In a historic moment for community college leadership, Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard has been named the next president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), beginning this fall. She will become the first woman to lead the 105-year-old organization. While her official tenure has yet to begin, Dr. Pollard recently visited Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) in Detroit, underscoring her commitment to connecting national advocacy with local priorities in higher education.
In her message to members, Dr. Pollard reaffirmed that community colleges are vital engines of economic mobility and social progress. She emphasized a commitment to advancing access, affordability, and excellence for all students, promising to work closely with local institutions to translate national priorities into meaningful outcomes on campuses.
During her recent visit to WCCCD, Dr. Pollard met with college leaders and faculty to learn more about their initiatives in workforce development, student access, and equity. Though details of the visit have not yet been widely reported, it reflected her intention to engage directly with colleges of different sizes and missions. WCCCD’s experience as a large, multi-campus district serving Detroit and its surrounding communities provides a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing urban institutions nationwide.
WCCCD, which serves tens of thousands of students across six campuses, has long been recognized for its leadership and community impact. In 2022, Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery was named AACC’s CEO of the Year for his transformative leadership. Under his direction, the college has expanded academic and career programs, grown enrollment, and strengthened partnerships with local industries and organizations. The visit offered an opportunity for AACC’s new president to see firsthand how local colleges are advancing student success while responding to regional workforce needs.