CCBA Celebrates 2026 Promising Practices

From planning and designing new CCB programs to evaluating and improving programs already in place, CCBA's online portfolio of Promising Practices includes proven strategies from colleges around the nation.

"Promising Practices are innovative strategies that promote adult and underrepresented learners’ success in community college baccalaureate programs," says CCBA President Dr. Angela Kersenbrock. "These practices contribute to opportunities, successful education, employment, and other positive outcomes for students, graduates and communities."

The following colleagues presented their promising practices and were recognized during the 2026 CCBA National Conference:

• Building Culture Through Faculty Support to Advance Student Success
  Dr. Megan Hanna, Yavapai College

• Consortium Streamline Pathways for Apprentices to College and University Programs
  Dr. Sue Magyar and Dr. Kayleen Islam Zwart, Eastern Washington University

• Cross-Functional Collaboration for Real-Time Student Barrier Resolution
  Lauri Dreher, Yavapai College

• Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: AI in Business Curriculum
  Rachel Townsend, Northland Pioneer College

• Innovative Solutions for Teacher Shortages: San Jacinto College’s Early Childhood Bachelor’s Program
  Shelley Rinehart, San Jacinto College

• Micro-Internships Can Provide CCB Students Access to Real-World Job Opportunities
  Dr. Rhonda Tracy, Lake Sumter State College

• Open Source Internships
  Tyler Menezes, CodeDay 
  Washington’s State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

• PLA-ce Your Skills: Building a Strong Foundation for Prior Learning Assessment
  Dr. Dalia Sherif, Seattle Colleges

• Preferred Educational Partnership...Partners in Student Success
  Dr. Molly Kostenbauder, Seminole State College of Florida

• Reduced Credit Bachelor’s Degrees for Today’s College Student
  Dr. Doug Berry, Yavapai College

• Statewide BSN Consortium Model for Equity and Access
  Heather Peacock, Linn-Benton Community College
  Holly Nelson, Chemeketa Community College

Meet the CCBA Team at the AACC National Convention in April

CCBA President Dr. Angela Kersenbrock and Board Chair Dr. Joyce Hammer will present The Future of Higher Education is Now: How Community College Baccalaureates Are Reshaping Educational Pathways Sunday, April 12 at 3:15 p.m. in Seattle, WA during the 2026 AACC Annual Convention.

The presentation will examine the transformative power of the community college baccalaureate degree, positioned as a vital higher education innovation in workforce development while highlighting the CCB's role in driving economic growth and fostering opportunities.

Attendees will gain insight into the expanding landscape of CCB programs—including degree types, collaborative partnerships, and compelling student outcome data—showcasing how this educational evolution is shaping the future of the American workforce.

CCB National News & Legislative Roundup

Iowa House Approves CCB Degree Pilot Program

The Iowa House passed legislation this month to bring baccalaureate degrees to community colleges...

Illinois Community College Baccalaureate Legislation Update

Building on Governor JB Pritzker’s support and a negotiated legislative framework, House Bill 5319 and Senate Bill 4034 return this spring to allow Illinois community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields.

Yavapai College Announces Two New 3-Year Bachelor’s Degrees

CCBA Member Yavapai College continues to lead the three-year CCB program approach with the launch of two new fully online optimized degree programs, a Bachelor of Design in Visual Design and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration.