New PCC Superintendent/President Endrijonas Officially ‘Invested’ as 16th School Leader

Following eight months on the job, Dr. Erika Endrijonas was formally installed by PCC as its 16th Superintendent/President in a special “investiture” ceremony on campus Tuesday evening.

“When I first got this job,” Endrijonas told the Westerbeck Recital Hall audience, “I texted a friend, and they texted back, ‘Holy (Smokes), what an awesome gig!’. They didn’t say ‘smokes,’ and yes, this is an awesome gig!”

PCC Board of Trustees President James Osterling, in conferring upon Endrijonas her official position, along with a medallion, said that the position brings with it “many challenges and opportunities,” but also noted that the school has been twice named as an Aspen Top Ten college.

Osterling also noted that PCC is in an enviable financial position because of sound fiscal management, and outlined some of the school’s vision goals—among them student success, student equity, and workforce development.

Osterling praised Endrijonas and her experience effusively, saying, “She is energetic and committed to the mission of PCC.”

Endrijonas, in accepting her investiture, said, “This is about the next chapter in our history. And, this evening is only partially about me. It’s more about PCC and what happens next.”

She also noted proudly that PCC is “the great equalizer” in education, reaching out as it does to low-income students, transfer students, and returning adult students.

“I pledge to close all of the equity gaps in this school,” said Endrijonas. “We will address every obstacle in the way of helping our students achieve the mission of completing their educational goals.”

The school will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, and Endrijonas pledged to close any and all equity gaps by that year. The school is also in the process of revising both its educational master plan, and its educational master plan.