Commentary

How presidents on social media shape community college success

With the power to inform, connect, engage and make presidents more visible, social media emerged as a vital instrument in educational leaders’ arsenals. Through insights garnered from discussions with 10 community college presidents effectively leveraging…


Two-year enrollments appear to surge this fall

After tapering off somewhat during the Great Recession and even more dramatically during the Covid pandemic, community college enrollments overall appear to be blooming this fall in varying degrees, according to reports from more than…



Advocacy quick hits: Appropriations deadline looms

Congressional lawmakers have spent the August recess visiting their home states, districts and (hopefully) community colleges, but they have a daunting task awaiting them when they return to Washington. September 30 marks the end of…


Beyond access

Recent national events have created much conversation. With landmark decisions announced by the Supreme Court on affirmative action and the legalities of student loan forgiveness, higher education is in the national spotlight and there is…


Three ways to combat skepticism of higher ed’s value

Today’s strong job market, coupled with the rising cost of higher education and a multitude of online certificates, has intensified doubts about the value of – or need for – a higher education degree. Results…


Starting early and staying the course

The crucial first step in achieving student success in rural, low-income areas is to burst affordability and class access paradigms and get students in the door to start their education. Many low-income parents falsely assume…



Granting ourselves grace

When I first stood in a community college classroom as an English adjunct in rural North Carolina, I never planned to be a college president. Yet two and a half decades later, I reflect on…