Following a nationwide search, the Board of Trustees has asked Estella Castillo-Garrison, Ed.D., to assume the position of Superintendent/President of Palo Verde College. She is expected to assume the office on September 09, 2026, pending final board approval. We welcome Dr. Castillo-Garrison’s leadership as we begin the next chapter of Palo Verde College’s history.
Estella Castillo-Garrison, Ed.D., is the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Sheridan College (WY). Previously, Dr. Castillo-Garrison served as the Dean of Community Education, Emeritus Institute, and K-12 Partnerships/Director of Community Education at Saddleback College (CA). Dr. Castillo-Garrison earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University; a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Instruction from Central Michigan University; a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology from Park University; and an Associate of Arts in Social Science from Barstow Community College.
“Dr. Castillo-Garrison brings strong leadership experience, a commitment to student success, and an understanding of the important role a community college plays in the communities it serves,” stated Board President Gloria Copple. “We believe she will be a collaborative leader who will listen, build relationships, and work closely with our students, employees, community, and Board. We are excited to welcome her to Palo Verde College and look forward to working together to strengthen our college and create even more opportunities for our students.”
When asked about joining Palo Verde College, Dr. Castillo-Garrison issued the following:
I am thrilled to join the Palo Verde College family as your next Superintendent/President. Together, we begin an exciting new chapter grounded in our renewed commitment to our students, our communities, and to one another. As a first-generation community college student raised in rural California, I know firsthand how education can transform lives, strengthen families, and create opportunities.
Palo Verde College is a vital educational and economic resource for the region. As we build upon PVC’s strong foundation and nearly 80-year legacy, we will strengthen trust through collaboration, support accreditation and enrollment growth, expand educational and workforce pathways, cultivate strategic partnerships, and align resources with our priorities.
Student success will remain at the center of every decision. We will work to ensure that every student has the support needed to thrive. Our mission, vision, and values will guide this work as we pursue excellence and innovation, champion lifelong learning, act with integrity, celebrate diversity, encourage creativity, and embrace our civic responsibility.
The work ahead belongs to all of us. By listening to one another, honoring the strengths each of us brings, and moving forward with shared purpose, we will create brighter futures for our students and communities.
I am grateful to the Board of Trustees, the Search Committee, our students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators and managers, the Foundation, and everyone who welcomed me during my recent visits to the main Blythe campus and the Needles Center. The warmth and generosity I experienced affirmed what I already believed. Palo Verde College is a truly special place, filled with people who care deeply about our students and the future of this region. Thank you for your trust and for welcoming me home to California. I am proud to serve Palo Verde College and am excited about what we will accomplish together. Go Pirates!
The Board would like to thank the entire College community for participating in the Superintendent/President finalist forums. All feedback was reviewed and greatly valued by the Board. This collaborative and concerted work truly enriched the search process. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Superintendent/President Search Committee for their time, dedication, and thoughtful work on behalf of Palo Verde College.
If you have any questions regarding the search process, please reach out to our ACCT Search Consultant: Debbie DiThomas, Ed.D., at ddithomas5@gmail.com or (951) 961-6533. .
Congratulations Estella Castillo-Garrison, Ed.D.