Cuyamaca College President Mark Zacovic announced Friday he will retire on June 30, bringing to a close a career spanning three decades in the state’s community college system.
Zacovic has served as president of Cuyamaca College, with about 9,000 students in East County, since July 2011.
“Cuyamaca College will always hold a very special place near and dear to my heart,” Zacovic said. “For 37 years, the college has done great work, and that work will continue and thrive in the years to come.”
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District will choose an interim president to lead the college during the 2015-16 academic year. A national search will be conducted for a permanent replacement, with a goal of having someone in place by July 2016.
Chancellor Cindy Miles credited Zacovic with guiding the school through rough fiscal challenges resulting from the recession and cuts in state funding.
“Through some of the most trying times in the history of the college, Dr. Zacovic has been an energetic ambassador for Cuyamaca and the college district,” she said. “Always a gracious host, he is recognized for his magnanimity and going above and beyond to assist a student or employee in need.”
Before joining Cuyamaca College, Zacovic served as an administrator at eight community colleges and districts throughout California. He previously was president of the Association for Chief Business Officials for California Community Colleges and was statewide recipient of the association’s 2006 Outstanding CBO Award.
