August 29, 2025 | Issue # 289
We are in a time of constant change. Sometimes the change comes from outside the institution — we’re especially seeing that as state and federal policies change. Sometimes, the change comes from inside the institution — for example, you may implement new initiatives meant to better serve students. All this change can lead to burnout, and it’s important to recognize when that’s happening not only to faculty and staff, but also when it’s happening to you. Though the semester has just started, it’s okay to take a moment to breathe and to recharge. As the airlines say, put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. Take care of yourself and you can better take care of those around you.
opens in a new window“Supply Chain and Demand”
In partnership with local industry, two-year institutions are helping students find high-paying careers in logistics and supply chain management fields. Learn about new, innovative programs at community colleges in this opens in a new windowCC Daily article.
opens in a new window“SOAR Gives Students a Place to Belong”
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Successful Occupational Achievement Readiness (SOAR) program provides free vocational and literacy training program for adults with learning and developmental disabilities, which helps them to build skills, fine-tune goals, and earn micro credentials that align with their chosen life and career paths. Read about the program in this AACC 21st-Century Center opens in a new windowblog post.
opens in a new windowAACC Board Nominations Opens Sept. 2
The call for nominations for consideration for the 2026 AACC Board of Directors slate will open September 2. All nominees must be CEOs in good standing with the association. AACC will send an email with more information next week.
opens in a new windowNominations Are Open for the PAEC
AACC is currently opens in a new window seeking nominations to serve on the Presidents Academy Executive Committee (PAEC). The Presidents Academy serves in an advisory capacity to the AACC president and CEO in planning the Presidents Academy Summer Institute (PASI). Presidents Academy members are selected based upon regional representation. Members of the AACC Board of Directors cannot serve on the Presidents Academy during the same period of their board term. Complete the 2026 Presidents Academy Executive Committee Nomination form opens in a new windowhere.
opens in a new windowAACC Federal Update Webinar
AACC is hosting a webinar on September 10, 3:00 p.m. (ET) to provide a legal update on federal issues. This webinar is for AACC members only. opens in a new windowRegister here.
opens in a new windowAnswer the Call for Abstracts for AACC 2026
AACC is opens in a new windowaccepting abstracts for consideration for the agenda for the 2026 annual conference until October 3 at 5:00 p.m. (ET). The annual conference is an excellent opportunity to learn from each other. We invite you to submit session proposals and share with your colleagues from across the country what’s working at your college. AACC 2026 will take place in Seattle, April 10-14.
opens in a new windowSubmit Nominations for AACC Awards
AACC offers a opens in a new windowvariety of awards to celebrate colleges and individuals who have excelled in their fields and who have given back to their communities. Nominations are now open for the opens in a new windowAACC Leadership Award, the opens in a new windowOutstanding Alumni Award, opens in a new windowAwards of Excellence, opens in a new windowLeaders of the Year and Rising Stars Manager and Executive, and opens in a new windowAACC Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition.
opens in a new windowHelp Your Staff Level Up Their Career
The opens in a new windowJohn E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute (Roueche-FLI) and the opens in a new windowAACC Future Presidents Institute (FPI) will be held September 21-24 in Washington, DC. Participants can hone leadership skills and engage in a dialogue with experienced community college leaders, along with developing a network of colleagues from around the country. For more information, opens in a new windowclick here.
opens in a new windowCommissioners: Register for the AACC Fall Meeting
The AACC Fall Commission, Committee and Board Meetings will take place November 11-14 in Arlington, Virginia. If you are an AACC commissioner, you can register for the meeting and make your hotel reservation opens in a new windowhere.
Where’s Walter?
On Wednesday, August 20, I participated in a virtual meeting with The Six.