Rebecca Stanley
Special to the Sun

Dr. Mary Retterer, the seventh President of Cerro Coso Community College located in Ridgecrest, California with educational centers located in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, Edwards AFB, and Lake Isabella announced her retirement effective June 30, concluding four years at the helm of the institution.

Retterer’s professional career includes 34 years of experience in community college systems in California, Arizona, and Minnesota, 15 of these as a president. She has led urban colleges, community and technical colleges, and colleges with satellite centers in rural areas. She spent 11 years working in industry, motivating her to return to Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa, Calif., to pursue her education. She was the first graduate of that college to be hired back as a full-time faculty member.

Dr. Mary Retterer

As the Superintendent/President of Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District from June 2004 to June 2006, Dr. Retterer instituted the first New Faculty Learning Academy, Safe Halloween, and a streamlined strategic planning process. Prior to that, she was President of Pima Community College’s East Campus in Tucson, Ariz., from August 1998 to June 2004. She started inter-collegiate athletics at the campus with a bowl-winning football team, oversaw growth of the Public Safety Institute, and brought the Veterinary Technician Program to the campus. Enrollment grew over 30 percent during her tenure.

Retterer has many years of teaching experience, including teaching business and accounting in the San Bernardino Community College District, 1981-1993; the University of Texas at Austin in 1992; and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 1980-1981.

Retterer will be doing consulting in community college leadership, executive coaching, transformational leadership and executive searches. She is also a certified trainer for Development Dimensions International (DDI), a leadership & workforce development company.

“Several months remain before my departure,” stated Retterer. “There is still much to be done, including the search for my successor. I will do everything I can to make sure that the transition is smooth.”

Retterer and her husband plan to enjoy more golf, RV travel, creating original jewelry pieces, and spoiling their three grandsons.