—Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey

Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey: From Community College Student to President

The First Latina President of San Marcos’ Palomar College Shows How Representation Matters

By Yenni Patiño and Melanie Slone

Not so long ago, she was a student at a community college; today, she is the president of one.

“I tell everybody I’m a proud product of a community college. I am proof that community colleges work,” Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, the Superintendent/President of Palomar College, told North County Informador

Still, like for many of her students today, the path forward wasn’t always smooth. “When you come from a low-income, firstgeneration background, you have the thought and the idea of the importance of education, but you may not know how to get there,” she said.

Born and raised in Oceanside, Dr. Rivera-Lacey says she is now giving back to the community. The daughter of Salvadoran parents, she feels fortunate that her family valued an education. Her parents took some English classes at Palomar College, so she has photos of herself on campus as a child. Today, as the first Latina president in the 75-year history of Palomar College, she feels she has come full circle.

Community college opened the door for her. “I used to always think that college was expensive.” Then, she learned about programs that offer assistance for students. Now, she has her PhD, thanks to the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), which has helped her and thousands of others with their education. “For a lot of people, going to college is a daunting experience,” she says.

Palomar works with these programs to help people overcome these fears.