News Release

All Campuses

Appointment of New President for Cerro Coso Community College, Dr. Mary E. Retterer

June 5, 2007

Kern Community College District, Chancellor Sandra Serrano was pleased to announce today the appointment of Dr. Mary E. Retterer as the President of Cerro Coso Community College. The Kern Community College District Board of Trustees will ratify the hiring at the June 14 Board meeting. "Dr. Retterer is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in community colleges, including colleges with centers in rural areas. Mary's prior experiences with the California Community College System, and in particular at Cerro Coso College this past year, are valuable and provide a foundation from which she will lead the college in a strategic direction to meet the needs of the college's diverse service area. " stated Chancellor Serrano.

Dr. Retterer, currently the interim President since June 2006, is the seventh president in Cerro Coso Community College's 35-year history, will take office on July 1.

The Board of Trustees is confident that Dr. Retterer will continue to provide leadership to promote the success of Cerro Coso Community College, its students and the communities it serves. She has comprehensive experience as a faculty member and an administrator. "Dr. Retterer has been effective in building relationships throughout the College, as well as between the college and the communities in east Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties. We look forward to seeing improved college programs and services that support student success and community development," stated Mrs. Kay Meek, President of the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees.

Dr. Retterer's 26 years in education includes 3 years of administrative service to California Community Colleges. Prior to assuming the interim assignment at Cerro Coso Community College, she served as the Superintendent/President of Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District, from June 2004 to June 2006. She was President of Pima Community College's East Campus, in Tucson, Arizona, from August 1998 to June 2004.

She began her administrative career in a variety of positions that were part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, including President of Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchison. She also served as Interim Regional President, Arrowhead Community College Region, and Interim President Minneapolis Community College; as well as Dean at the Rainy River Community College in International Falls.

Retterer began her educational career teaching at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in 1980. She taught business and accounting in the San Bernardino Community College District from 1981 to 1993. She also taught at the University of Texas at Austin in 1992.

A former community college student, Retterer earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Crafton Hills College, California. She transferred to California State University, San Bernardino, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration, with a concentration in accounting; and a Master of Business Administration Degree, with a concentration in accounting. She earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Administration, Community College Leadership Program from The University of Texas at Austin.

"Cerro Coso is a diamond in the desert! I am very proud of this college and the people within it and I look forward to an exciting future," stated Dr. Mary E. Retterer, President of Cerro Coso Community College. "There is tremendous creativity within this college and now is the time to continue to harness that creativity and turn it into growth and improved service to all of our communities," continued Retterer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230