Office of the President
Dr. Kimberly Zant
Dr. Kimberly Zant is the sixth president to sit at the helm of Otero College, starting her tenure in August of 2023. Dr. Zant has a proven track record in leading transformative change in student access, success and equity while ensuring institutional fiscal and organizational health. She is known for her dedication to students and employees and for establishing a positive campus culture. Dr. Zant’s passion for higher education comes from a life-long belief in the power of education to transform lives. She has had the opportunity to serve in multiple states, at both urban and rural systems, at Hispanic Serving Institutions, as well as own a business. Dr. Zant’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Education, Master of Business Administration and Doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership. She is actively engaged at local and state levels advocating for change through policy.
About Dr. Zant
Dr. Zant most recently served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cloud County Community College, where she led institutional efforts that culminated in growth in enrollment for the first time in over a decade. The growth primarily in online, dual enrollment and at the satellite campus that she oversaw.
Prior to Cloud County Community College, Dr. Zant served as the Strong Workforce Career Pathways Manager for the San Diego/Imperial Valley Regional Consortium. The California Strong Workforce Program strengthens career education programs through regional collaboration and by preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers. Dr. Zant led the development of data-driven outcomes along with an emphasis on innovation for the region’s early college credit efforts. Under her purview, the San Diego/Imperial Valley Regional Consortium developed and implemented the Program Finder tool which aligns high school pathways to community college certificates and degrees. Dr. Zant also served as Dean of Agriculture, Business and Personal Services, Economics Instructor as well as adjunct Business Instructor for Seward County Community College.
Throughout Dr. Zant’s career as a servant leader, she has been successful in forging relationships and establishing trust. She believes that to advance and sustain innovation and change, decisions must be formed organically by all represented constituents. Working with community members to explore additional resources and opportunities to aid in the advancement of institutional programs is a strength of Dr. Zant’s. Having owned a business, she understands the importance of business and industry recognizing and valuing the skill sets students are learning. She brings a unique lens regarding growth and collaboration.