RCCD Appoints Star Rivera-Lacey, Ph.D., as Deputy Chancellor and Provost
11/05/2025
The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) has announced the appointment of Star Rivera-Lacey, Ph.D., as its new Deputy Chancellor and Provost. She comes to Riverside with more than 25 years of leadership and service in California’s community college system, most recently serving as the superintendent/president of Palomar Community College District.
Rivera-Lacey has led major gains in fiscal stability, instructional innovation, and student success. Her initiatives have championed guided pathways, strengthened workforce-aligned programs, and integrated diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into every level of institutional planning and decision-making.
“Star Rivera-Lacey is an exceptional and visionary leader whose commitment to student success and educational equity aligns perfectly with RCCD’s mission and values,” said Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D. “Her experience and passion for serving diverse communities will help us further elevate academic excellence and student achievement across the district.”
A first-generation college graduate and proud daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, Rivera-Lacey began her higher education journey at MiraCosta College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, San Marcos, a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in multicultural competent counseling from San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University.
Rivera-Lacey is widely recognized as a thought leader in higher education. She is a UC Davis Wheelhouse Fellow, an Aspen Rising Presidential Fellow, and president-elect of the National Community College Hispanic Council. In 2025, she was named Woman of the Year by California State Assembly District 76 for her transformative contributions to education and community advancement.
Outside of her professional life, Rivera-Lacey is an avid photographer and runner and holds a second-degree black belt in Yamashita Shorin Ryu karate — a reflection of her lifelong commitment to discipline, focus, and personal growth.
She will begin serving as the Deputy Chancellor and Provost at RCCD on December 1, 2025.
About Riverside Community College District
The Riverside Community College District serves approximately 60,000 students annually through its three colleges — Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College. RCCD is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education and training that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications