SAN MARCOS, CA (October 15, 2026) – On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Palomar College Governing Board announced the selection of four finalists who will be considered for the Superintendent/President vacancy.
A national search has been in process since spring of this year. The finalists are Dr. Nicole Jones, Dr. Isabel de Los Angeles O’Connor, Dr. Tina L. Recalde, and DR.Omar Javier Torres.
Dr. Jones has served as Vice President of Student Services at Compton College since January 2022 and previously held an administrative position within the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. She earned a Ph.D. in Leadership, Organizational Coaching and Consulting at the University of San Diego.
Dr. O’Connor has served as Vice President of Instruction at San Diego Mesa College since January 2019. Prior to that she held an administrative position at Cabrillo College in California. Dr. O’Connor earned a Ph.D. in Medieval History at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Recalde has served as Interim Superintendent/President at Palomar College since December 2025. Previously she served as Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction at Palomar College. Dr. Recalde has a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Torres served as President of De Anza College in California from 2025 -2026. Prior to then, he held positions at the College of the Canyons in California. Dr. Torres has an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
More details on each finalist can be found on the Superintendent/President search website. Public forums will be held on Friday, October 23 for each finalist in the Library/Learning Resource Center at the Palomar College San Marcos campus. Specific details for each forum can be found on the Superintendent/President search website.
The Governing Board is expected to announce a final candidate at its General Board meeting on November 10, 2026. The new Superintendent/President will start prior to the start of the spring 2027 semester. The spring semester begins on February 1, 2027.
