October 28, 2026
Investing in the skilled trades is an important strategy for our nation that also requires additional support for community colleges. That was my message in a Washington Post opinion piece last week and one of the themes I touched on in my interview with Issues in Science and Technology. Apprenticeships are one opportunity that has expanded well beyond the traditional trades to areas like healthcare, teaching, and advanced manufacturing, which I explore in my latest episode of Talking About Talent.
AACC proudly joined four other higher education associations in launching the National Student Success Project last week. The coalition is reminding our nation of the dedication we share to advancing high value post-secondary education. The project articulates five core commitments that represent an action agenda for American higher education.
AACC’s government relations team is hosting a webinar this afternoon on how the federal grant-making process may be changed by the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed regulations modifying “unfirm guidance” procedures and the U.S. Department of Education’s EDGAR rules. An additional post-election AACC webinar will be held on November 9 to review the midterms and their implications for community colleges. Finally, a webinar by American Council on Education and the Department of Education on November 10 will explore the financial value transparency and related reporting requirements.
Interacting with so many AACC presidents at the ACCT conference in Chicago last week was the highlight of my week. I connected with dozens of you on your most pressing priorities, including relationships with boards, AI protocols on campuses, and local and state political dynamics. I was fortunate to serve on a panel with AACC Board Chair John Enamait (Stanly Community College) and Past Chair Leigh Goodson (Tulsa Community College), both of whom echoed the centrality of robust board-president relationships to institutional success. This sentiment was also noted at the joint AACC/ACCT executive meeting where collaboration was a high priority.
Congratulations to Harper College President Avis Proctor, who was presented the Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award at the ACCT conference for her extraordinary leadership. Among other accomplishments, Dr. Proctor has advanced the graduation rate at her college to its highest ever: 51.9%.
Thank you to the four presidents who contributed to a recent white paper that AACC submitted to the American Physical Society as part of its NSF Forward initiative, highlighting the significant role of National Science Foundation (NSF) funding in advancing STEM technician education and workforce development in the community college sector. Contributing presidents included Dr. Janet Spriggs (Forsyth Technical Community College), Dr. David Harrison (Columbus State Community College), Dr. Amit Singh (Edmonds College), and Dr. Michael Torrence (Motlow State Community College).
Last week’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Conference, in Washington, DC, brought together more than 700 NSF ATE grantees and partners from across the country, including 53 community college students and alumni. .The annual conference showcased the work of ATE projects and centers, highlighted innovative practices, and fostered collaborations to advance the nation’s skilled technical workforce