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As I begin my service as President & CEO of CCBA, I am honored to join an organization that is transforming lives by expanding access to high-value, career-focused baccalaureate degree opportunities through community colleges—an essential part of a broader, evolving educational ecosystem.
My own educational journey began at a community college and shaped my belief that working adults, place-bound learners, and first-generation students need affordable, accessible pathways to family-sustaining careers. Throughout my career, I have worked to strengthen workforce-aligned credentials, support transfer pathways, and expand applied baccalaureate options—efforts grounded in the understanding that no single pathway will meet today’s needs.
Our shared focus is developing a range of workforce-focused educational pathways that lead to social and economic mobility for our students, while supporting strong community and regional economies. Community college baccalaureate degrees are a key part of this continuum, alongside transfer and university partnerships, helping ensure more learners have clear, attainable routes to a four-year degree aligned with opportunity.
As we look ahead, I am excited to work alongside our Board of Directors, members, and partners to strengthen CCBA's national voice, expand our impact, and amplify the value of community college baccalaureate degrees. Together, we will continue advocating for policies that increase access, sharing innovative practices, fostering meaningful partnerships, and supporting institutions as they advocate for, design and scale high-quality programs that serve today's learners.
CCBA's success has always been driven by the passion, expertise, and collaboration of its members. I look forward to listening, learning, and working with you as we build on this strong foundation and advance a shared vision of opportunity, innovation, and student success.
Thank you for your commitment to this work—I’m excited for what we will accomplish together.
Cheryl
ccalhoun@accbd.org
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