San Diego Mesa College President Pamela Luster, right, has announced that she will retire in June 2022.
Mesa College President Dr. Pamela Luster announces retirement
September 21, 2021 |
Dr. Pamela T. Luster has announced that on June 30, 2022 she will retire from San Diego Mesa College, where she has served as president since 2011.
Under her leadership, Mesa has successfully launched equity programs, a Bachelors degree, the addition of multiple academic programs, won multiple athletics titles, integrated Guided Pathways, issued Mesa2030, the College Educational and Facilities Master Plan, and successfully completed the Accreditation process multiple times.
In her Retirement and Appreciation letter, Dr. Luster states, “It has been the absolute professional pinnacle and joy of my life to serve as President.”
Dr. Luster has been active in creating collaborative and progressive initiatives alongside stellar teams at the college with local high schools, universities, and community partners to create inclusive, diverse, and equitable opportunities for students.
In her letter, Dr. Luster asserts, “(At Mesa) We have collectively created an amazing and transformative learning environment resulting in propelling our students to success. We have invested our hearts and minds in learning from one another, and striving to become The Leading College of Equity and Excellence.”
Dr. Luster has served in several positions in local, state and national organizations. She is currently serving as the immediate past-President of the Chief Executive Officers of California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board, and she was appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Dr. Luster served as board member and President of the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA), and co-chaired and is still a member of the CEOCCC Affordability, Food and Housing Task Force. She is also currently serving on Governor Newsom's Task force for Basic Needs in Higher Education.
Within the Mesa community, she serves on the board of Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista, and is a current member and former board President of San Diego Youth Services. Dr. Luster is a Board of Governors member of The San Diego Foundation. She is a member of and has served as the Chair of the San Diego-Imperial County Community College Association (SDICCCA).
“I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life, which will include continued work in diversity equity, justice, and inclusion,” stated Dr. Luster, regarding her decision to retire. “In particular, I am committed to contribute to the research and practices that lead to racial equity, meeting students’ basic needs and in the end creating more inclusive higher education institutions.”
The San Diego Community College District will soon be launching a national search to identify the next permanent president of Mesa College.
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Dr. Luster's Retirement and Appreciation Letter
June 2016 - Mesa president building a legacy