Focus Forward

 April 15, 2026 Thank you to everyone who attended the annual convention in Seattle. I was inspired by the energy and engagement of each and every one of you. I’m grateful for the feedback on the Strategic Compass 2035–both formal and informal. If you have additional comments, or weren’t able to be in Seattle, I’m […]

 April 1, 2026 The AACC convention starts next week in Seattle and the energy is buzzing. With more than 200 sessions and 63 exhibitors, this promises to be a stimulating experience full of camaraderie and learning for everyone. Presentations tailored to empower our members and stakeholders will inspire us all: The Power of Storytelling: Changing […]

 March18, 2026   Workforce Pell grant regulations are continuing to evolve with the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) recent “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” now public. AACC is drafting its own response, which will be available to members early the week of March 23, so that campuses can elect to use them in their own submissions […]

 March 4, 2026 Last week, I was part of a panel at the American Council on Education (ACE), where the conversation touched on higher education as a public good and our sector’s need to reclaim our narrative value. There was also significant discussion of “radical collaboration”—building our muscles around working proactively with different kinds of […]

 February 18, 2026 “Community Colleges Need to Master the Art of Storytelling” was my piece published last week in WorkShift and contains some outstanding examples of our members’ workforce agility and national value. Three new federal funding opportunities are now available for competition: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released the official announcement of funding […]

 February 4, 2026 Last week’s Workforce Development Institute drew 800 participants to 60 sessions! I was inspired by the creativity of our colleges and the commitment by so many industries to partnerships that advance our national workforce strengths. Another exciting opportunity is next week, immediately following the National Legislative Summit in DC. Seeding America’s Workforce […]

  January 7, 2026 Happy new year, everyone. I hope you are energized as we launch into this new year. Workforce demands emerging across multiple industries are a critical focus for 2026 and AACC is working to amplify these narratives in Washington, DC, and across the country. Activity around apprenticeships is expanding quickly. Just yesterday, […]

  December 17, 2025 I am re-acclimating to the cold that comes to Washington, DC, in December, but the snow dusting didn’t impede my visits to Capitol Hill last week. In fact, my spirit was warmed by the praise I heard for community colleges during every visit. Four U.S. representatives were enthusiastic about the work […]

  December 3, 2025 Workforce Pell is front and center in Washington, DC, as formal negotiations begin on the regulations that will guide the implementation process and program functioning. We have several new tools that may help you navigate emerging developments, including some step-by-step infographics and details on what colleges should be doing to prepare. […]