s first Latina president inspired her also to pursue leadership roles on campus.
“Dr. Starr, on behalf of the Associated Student Government, and as the voice of the students, your leadership has had a lasting impact on the student body. Your consistent compassion and support for the student voice have shaped the Palomar culture and environment,” Hernandez said.
Rivera-Lacey’s resignation announcement comes at a time of turmoil for Palomar, after the Board of Trustees’ controversial decision on Oct. 14 to roll back its anti-racism board policy in response to alleged legal concerns.
The decision, made by a board majority in a 3-2 vote, was heavily criticized by students and staff as a step backwards for the college.
Following that decision, several faculty members also expressed frustration with Rivera-Lacey for her silence during the meeting and for not speaking out more strongly in support of the policy, as reported by The Telescope, a student news publication at Palomar.
By that time, Rivera-Lacey was already a finalist for the Deputy Chancellor/Provost position at Riverside.
Trustee Judy Patacsil, who voted against removing the anti-racism policy along with Rodriguez, said she knows Rivera-Lacey supports the spirit of the policy.
“Though she could not speak up at the last board meeting for various reasons, I know her heart is in the work of the board policy of anti-racism,” Patacsil said.
While the college has not announced a timeline for hiring a new Superintendent/President, student leaders hope the board will find someone who continues Rivera-Lacey’s focus on equity.
“As we prepare for the next chapter of leadership, I want to acknowledge the significance of the decision that lies before the governing board in selecting our next president … We ask that the hiring process continues to center around the values that make Palomar strong, inclusive, and a true commitment to student success, equity, and achievement,” Hernandez said.
