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Office of the President Mission Statement Recognition Awards

Office of the President

Dr. Stearns, Superintendent, PresidentWelcome to Cuesta College! I’m delighted you’re exploring all that Cuesta College offers. Our focus is academic excellence and student success, providing a dynamic learning environment where you can achieve your educational goals – whether that’s transferring to a four-year university, earning an associate degree or certificate, advancing your career, or pursuing lifelong learning. 


Our dedicated team of faculty, staff, and administrators is here to support you every step of the way. I encourage you to immerse yourself in the many opportunities to enrich your college experience. From vibrant artistic and cultural events to student clubs and athletic programs, there is something for you to explore. We also have comprehensive student support services to ensure that you have all the resources and guidance you need to succeed.  
Located on California’s beautiful Central Coast, Cuesta College not only offers quality and accessible education but also a welcoming and inspiring setting to build your future. I invite you to visit our campus, learn more about our exceptional programs and great history, and join our diverse Cuesta community. 


I look forward to seeing you on campus, 
Jill Stearns, Ph.D. 

Needs circle CTAs

2024-2025 Superintendent/President Goals

Use list style

1.1    Maintain fully accredited status with ACCJC
1.2    Lead college effort to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
1.3    Expand professional development fundamental to the growth of managers, deans, and executive leaders
1.4    Support efforts to resolve grievances, complaints, and legal matters brought forward
1.5    Increase access to local bachelor degree programs
1.6    Foster a campus that values innovation
1.7    Invest in campus climate

2.1   Innovate to maximize resources
2.2   Advance planning and implementation of strategic enrollment management strategies to increase student enrollment including North County Campus and South County Center
2.3   Support strategies for effective budget management and resource allocation aligned with institutional planning
2.4   Lead exploration and development of alternative sources of revenue
2.5   Engagement with the Cuesta College Foundation

3.1   Lead institutional planning
3.2   Lead and direct Measure L planning to maximize long range impact of bond resources through alignment of facilities with college program needs
3.3   Lead implementation of an educational site plan to expand access to higher education in the South County

4.1   Provide timely communication to the Board of Trustees on high risk matters
4.2   Communicate regularly with the campus to foster community, recognize achievement, advance DEI, highlight enrollment, and increase awareness of efforts across campus to enhance student success and completion
4.3   Ensure regular communication with the community via multiple channels including print, email, social media, and college website
4.4   Ensure open forum opportunities
4.5   Engage with Trustees

5.1   Foster and expand partnerships with regional governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 districts, and business entities
5.2   Engage with the community to maintain and enhance the visibility of Cuesta College
5.3   Sustain relationships with local, state, and federal representatives