#United States #Washington, D.C. #AACC #Community Colleges #DeRionne Pollard

Dr. DeRionne Pollard to Lead AACC

On July 16, 2025, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) revealed the appointment of Dr. DeRionne Pollard as its new president and CEO, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s 105-year history. Pollard’s extensive experience and commitment to community colleges underscore her readiness to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in higher education.

The announcement came after an exhaustive search and a special board meeting, emphasizing the importance of selecting a visionary leader to steer the AACC into the future.

Dr. Sunita Cooke, former board chair and head of the search committee, remarked on the critical role of community colleges, stating that they are foundational to America’s educational and workforce systems. Cooke noted Pollard’s impressive leadership and commitment to advancing opportunities for all students, highlighting her strong vision and energy, which are essential qualities for leading the AACC.

Pollard, currently serving as the president of Nevada State University, has a rich background in education, having led Montgomery College in Maryland and Las Positas College in California in the past. As a first-generation college graduate herself, she possesses a deep understanding of the significance of community colleges as gateways to higher education and career preparation.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Pollard stated, "I am deeply honored to serve as the next president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges. This position represents a unique chance to guide a national organization dedicated to promoting accessible, affordable, and quality education. Community colleges are where the future begins, and I am committed to leveraging our strengths to address workforce needs and enhance civic engagement across the nation."

Pollard's vision emphasizes the need to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing educational landscape. She believes that support for community colleges is vital, not just for the success of the institutions themselves, but for the economic mobility of millions of Americans. By centering student needs and championing access, she aims to transform lives, ensuring fairness and dignity in education.

Her commitment to leadership and excellence has not gone unnoticed. Pollard has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including recognition as one of Washington's 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine, an Academic Leadership Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a Visionary Award from the Washington Area Women's Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree and a Master of Arts in English from Iowa State University, as well as a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from Loyola University Chicago.

Pollard succeeds Dr. Walter Bumphus, who helmed the AACC since 2010 and has announced his retirement earlier this year. Bumphus expressed confidence in Pollard's capabilities, stating, "Passing the baton to a proven leader such as Dr. Pollard is an honor, and I am confident that the organization and the nation’s community colleges will not just persevere; they will thrive under DeRionne’s leadership."

As the voice for the nation’s community colleges, the AACC is dedicated to improving educational opportunities for over 10 million diverse students in the pursuit of the American Dream. The organization advocates for resources and support to help colleges fulfill their essential mission of enhancing economic mobility for all. Pollard’s leadership is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping the future of higher education at community colleges, enabling them to adapt to the evolving demands of the workforce and society.

With Dr. Pollard at the helm, the AACC is poised to navigate the future of community colleges, ensuring that they continue to serve as critical access points for education and workforce development across the United States.