Ruthanne brings demonstrated leadership and commitment to higher education as visible through her career in higher education. Ruthanne joined CCD in 2013 and previously served as executive dean of arts and humanities. Ruthanne holds a Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado.

"I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to serve as Community College of Denver’s next provost and vice president for academic affairs,” said Orihuela. “I am honored to collaborate with my talented and committed colleagues in academic affairs and across the college as we work to bring CCD’s new 2025 Strategic Plan into being. Our focused initiatives to increase access, success and equity in outcomes for all students will drive our work and guide us toward an even better, more inclusive version of ourselves.”

We are pleased to welcome Ruthanne to the executive team and look forward to working with her to continue the AACC Pathways project, as well as the Strategic Planning & Collaborative Decision-Making model, and other initiatives.

Ruthanne replaces Rhonda Epper as provost starting in May. Epper has stepped down to pursue a position as president with Trinidad State Junior College.