Welcome from the President

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), where we take immense pride in supporting the educational dreams of our students. Our institution enhances the community and empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Red Rocks Community College provides a welcoming college environment. Our dedicated faculty integrate their real-world expertise and passion for teaching and mentoring students. Our exceptional administration and staff stand ready to provide the support necessary for students to achieve their academic goals.

Here are a few more things you should know about our college:

We offer an inclusive environment where all students are welcome.

Known for its rigorous academics, Red Rocks Community College boasts the highest transfer rate of students to the Colorado School of Mines than any other college in the nation. Additionally, our Mines Academy program offers a distinctive opportunity for students to earn guaranteed admissions to the Colorado School of Mines. This collaborative initiative ensures a seamless transition and an affordable pathway to pursuing undergraduate engineering and science degrees at Mines. Furthermore, RRCC offers an integrated pathway to a nursing degree at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, further expanding opportunities for our students.

Our Dr. John U. Trefny Honors Program develops the next generation of STEM leaders by providing opportunities for advanced research projects, internships, service learning, and travel experiences.

RRCC is the first community college in the nation to offer a master’s degree. Our Master of Physician Assistant Studies prepares students for entry into one of the most in demand professions in the United States. In 2019, we celebrated the graduation of our inaugural class in this program. RRCC was also the first community college in our system to introduce bachelor’s degree programs. Presently, we offer two options: Water Quality Management Technology and another in Secure Code Software Development. In addition, our Cyber Security apprenticeship program has received national recognition, highlighting our commitment to excellence and relevance in today’s educational landscape.

The RRCC Foundation has awarded over $9.3 million in scholarships to more than 5,100 students to date.

Our Phi Theta Kappa honor society has achieved remarkable success, earning multiple international awards.

Thanks to a $22.5 million expansion, our Arvada campus offers cutting-edge health career training and general education instruction, within a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Red Rocks Community College supports student wellness by providing access to a spacious 35,000-square-foot student recreation center.

RRCC bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application through the IDEA Lab, Community Engaged Learning, Entrepreneurship and STEM.

At RRCC, we ensure students connect their learning to future employment opportunities through Career Success and Internships. We also provide opportunities for students to participate in high-level research, travel abroad experiences, and student leadership roles.

Welcome to our community. We are dedicated to supporting your success every step of the way!

Landon K. Pirius, Ph.D.

President, Red Rocks Community College