Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Maricopa County Community College District is announcing Dr. CJ Wurster as the fifth president of Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
Dr. Wurster assumes the permanent position after serving in an interim capacity since July 2024, according to a press release.
“It is an incredible honor to serve as President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College,” said Dr. Wurster, in a prepared statement.
“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to lead such a premier institution of higher education. I look forward to a future filled with promise and opportunity and am excited to work in collaboration with our remarkable faculty, staff, and students, and valued community partners. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation that makes Chandler-Gilbert Community College such a special place for learning and growth.”
CGCC has established itself as the premier institution of higher learning in the Southeast Valley, college officials say, with consistent year-over-year enrollment growth since the 2020-21 academic year.
Under Dr. Wurster’s leadership, CGCC reached major milestones during the 2024-25 academic year, including receiving approval from the Higher Learning Commission to launch its first bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and unveiling the first-of-its-kind aerospace and defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator. The college, long known for its innovative approach to learning, awarded MCCCD’s first microcredential pathway in data analytics to 11 students last fall.
“Throughout the last year, Dr. Wurster has demonstrated a deep commitment to the college, its students, and the surrounding community,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD chancellor. “I have no doubt that he will continue to build upon the positive momentum, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and system stakeholders to advance Chandler-Gilbert’s mission and strategic priorities in support of our students.”
Prior to joining CGCC, Dr. Wurster served as the vice president of academic affairs at Phoenix College, where he led 13 academic departments and academic support services.
