Office of Community College Research and Leadership

View photos of this year's Illinois Community College Leadership Institute via our June 11 Network News at https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/18/830062018.html .

Congratulations, Dr. Proctor! Listen to an OCCRL conversation with this esteemed higher education professional centering on how her institution is strategically organizing campus efforts to reduce the rates of D and F grades and course withdrawals, especially in gateway courses, by engaging in actionable institutional research and data: https://sites.libsyn.com/88798/piloting-and-scaling-strategies-to-reduce-dfws-in-community-colleges .

Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College, has received the 2026 Advocacy Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, recognizing her leadership and advocacy on behalf of students, Harper College and the Illinois community college system. Read more: https://bit.ly/4v7kUQk

Higher education often focuses on “fixing students,” but the 75th episode of Democracy’s College flips the script.

Dr. OiYan P**n joins Drs. Courtney Luedke and Erick Montenegro to explore how everyday routines, policies, and decision‑making structures can unintentionally create barriers to student success — and why leaders must shift their energy toward redesigning the systems that shape student pathways.

Listen to the conversation on building campuses where every student has a real chance to thrive:
https://sites.libsyn.com/88798/flipping-the-script-to-improve-campus-systems-for-student-success .

The fourth annual Illinois Community College Leadership Institute was as engaging as ever with aspiring community college leaders learning about topics centered on higher education governance in an ever-changing environment. Other subjects included how to lead in the age of AI, how to create a thriving workforce culture, how to lead through changing demographics, and more. Thanks to Illinois Central College for hosting and to Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery - Peoria for a wonderful dinner!

Excellent work being done by Dr. TVIII! Listen to our podcast with Dr. Vaughan, "Micro-Urban Colleges, Quality Credentials, and Equity for Black Learners," at https://sites.libsyn.com/88798/micro-urban-colleges-quality-credentials-and-equity-for-black-learners .

Last week, Workcred’s Dr. Terry Vaughan III presented initial findings on how to better support degree + non-degree credential pathways for future learners during the Non-Degree Research Network conference. Stay tuned for the full report to be released this summer!

In Episode 65 of Democracy’s College, Jay Gatrell, president of Eastern Illinois University, shares how his campus is redesigning gateway courses, investing in faculty, and building a community of care to help more students succeed.

“We can be rigorous and supportive… DFW rates have nothing to do with rigor. They have to do with engagement,” he said during the conversation with Dr. OiYan P**n.

Listen to how data‑informed leadership and inclusive pedagogy are reshaping student success at EIU.
🔗 https://sites.libsyn.com/88798/investing-in-and-encouraging-academic-leaders-to-reduce-dfw-rates-to-improve-student-success .

The April 3 podcast "Spotlight on Community Colleges" brought big energy to The Council for the Study of Community Colleges Conference in Salt Lake City with a special live-recorded episode featuring guests Lorenzo Baber, Deneece Huftalin, and Darin Jensen. Listen to "The Community College in Tumultuous Times" via the May 21 Network News: https://emails.illinois.edu/newsletter/57/2083712457.html .

Students can’t focus on learning when their basic needs go unmet. This Democracy’s College episode explores how basic needs support, benefits navigators, and house liaisons are transforming the way institutions show up for learners.

Hear how these roles help students stay enrolled, feel supported, and thrive: https://sites.libsyn.com/88798/the-power-of-basic-needs-support-for-students-through-benefits-navigators-and-house-liaisons .

This year’s College of Education convocation ceremony took place at the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) and was followed by an outdoor reception at the Education Building, where graduates and their families and friends enjoyed refreshments and photo opportunities (see photo below of OCCRL senior research assistant Jewel Bourne).

Highlights of the ceremony at ARC included a welcome from Dean Chrystalla Mouza, a land-grant institution acknowledgment by Dr. Oliver Tapaha (see photo below), an alumni welcome from Heather Zorn, and of course the recognition of all Education at graduates and awardees!

Community college students are leading powerful change across Illinois. In our newest episode of Democracy’s College, Dr. Nina Owolabi talks with student leader Leonidas Hamza and Deana Schenk, the senior director for student success at the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), about how student voices are shaping policy, strengthening advocacy efforts, and redefining what leadership looks like on community college campuses. Their conversation highlights the impact of the ICCB Student Advisory Committee, the importance of lived experience in decision‑making, and the transformative role of student advocacy. Listen to discover how student leaders are building pathways for those who will follow: https://sites.libsyn.com/88798/student-leadership-in-community-colleges 🎙️