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

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 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 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

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

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

Dr. Dick Shaink

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

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

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

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 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 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 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.