Throughout the world, community colleges are attracting attention as the engines of a prosperous economy and as colleges of opportunity. Often, the remarkable exponential growth and success of the community college earn it the title of “the people’s colleges” or “democracy’s colleges.” Their growth has opened access to training opportunities and higher education to students who would not otherwise have any prospect of obtaining a degree. In spite of their tremendous growth and achievements, community colleges all over the country have faced quite a number of challenges.
Edmund J. Gleazer who spearheaded the national information program in the movement of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) took effect as the CEO and soon started gaining philanthropic help (Luskin, 2011) . Gleazer lobbied for donors and managed to get powerful corporations to assist in the course of the AACC. On the onset, a committee involved in planning identified four crucial problems. These were obtaining top leadership for community colleges; the surety of adequate supply of competent teachers; strengthening of the services of student personnel; and the expansion, improvement, and credibility of technical programs. Under Gleazer’s tenure, several issues were handled among them the focus of assessments and the redirections of colleges; the opening of the association to accommodate greater diversity; promotion of lifelong learning as a product and an entire process; and the leading of constructive change. These issues were of dire significance since community colleges had been identified as the future of American education and as such needed to attain the highest integrity and level of service.
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After Edmund J. Gleazer came Dale P. Parnell who served as the chief executive officer from 1981 to 1991 (Luskin, 2011) . Parnell dealt with the issue of promoting the “within reach” philosophy, which saw the conversion of numerous technical schools to community colleges. In addition, he worked on identifying and breaking down higher education barriers such as socioeconomic tension and technological pressures. Parnell defined the associate degree and gave it meaning, which consequently streamlined the number and types of degrees on offer in community colleges. After Parnell, David R. Pierce took office from 1991-2000 (Luskin, 2011) . He handled the issue of financial stabilization and staffing within the AACC, the strengthening of government relations whereby in the Clinton administration the AACC was involved in innumerable educational initiatives and the building of awareness through national campaigns. Through all this, he changed the national perspectives and outlook of community colleges. Pierce also handled the issue of accreditation and created a national certification board. After Pierce, George R. Boggs took over from 2000-2010 and handled the issues of advocacy within the Association (Luskin, 2011) . When he took office, there were immense challenges at the federal policy level, and this made advocacy a major concern. There were also problems with the financing and staff, which he strengthened during his tenure. He also handled the issue of student success and the learning model that were in question at that time.
To date, the initiatives originated by these CEOs have made and continue to make a lasting impact on community colleges as a whole and their quality of education. From their wise and timely leadership, community colleges continue to enjoy constant benefit and development, especially from corporate and foundational support. Their leadership brought about proper accreditation and subsequently the validity of degrees and certificates. As a result, technical and vocational education were recognized as significant contributors to the American workforce. In addition, community colleges played a central role in actualizing particular initiatives such as the one dubbed “put America back to work.” Ultimately, proper leadership remains to be the backbone of any functional team or group of specific individuals, and in the case of the AACC, sound leadership saw this body through rough times.
References
Luskin, B. (2011). Legacy of Leadership: Profiles of the Presidents of the AmericanAssociation of Community Colleges, 1958-2010 . Washington, DC: W.K. Kellogg Foundation and American Association of Community Colleges.
