One Million Degrees Appoints New CEO to Enhance Community College Student Success
In a significant move for the nonprofit sector dedicated to educational success, One Million Degrees (OMD) has appointed Dr. Aarti Dhupelia as its new CEO. Based in Chicago, OMD has established itself as a leader in enhancing completion rates for community college students throughout the U.S. Dr. Dhupelia’s recruitment follows an extensive national search conducted by the OMD Board of Directors, aided by the leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates.
Dr. Dhupelia brings nearly two decades of experience, focusing on improving educational access and success among historically underserved populations. Her most recent position was as executive vice chancellor and chief student experience officer at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), where she managed various aspects of student life, including enrollment and career services, across a sizable student body.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Dhupelia stated, "Community college students have often been underestimated despite their significant educational achievements. I have followed OMD's journey for over 15 years, and I'm thrilled to be part of an organization that has transformed lives and reshaped the support systems for college students across the nation." Her tenure at OMD aligns perfectly with its mission: to provide holistic support—ranging from academic coaching and financial aid to career guidance—that can help community college students graduate and enter the workforce.
Research from the University of Chicago's Inclusive Economy Lab emphasizes OMD’s effectiveness: their scholars are 73% more likely to graduate within three years compared to their peers. Begun as a pilot initiative at one of CCC's campuses, the program has expanded dramatically, establishing partnerships with several other institutions and significantly increasing its reach. Since 2022, CCC has integrated OMD services throughout its campuses, automatically enrolling eligible students into the program, thus extending the benefits to more than 2,000 students annually.
The importance of OMD's mission is magnified in the context of the current economic and educational landscape. Andrew Beideman, co-chair of OMD's board, praised Dr. Dhupelia’s capacity for building systems and partnerships, indicating her leadership will be instrumental amid the growing demand for OMD's services. Partnerships with educational entities such as Prairie State College and Complete College America have enabled OMD to expand its impactful model further, benefitting a broader demographic of students.
Dr. Dhupelia’s appointment comes at a crucial point in OMD’s growth. Recently, OMD secured a partnership with the University of Illinois System to enhance its services statewide. OMD’s work is characterized by rigorous evidence-based practices, setting a standard in the nonprofit realm for how to support and uplift community college students.
Before her time with CCC, Dr. Dhupelia held various administrative roles focused on educational equity, including serving as chief officer for college and career success at Chicago Public Schools. Her extensive background demonstrates a commitment to fostering educational pathways for every student, particularly those who face systemic barriers. Holding an MBA from Harvard and a Doctorate in higher education leadership, her academic credentials further support her position as a capable leader for OMD.
As her leadership journey at OMD begins, Dr. Dhupelia expresses enthusiasm about continuing to work closely with universities and community organizations to create a robust support network for students. Her predecessor, Aneesh Sohoni, who served until March 2025 before taking a position with Teach for America, laid a strong foundation for OMD, and now Dr. Dhupelia aims to expand on that legacy.
One Million Degrees is more than just an educational support organization; it is a catalyst for change in the lives of community college students, significantly impacting their futures. With Dr. Dhupelia at the helm, OMD is poised to enhance its operations and extend its influence as it advocates for the needs and aspirations of students across the nation. Learn more about One Million Degrees and its mission at www.onemilliondegrees.org.
Dr. Dhupelia brings nearly two decades of experience, focusing on improving educational access and success among historically underserved populations. Her most recent position was as executive vice chancellor and chief student experience officer at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), where she managed various aspects of student life, including enrollment and career services, across a sizable student body.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Dhupelia stated, "Community college students have often been underestimated despite their significant educational achievements. I have followed OMD's journey for over 15 years, and I'm thrilled to be part of an organization that has transformed lives and reshaped the support systems for college students across the nation." Her tenure at OMD aligns perfectly with its mission: to provide holistic support—ranging from academic coaching and financial aid to career guidance—that can help community college students graduate and enter the workforce.
Research from the University of Chicago's Inclusive Economy Lab emphasizes OMD’s effectiveness: their scholars are 73% more likely to graduate within three years compared to their peers. Begun as a pilot initiative at one of CCC's campuses, the program has expanded dramatically, establishing partnerships with several other institutions and significantly increasing its reach. Since 2022, CCC has integrated OMD services throughout its campuses, automatically enrolling eligible students into the program, thus extending the benefits to more than 2,000 students annually.
The importance of OMD's mission is magnified in the context of the current economic and educational landscape. Andrew Beideman, co-chair of OMD's board, praised Dr. Dhupelia’s capacity for building systems and partnerships, indicating her leadership will be instrumental amid the growing demand for OMD's services. Partnerships with educational entities such as Prairie State College and Complete College America have enabled OMD to expand its impactful model further, benefitting a broader demographic of students.
Dr. Dhupelia’s appointment comes at a crucial point in OMD’s growth. Recently, OMD secured a partnership with the University of Illinois System to enhance its services statewide. OMD’s work is characterized by rigorous evidence-based practices, setting a standard in the nonprofit realm for how to support and uplift community college students.
Before her time with CCC, Dr. Dhupelia held various administrative roles focused on educational equity, including serving as chief officer for college and career success at Chicago Public Schools. Her extensive background demonstrates a commitment to fostering educational pathways for every student, particularly those who face systemic barriers. Holding an MBA from Harvard and a Doctorate in higher education leadership, her academic credentials further support her position as a capable leader for OMD.
As her leadership journey at OMD begins, Dr. Dhupelia expresses enthusiasm about continuing to work closely with universities and community organizations to create a robust support network for students. Her predecessor, Aneesh Sohoni, who served until March 2025 before taking a position with Teach for America, laid a strong foundation for OMD, and now Dr. Dhupelia aims to expand on that legacy.
One Million Degrees is more than just an educational support organization; it is a catalyst for change in the lives of community college students, significantly impacting their futures. With Dr. Dhupelia at the helm, OMD is poised to enhance its operations and extend its influence as it advocates for the needs and aspirations of students across the nation. Learn more about One Million Degrees and its mission at www.onemilliondegrees.org.
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