Palomar College Names Four Presidential Finalists
The college board has selected four candidates to serve as the institution’s next superintendent and president.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in People
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Palomar College has officially narrowed its search for a new leader to four finalists. The selected group will compete for the superintendent and president role following a leadership vacancy.
Why it matters
The board of governors is seeking a permanent successor to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former president Star Rivera-Lacey. This appointment is critical for the long-term strategic direction of an institution serving nearly 20,000 students.
The college currently serves nearly 20,000 students across its main San Marcos campus and its satellite centers. The board has finalized a pool of 4 candidates as it proceeds toward a permanent hiring decision.
The players
Palomar College Board of Governors
This governing body is responsible for overseeing the academic policies, fiscal health, and administrative leadership of the college district.
Star Rivera-Lacey
She is the former superintendent and president of the college who stepped down from her leadership role in late 2025.
Nicole Jones
She is one of the four finalists currently under consideration by the board for the position of superintendent and president.
Isabel de Los Angeles O'Connor
She is a candidate named as a finalist in the college's ongoing executive search process.
Tina L. Recalde
She is one of the four individuals selected as a finalist for the vacant leadership post.
The details
The candidates identified for the position are Nicole Jones, Isabel de Los Angeles O'Connor, Tina L. Recalde, and Omar Javier Torres. The Palomar College Board of Governors maintains the final authority to appoint the individual who will lead the district’s operations in San Marcos, Escondido, Fallbrook, and Rancho Bernardo.
Timeline
November 2025: Star Rivera-Lacey resigned from her position as college president.
October 20, 2026: The board announced the names of the four presidential finalists.
Market Landscape
The search process aligns with the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office leadership guidelines for executive appointments. This transition reflects a broader administrative shift as the institution works to maintain stability across its multi-campus network.
The selection process will determine the administrative future of the college, which directly impacts students across its campuses in San Marcos, Escondido, Fallbrook, and Rancho Bernardo. Residents and students should monitor board meetings for updates regarding the final appointment.
The takeaway
The board of governors is now tasked with evaluating these four candidates to ensure the institution maintains its academic service standards. Stakeholders can expect the board to prioritize a candidate capable of managing the college's diverse geographical footprint.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the San Marcos People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Coast News.
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