Alamo Colleges District Joins the Institute for Performance Excellence
On January 20, 2026, the Baldrige Foundation announced that the Alamo Colleges District has officially become a Trustee of the Institute for Performance Excellence. This prestigious role marks a significant milestone for the District which has already been a recipient of the Baldrige Award in 2018 and 2024. The partnership reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in the realm of education.
The Alamo Colleges District, a major educational network in the Greater San Antonio region, operates through five accredited colleges. Driven by their mission “Empowering our diverse communities for success,” the District aims to enhance student success and foster regional economic growth. As a Trustee, they will collaborate with the Baldrige Foundation to provide insights and guidance on evolving tools, resources, and strategic initiatives that are pivotal for educational institutions.
Commitment to Educational Excellence
The role of a Trustee comes with several responsibilities, including participating in research initiatives aimed at supporting both faculty and students. The Alamo Colleges District will also gain access to benchmarking networks and leadership opportunities that will position them as a vital contributor to educational excellence on a national scale. This alignment with the Baldrige Framework represents not only a growth opportunity for the District but also serves the broader community's interests through improved educational quality and workforce readiness.
Josh Racette, President and CEO of the Baldrige Foundation, expressed admiration for the Alamo Colleges District, stating, “They represent the very best of what is possible in higher education when leaders embrace mission-driven systems.” This statement underscores the importance of leadership and accountability in achieving measurable outcomes and fostering community impact.
Under the leadership of Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores, the Alamo Colleges District has gained national acclaim for its student-centered strategy, which interlinks programs and support systems to meet regional workforce demands and enhance economic mobility. With enrollments peaking at an all-time high of 77,191 students, the District’s impact on education and the economy continues to grow, generating over $2 billion in annual economic output for the region.
Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores emphasized their pride in becoming a Trustee: “The Baldrige Framework aligns with our mission to empower our diverse communities for success and strengthens our capacity to innovate, collaborate, and drive measurable results.” This partnership not only enhances their operational abilities but also boosts the quality of services provided to students, families, and employers.
Future Collaborations and Opportunities
As the Alamo Colleges District engages with the Institute for Performance Excellence, it will work to align strategy with outcome-driven results, contributing to greater performance levels among students and the community at large. By being a part of a larger network of leading organizations committed to excellence, the District will help shape the future of educational practices across the country.
The Institute for Performance Excellence comprises a collection of organizations that advocate for enhanced organizational practices, thus promoting competitiveness on both national and global levels. This collaboration provides the Alamo Colleges District not only with opportunities for growth but also establishes it as a key player in an evolving educational landscape.
In conclusion, becoming a Trustee of the Institute for Performance Excellence is not just a milestone for the Alamo Colleges District; it is a commitment to forging a path toward innovative educational practices that uplift communities and support student success across the region. With a focus on measurable results, this partnership heralds a new chapter of active engagement, collaboration, and performance excellence in higher education.
For further information about the Alamo Colleges District and its initiatives, you can visit their website at
alamo.edu/80.