Staff Reports | Community Updates
Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Steven R. Gonzales is concluding his service as chancellor at the end of the fiscal year, with his tenure ending in June.
Dr. Gonzales has served the Maricopa Community Colleges system for 13 years, including the past six years as chancellor, leading the nation’s largest community college system through enrollment growth and organizational changes, according to a press release.
“Serving Maricopa Community Colleges has been the honor of my career,” Dr. Gonzales said. “Together, we have expanded opportunity, strengthened our system, and positioned our 10 colleges for long-term success. I am deeply proud of what we have built and confident in the leadership, momentum, and future of this institution.”
Dr. Gonzales’ tenure included multiple semesters of enrollment growth and the development of the system’s first bachelor’s degree programs. Enrollment in Maricopa’s bachelor’s offerings is projected to surpass 10,000 students this year. Dr. Gonzales also guided the system through the COVID‑19 pandemic, supporting instructional and operational continuity.
“Dr. Gonzales’ leadership has positioned Maricopa Community Colleges for long-term success,” Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board President Ms. Susan Bitter Smith said. “On behalf of the Governing Board, I want to thank Dr. Gonzales for his dedicated service to Maricopa and to the communities we serve. We are confident in the strength of the system and committed to a thoughtful transition that builds on the strong foundation he leaves behind.”
Key accomplishments during Dr. Gonzales’ service include:
- Achieving 12 consecutive semesters of enrollment growth.
- Launching Maricopa’s first bachelor’s degree programs, with enrollment projected to exceed 10,000 students this year.
- Expanding workforce-aligned programs to support the state’s economy.
- Establishing the Maricopa Promise program to reduce financial barriers.
- Strengthening support services, including development of the Phoenix Scholar House for single-parent students.
- Maintaining instructional continuity during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- Building a stable leadership team across the colleges and District offices.
- Expanding community partnerships addressing health, food security and student needs.
- Serving on boards focused on higher education and workforce development.
National search to begin
A national search for the next chancellor will begin as soon as possible to support a smooth transition. The system anticipates naming Dr. Gonzales’ successor before his departure in June.
After concluding his service in June, Dr. Gonzales will transition to a new role focused on developing future community college leaders. Beginning next academic year, he will serve as senior executive director of the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Kansas State University.
The program, housed within the John E. Roueche Center for Community College Leadership, prepares current and aspiring leaders for the challenges facing community colleges.
“For nearly three decades, I have dedicated my career to championing the power and promise of community colleges,” Dr. Gonzales said. “This next chapter allows me to contribute in a different way — by supporting and preparing the next generation of leaders, including many who have served and will continue to serve right here within our system.”
Dr. Gonzales will remain as chancellor through the end of the fiscal year and will support the transition throughout that period.
