Skip to main content | Skip to footer site map
This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.
Main Menu
Home
  • Briefing Room
    • From the News Room
      • Latest News Read the latest blog posts from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave
      • Share-Worthy Check out the most popular infographics and videos
      • Photos View the photo of the day and other galleries
      • Video Gallery Watch behind-the-scenes videos and more
      • Live Events Tune in to White House events and statements as they happen
      • Music & Arts Performances See the lineup of artists and performers at the White House
    • From the Press Office
      • Your Weekly Address
      • Speeches & Remarks
      • Press Briefings
      • Statements & Releases
      • White House Schedule
      • Presidential Actions
      • Legislation
      • Nominations & Appointments
      • Disclosures
  • Issues
    • Popular Topics
      • The Record
      • Cabinet Exit Memos
      • Criminal Justice Reform
      • Cuba
      • See All
    • Top Issues
      • Civil Rights
      • Climate Change
      • Economy
      • Education
      • Foreign Policy
      • Health Care
      • Immigration
      • Iran Deal
    • More
      • Defense
      • Disabilities
      • Ethics
      • Equal Pay
      • Homeland Security
      • Reducing Gun Violence
      • Rural
      • Service
    • More
      • Seniors & Social Security
      • Taxes
      • Technology
      • Trade
      • Urban and Economic Mobility
      • Veterans
      • Women
  • The Administration
    • People
      • President Barack Obama
      • Vice President Joe Biden
      • First Lady Michelle Obama
      • Dr. Jill Biden
      • The Cabinet
      • Senior White House Leadership
      • Executive Office of the President
      • Other Advisory Boards
    • Executive Offices
      • Office of Management and Budget
      • Office of Science and Technology Policy
      • Council of Economic Advisers
      • Council on Environmental Quality
      • National Security Council
      • See All
    • Initiatives
      • Let's Move
      • Joining Forces
      • Reach Higher
      • My Brother's Keeper
      • Precision Medicine
    • Special Events
      • State of the Union
      • Medal of Freedom
  • 1600 Penn
    • Inside the White House
      • West Wing Tour
      • Eisenhower Executive Office Building Tour
      • Video Series
      • Décor and Art
      • Holidays
      • See All
    • History and Grounds
      • Presidents
      • First Ladies
      • The Vice President's Residence & Office
      • Eisenhower Executive Office Building
      • Camp David
      • Air Force One
    • Our Government
      • The Executive Branch
      • The Legislative Branch
      • The Judicial Branch
      • The Constitution
      • Federal Agencies & Commissions
      • Elections & Voting
      • State & Local Government
      • Resources
Home • Champions of Change Community College Grid

Week 21: Community Colleges

America’s community colleges are essential to prepare our nation’s workforce to successfully compete in the 21st Century economy. These Champions of Change lead community colleges with the most creative programs for boosting student learning, raising completion rates, and successfully placing graduates into the workforce, including the ten recently announced finalists of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. From strong employer partnerships to individual graduation plans, these community college leaders are building innovative programs to build the best educated, most competitive workforce in the world.

Dr. Charlene Dukes

Dr. Charlene Dukes

Dr. Charlene M. Dukes is the eighth president, and first female president, of Prince George’s Community College.

Dr. Jack Friedlander

Dr. Jack Friedlander

Dr. Jack Friedlander serves as Superintendent/President of Santa Barbara City College, which was recently selected as one of ten finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Dr. Hector Gonzales

Dr. Hector Gonzales

Dr. Hector Gonzales has been at Southwest Texas Junior College for 13 years. Today he is the Chief Academic and Chief Financial Office

Dr. Mary Graham

Dr. Mary Graham

Dr. Mary S. Graham, the 12th President of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, is the first woman to lead the 100-year old institution.

Dr. Monica Posey

Dr. Monica Posey

At Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Dr. Monica J. Posey establishes innovative partnerships to advance student success and build pathways to employment.

Dr. Carol Puryear

Dr. Carol Puryear

In July 2007, Dr. Carol Puryear became the Director of the Tennessee Technology Center at Murfreesboro.

Dr. Dick Shaink

Dr. Dick Shaink

Dr. M. Richard (Dick) Shaink has been President of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan since 2000.

Deborah Shephard

Deborah Shephard

Deborah Shephard is President of Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI), a post-secondary technical college with over 1600 students enrolled in 27 different programs.

Dr. Sandy Shugart

Dr. Sandy Shugart

Dr. Sanford C. “Sandy” Shugart has served as fourth president of Valencia College in greater Orlando since January, 2000.

Dr. Robert Templin

Dr. Robert Templin

Dr. Robert Templin joined Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as president a decade ago. Under his leadership, NOVA has increased its annual enrollment by 17,000 students.

Dr. Steven VanAusdle

Dr. Steven VanAusdle

Dr. Steven VanAusdle, president of Walla Walla Community College since 1984, has established a culture that fosters innovation and entrepreneurialism.

Dr. Jose Vicente

Dr. Jose Vicente

Dr. José A. Vicente is President of Miami Dade College’s North Campus and also oversees Miami Dade College West.

Dr. Barbara Veazey

Dr. Barbara Veazey

Dr. Barbara Veazey is the president of West Kentucky Community & Technical College, an institution noted for its academic excellence and innovative partnerships with the community.

Dr. Perry Ward

Dr. Perry Ward

Dr. Perry Ward is president of Lawson State Community College, ensuring that Birmingham, AL has a local workforce ready to meet economic needs.

Dr. Liang Chee Wee

Dr. Liang Chee Wee

Dr. Liang Chee Wee serves as interim president and provost of Northeast Iowa Community College, which was recently selected as one of ten finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Dr. David M. Gipp

Dr. David M. Gipp has been president of United Tribes Technical College since May 2, 1977. President Gipp is an enrolled citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Dr. Pamela S. Shockley-Zalabak

Dr. Pamela S. Shockley-Zalabak is the chancellor of the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. As chancellor since 2001, Shockley-Zalabak has focused UCCS on meeting the economic, social and cultural needs of southern Colorado.