San Antonio College was named the winner of the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.
With a singular focus on student success, the Aspen Prize honors institutions with outstanding achievement in six areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, and leadership and culture.
“This is the highest national honor that a community college can receive. Today’s news makes me proud, happy, and just about every good feeling you can imagine,” said SAC President Dr. Robert Vela (left). “It’s a breathtaking achievement for our faculty, staff, and students, and it embodies the very best of everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.”
"President Vela typifies the Caring Campus philosophy with what he calls the Educator Heart, an approach that set the stage for successful Caring Campus implementation at SAC," said Jordan Horowitz, IEBC Chief Operating Officer and Caring Campus coach. "It has been my pleasure to serve as their coach as they continue to proactively support students, benefiting everyone involved, students, staff, faculty, administrators and community."