August 11, 2023 | Issue # 242
Last week, under the leadership of AACC Board Chair Ava Parker, the AACC Board of Directors met in Washington, DC, for our annual board retreat. We spent time reviewing AACC’s strategic plan to ensure we’re working toward our members’ priorities. We also heard from Nasser Paydar, the assistant secretary of education for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education, who provided an update from the department. And Patrick Nemons, director of the Office of Safety Programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation, shared with the board funding opportunities for community colleges through DOT.
It was a productive meeting and I’m grateful to our board members for taking the time to participate.
Like you all, we’ve been watching the wildfires ravage parts of Maui. With the help of AACC Board member and former chancellor of Hawaii Community College, Dr. Rachel Solemsaas, I was able to connect with the current interim chancellor, Susan Kazama, Maui College Chancellor Dr. Lui Hokoana, and Della Teraoka, acting vice president for community colleges for the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, to send regards on behalf of the AACC Board and I. I relayed that our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families there, as well as everyone who has been affected by the devastation.
“Survey: Kudos to Community Colleges — Again”
Americans continue to think highly of community colleges — and more than half believe they are underfunded, according to New America’s annual Varying Degrees survey. Get the details in CC Daily.
“College Launches Black Studies Degree Program”
This fall, Massasoit Community College will offer students the opportunity to major in Black Studies. Learn more about the program in the AACC 21st Century Center blog.
Community College Legislative Priorities
Congress will return after its August recess to a packed legislative agenda, in particular the FY 2024 appropriations bills. AACC has posted the top community college legislative priorities for the remainder of 2023. Check it out here.
Learn How to Submit Abstracts & Award Nominations for AACC Annual
AACC Annual is right around the corner. The theme for 2024 is “Racing Toward a Better Future.” Get yourself in the right starting position for AACC 2024 by attending this webinar on August 24 at 2:00 p.m. (ET) to learn about the processes for submitting abstracts and award nominations. Register here.
Roueche-FLI and FPI Are Coming to Denver
The John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute and Future Presidents Institute will next take place in Denver, Colorado, September 10-12. These institutes are aimed at emerging and current leaders. Consider sending someone from your college! Register now.
Highlights
The 2023-2024 AACC Board of Directors came together last week in Washington, DC, for the annual board retreat.