Maricopa Community Colleges has officially welcomed Dr. Steven Bloomberg as its sixth Chancellor. Dr. Bloomberg brings more than three decades of academic leadership, having overseen strategic growth, community partnerships, and expanded educational and workforce offerings at previous institutions.
“I look forward to meeting with as many members of the Maricopa community as possible in the coming months and building on the tremendous momentum already underway across this remarkable institution,” said Dr. Bloomberg. “Together, we will continue to create opportunities that transform lives and strengthen our communities.”
Dr. Bloomberg most recently served as the Chancellor of the Kern Community College District (KCCD), a district serving 30,000 students across three colleges. During his tenure at KCCD, he developed a five-year strategic plan, expanded workforce and education programs, including bachelor’s degree pathways, and streamlined internal business processes to better support students. He also developed industry-aligned partnerships with organizations such as the Morehouse School of Medicine, Pacific Steel Group, and Hard Rock International.
A Record of Progress
Dr. Bloomberg assumes the role of Chancellor at a time when the 10-college system continues to experience significant growth and momentum. As the number one choice for Arizonans, Maricopa Community Colleges continues to provide the most affordable, accessible, high-quality higher education to 145,000 students annually. In recent years, the system has increased enrollment for 12 consecutive semesters, expanded program offerings, including 11 bachelor’s degrees, and strengthened business and industry partnerships.
Driving Workforce Impact
As a leader in regional workforce development, Maricopa Community Colleges alumni, from nurses and teachers to skilled tradespeople and entrepreneurs, now fill one in 30 jobs across Maricopa County. A former economic developer, Dr. Bloomberg brings extensive experience in workforce and economic development, having previously served as the Chief Executive Officer for the Borger Economic Development Corporation. During his time with the corporation, Dr. Bloomberg forecasted employment trends, implemented a business incubator, and secured a $100 million manufacturing facility for the city of Borger, Texas. As Chancellor, he will continue to strengthen the system’s existing partnerships with local industries and help expand training programs that directly respond to Arizona’s rapidly changing job market.
Closing Food and Housing Insecurities Gaps
Dr. Bloomberg has long recognized that student success depends on more than what happens in a classroom. Today’s college students face hardships far beyond paying tuition, such as steep costs for housing, food, utilities, transportation, and child care. Dr. Bloomberg has been a champion for addressing these needs. While serving as President at Southeast Arkansas College, he established the institution’s first on-campus student housing facility and food pantry, removing barriers that prevent students from completing their education.
That same level of commitment is reflected throughout Maricopa Community Colleges. During fiscal year 2024-25, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation awarded more than $650,000 in emergency funds to 1,460 students. For Dr. Bloomberg, these wraparound services are an essential part of learning.
“When students are struggling with hunger, unstable housing, or lack of basic necessities, learning becomes secondary,” he said. “Ensuring that students’ fundamental needs are being met is just as important as teaching and learning itself.”
Learn more about Dr. Steven Bloomberg here.