The Chancellor of San Diego Community College District, Dr. Carlos Cortez, has resigned to care for his ill parents, according to a May 1 press release issued by the district.
“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together over the past two years on behalf of our students and community we serve,” Cortez said in the news release. “My time at the district has been the highlight of my career thus far.”
Cortez was chosen as chancellor in July 2021. Previously, he was its president of the College of Continuing Education for six years.
“Dr. Cortez made significant contributions during his time as chancellor for which we are sincerely grateful,” said San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees President Maria Nieto Senour in the announcement.
Senour said, in the release, Cortez oversaw the district’s safe reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic and helped rebuild enrollment and strengthen the district’s finances by securing grants and donations.
The district will now conduct a national search to replace him, according to the news release.
In the interim, Vice Chancellor of People, Culture, and Technology Greg Smith will serve as acting chancellor.
“Greg Smith is an excellent choice to ensure that the district continues to make significant progress towards its goal of creating equitable outcomes for its students while providing well-trained graduates needed by local employers,” Senour said in the news release.
The district serves about 100,000 students annually as one of the largest community college districts in California with an annual budget of $992 million.
Cortez initially took emergency family leave in March to care for his parents in Florida.
