Welcome to the Office of the President at Coastal Bend College.
Under the leadership of Dr. Zachary Z. Suarez, Coastal Bend College continues to build on its 60-year legacy of student success, innovation, and community partnership. The Office of the President is committed to advancing the College’s mission of providing high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives and strengthens the economic and social vitality of the Coastal Bend region.
The President’s Office works closely with faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders to foster an environment of excellence, integrity, and opportunity. By championing student-centered initiatives, expanding workforce training, and forging meaningful partnerships, the Office of the President helps ensure that Coastal Bend College remains a place where success starts here.
A dedicated higher education leader and proud community college graduate, Dr. Suarez brings to the presidency more than a decade of experience advancing institutional transformation, student success, and people-centered leadership across Texas higher education. A former dean at Coastal Bend College, he returns to lead the institution that helped launch his career—deeply committed to expanding access, closing educational gaps, and creating new pathways of opportunity for students and communities throughout the Coastal Bend region.
As President, Dr. Suarez is focused on “Creating Bold Circumstances”—a strategic vision grounded in four institutional priorities: empowering and uplifting the College’s employees; cultivating a culture of belonging and student engagement; strengthening partnerships that support the region’s educational and economic vitality; and leading with a clear strategic framework that positions Coastal Bend College for long-term impact and institutional excellence.
Prior to returning to Coastal Bend College, Dr. Suarez served as Executive Director of Human Resources and Talent Development at South Texas College, where he led transformative initiatives to elevate institutional morale, streamline policy systems, and modernize the College’s human capital management infrastructure. Among his signature accomplishments were the development of the institution’s first paid student internship program for dual credit students, the creation of a new Staff Advisory Council, and the implementation of a new Human Resources Enterprise Resource Planning system.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Suarez held senior leadership roles at the University of Texas Permian Basin, where he served as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and successfully led the university’s SACSCOC reaffirmation through 2030. During his previous tenure at Coastal Bend College, he served in multiple leadership roles—including Dean of Academics, Dean of Enrollment Services and Admissions, and Interim Executive Dean of Student Services—where he implemented modernized student orientation programs, restored key support systems, and strengthened both academic and student affairs operations.
A first-generation college student, Dr. Suarez holds a Doctor of Public Administration from West Chester University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas–Pan American, and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from South Texas College.
Throughout his career, Dr. Suarez has remained a passionate advocate for the transformative power of community colleges and a respected voice in shared governance, strategic planning, and student-centered reform. He has presented nationally on best practices in student support, served on accreditation review teams, and contributed to panels advancing STEM education and institutional effectiveness.
Dr. Suarez, his wife Mary, and their three sons—Ezra, Ezekiel, and Elijah—are proud to once again call Coastal Bend College and the Coastal Bend region home.
At CBC, we believe in Creating Bold Circumstances—taking intentional steps to open doors, remove barriers, and expand opportunities for our students and our region. This vision is not just about education; it’s about cultivating a thriving community where every investment in learning fuels growth for families, businesses, and future generations.
Community colleges are built on the principle of partnership. Our success is directly tied to the strength of the communities we serve, and in turn, we are committed to strengthening them. Together, through shared investment and mutual support, we can create pathways that empower students to achieve their goals, build a resilient workforce, and enhance the quality of life across the Coastal Bend.
As your college, we are proud to stand with you in this work—listening, leading, and building together. Thank you for your trust and commitment to Coastal Bend College.
Dr. Zachary Z. Suarez
Coastal Bend College President
Interim Vice President of Planning & Institutional Effectiveness
Jarod Bleibdrey
Vice President of Talent Engagement – Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)
Dr. Dixie Lytle
Vice President of Instruction – Chief Academic Officer (CAO)
Dr. Dreand Johnson
Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
(Selection Process Underway)
Vice President of Finance and Business Operations – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Tara Boiles, CPA
Presidential Town Halls
Phone: 361-354-2200
Email: zzsuarez@coastalbend.edu
Address: Office of the President, Coastal Bend College, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102