"After concluding a national search, it was determined that Dean Cifone was the best fit for the position. Rocky will be able to hit the ground running. He will have broad responsibilities and challenges to develop our newest campus," stated South Orange County Community College District Chancellor Raghu P. Mathur.

"This is a huge opportunity for ATEP. We are thrilled to have an experienced dean from one of our own colleges focus on ATEP at a time of rapid growth and development," said Dr. Randy W. Peebles, ATEP Provost. In just two years, enrollment has grown 300% at ATEP from 400 to 1,250 students. ATEP currently offers a mix of general education and high tech/career tech courses from Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. A concept plan for ATEP's first major expansion to 30 acres was approved by the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees in March 2009 with timelines for completion in two to three years.

Dean Cifone's experience in leading complex, high profile academic divisions and his oversight of capital projects is well-suited to the challenges at ATEP. "I'm enthusiastic about joining a team that is already working hard to build a unique educational enterprise. ATEP is something special that will be a hallmark of excellence for our district and the community," Dean Cifone added.