Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is pleased to announce its next Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA): Dr. Damita Kaloostian. Following a national search, Dr. Kaloostian was selected from a competitive pool of candidates for her deep experience in student affairs and higher education, while championing student success at every stage of her career.
The VPSA is a critical member of the college executive leadership team centered on advancing SCC’s strategic goals and objectives and all matters pertaining to student affairs and services in the Maricopa County Community College District. Her focus moving forward is to improve the quality and delivery of student services, leading innovative new programs, and serving the needs of the diverse student population at SCC. She reports directly to College President Dr. Eric Leshinskie.
“Dr. Damita Kaloostian has demonstrated an unwavering pursuit of access and success for students throughout her lengthy career in higher education,” says SCC President Eric Leshinskie. “Her commitment to transformative work has helped develop future leaders, built sustainable systems, and expanded opportunities for students. I know she will make a significant contribution to SCC’s continued success.”
Dr. Kaloostian recently completed a Ph.D. in the Innovation in Global Development program at Arizona State University. She has worked for the Maricopa County Community College District for over 20 years in various positions at both the system and college levels. As a champion for higher education, She has strategically supported system-wide initiatives in the areas of student success, compliance, emergency preparedness, strategic planning, and enrollment management.
At the college level, she has held progressively responsible leadership roles anchored in student affairs, planning, and institutional effectiveness. Her professional experiences also include oversight of grants, accreditation, alumni, development, and marketing. Her platform as a leader encourages student-centered practices, institutional optimization, and innovative systems. Her leadership has contributed to developing one-stop enrollment models, reimagining student enrollment processes, and implementing data-informed practices. She is also committed to fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, and communities to provide holistic support to students.
She has served as an adjunct faculty member within the Maricopa System and Arizona State University. Dr. Kaloostian is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, such as leading equity completion initiatives, implementing system-wide surveys, and enhancing physical spaces for underserved students. She has demonstrated experience working within Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institutions. Her current role also includes leadership at the only public community college in the country to be situated on tribal land.
Dr. Kaloostian was most recently the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at SCC. Her selection is the culmination of a nearly five-month nationwide effort. A specially formed search committee oversaw the rigorous recruitment process, ultimately leading to in-person public forums for the community to meet the finalists on April 3, 2024. The public forums were open to students, employees, and the general public to allow the audience to ask questions and provide valuable feedback for consideration.