Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Receives 2026 Equity Champions Legacy Award
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, president of the Community College of Aurora (CCA), has received the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s 2026 Equity Champions Legacy Award. Presented by Dr. Tricia Johnson, the honor recognizes Coloradans who have made a lasting difference in advancing equity in higher education across communities and the state.
For Dr. Brownlee, this recognition represents a collective achievement—one shaped by the faculty, staff, students, and partners who make CCA’s commitment to opportunity a daily practice. Their shared work centers on removing barriers, supporting student success, and creating pathways to economic mobility.
In announcing the award, CDHE highlighted a 20% increase in completions during Dr. Brownlee’s tenure and CCA’s distinction as Colorado’s first Achieving the Dream institution. Behind those milestones are students reaching their goals and expanding possibilities for themselves and their families.
This honor celebrates the power of a college community united around a shared purpose. It also reinforces the work ahead: continuing to build systems that help people turn their potential into achievement.
When a community commits to removing barriers, the opportunities it creates can reach generations.
CCA Sets 43-Year Enrollment Record with Over 10,700 Students
AURORA, Colo. – The Community College o (opens in a new window)f Aurora (CCA) has set a new all-time student enrollment record, with over 10,700 total students enrolled for the fall 2026 semester. This largest learner population in the college’s 43-year history will likely grow as registration for select courses remains open through late October. The milestone continues a period of enrollment growth following record-setting enrollment in spring 2026 (opens in a new window) and fall 2025.
Each successive semester of growth deepens our responsibility to deliver on the promise that brings students to CCA: an affordable, high-quality education that opens doors for them and their families, said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, president of CCA. (opens in a new window) Behind this record enrollment are people choosing to pursue a degree, preparing for a new career, or returning to a dream they once put on hold. Our faculty and staff make those possibilities real through their teaching, care, and commitment. We celebrate this milestone with our community while remaining focused on what comes next: helping students persist, graduate, and turn their education into lasting opportunity.
CCA leaders attribute the continued enrollment growth in part to administrative improvements that make the college experience clearer and more predictable for students.
Updated academic course maps provide a more accurate picture of the path to graduation while earlier course scheduling fosters a more stable class structure. Redesigned registration and records processes make graduation and transfers more seamless. These all allow students to better plan their courses around work, family, and other responsibilities. The impact of this work is visible not only in record-breaking enrollment, but also in improved graduation rates that have increased 24% in recent years.
Expanded financial aid options also make CCA a top choice for students. The CCA Foundation (opens in a new window) continues raising record-breaking scholarship funds (opens in a new window) through strong community partnerships and grant opportunities. (opens in a new window) Special incentives like the Momentum Scholarship, (opens in a new window) for example, have more than doubled the number of concurrent enrollment students since last year and provided free tuition to about 120 students this semester.
Financial aid application completion rates are also up. This fall, approximately 73% of students completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) compared with just 54% last year.
Historic enrollment is not simply about bringing more students through our doors. It reflects CCA’s commitment to seeing the whole student and responding to what our community needs, said Clair Collins, CCA Vice President of Enrollment Success and Completion. (opens in a new window) We are removing financial barriers and helping more students recognize that college is within reach. At the same time, we are aligning our programs with the workforce needs of our region so that students earn credentials that lead to strong careers, greater economic mobility, and increased long-term earning potential for their families. That is what enrollment growth should mean for a community.
As enrollment grows, so do the services the college offers students. In 2026, the college opened the Wellness Den, (opens in a new window) Foxy’s Fitness Center, (opens in a new window) and the Fitzsimmons Credit Union Success Station. (opens in a new window) CCA’s work to strengthen student support has also received statewide and national recognition, including:
Recognition as a 2026 Leader College (opens in a new window) by Achieving the Dream
Colorado’s Basic Needs Campus Designation at the Comprehensive Tier (opens in a new window)
The 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award (opens in a new window) and 2026 Community College Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award (opens in a new window) from Insight Into Academia.
As the college grows in student population and notoriety, CCA remains focused on what matters most: ensuring students not only access higher education, but succeed in it. With expanded campuses, workforce-aligned programs, targeted financial support, and wraparound student services, CCA is meeting a critical moment for Colorado’s economy and communities. This record-setting enrollment reflects growing trust in CCA as a college built to serve today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.
Dr. Mordecai Named 2026 Changemaker of the Year by "Colorado Youth For A Change"
Last night, I had the honor of receiving the 2026 Changemaker of the Year Award from Colorado Youth For A Change!
Thank you to the organization and its leaders for this meaningful recognition and for helping young people reconnect with education, opportunity, and their own potential.
I proudly share this honor with my Community College of Aurora colleagues. Your commitment to our students makes meaningful change possible every day. Celebrating alongside my family made the evening especially meaningful. Their love and support sustain my commitment to this work.
A young person’s circumstances can never tell the full story of their potential. Together, we have a responsibility to see that potential, remove barriers, and help create opportunities for it to flourish.
-Dr. Mordecai
Mordecai Brownlee named CSU vice president for Denver metro engagement and executive director of CSU Spur
With a grateful and humble heart, I am honored to share that I will be joining Colorado State University as Vice President for Denver Metro Engagement and Executive Director of CSU Spur.
Serving the Community College of Aurora as its sixth President has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I am now deeply honored to have been entrusted with this opportunity to serve CSU and CSU Spur under the leadership of President Amy Parsons.
To the communities across Colorado, thank you for trusting me to help advance postsecondary education and opportunity throughout our state and beyond. I remain humbled by the privilege to serve. My new role begins January 1, 2027.
Read the announcement here: https://source.colostate.edu/mordecai-brownlee-named-csu-vice-president-for-denver-metro-engagement-and-executive-director-of-csu-spur/
President Mordecai Brownlee to Conclude More Than Five Years of Leadership at CCA
After more than five years of leadership, President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee will conclude his presidency at the Community College of Aurora in December 2026.
Since joining CCA in 2021, Dr. Brownlee has helped lead a period of significant growth, expanded opportunities for students, and strengthened CCA’s role throughout the communities we serve.
The Community College of Aurora is grateful for his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to our students.
Read the full announcement: https://ccaurora.edu/news-press/press-release/brownlee-concludes-presidency
Congressional Recognition Highlights the Power of Partnership and Opportunity
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) continues to earn recognition for its commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening Colorado's workforce.
Following CCA's receipt of the City of Commerce City's Economic Development Leadership Award this spring, the college was presented with a Congressional Recognition by Congressman Gabe Evans' office, acknowledging the impact of the innovative Commerce City Promise initiative.
The recognition underscores the transformative potential of partnerships between higher education, local government, and community leaders. Designed to remove financial barriers and expand access to education and workforce training, Commerce City Promise reflects CCA's ongoing commitment to preparing learners for careers that strengthen both families and regional economies.
"Community colleges have always been engines of opportunity," said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora. "Today, they are also engines of economic development. When communities invest in education, they invest in the future workforce, stronger local businesses, and greater economic mobility for generations to come."
Under Dr. Brownlee's leadership, CCA has continued to position itself as a national model for workforce innovation by developing strategic partnerships that connect education directly to regional talent needs. Commerce City Promise represents one of those efforts, creating pathways that empower learners while supporting the long-term economic vitality of the community.
Dr. Brownlee expressed gratitude to the City of Commerce City, Congressman Gabe Evans' office, CCA faculty and staff, and the many community partners whose collaboration made the program possible.
"This recognition belongs to every educator, staff member, partner, and student who believed that expanding opportunity could transform lives," Brownlee said. "Together, we are demonstrating what is possible when higher education and communities work together with a shared purpose."
As CCA continues to advance innovative workforce solutions, recognitions like these serve as reminders that meaningful partnerships create lasting impact—one student, one family, and one community at a time.
Learn more about the Commerce City Promise program here.
Building Capacity for the Future
Today marked an important milestone for the Community College of Aurora as the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education approved every item presented by our institution.
Among the approvals were CCA's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Special Education, and strategic investments in campus infrastructure and safety. Each of these actions represents more than a vote of approval. They represent an investment in students, workforce development, and the long-term strength of our community.
One outcome I am particularly proud of is our financial performance. Earlier this year, we projected that CCA would close Fiscal Year 2026 with a fund balance of approximately $2.8 million. Today, due to record enrollment growth, disciplined stewardship of resources, and the collective efforts of our entire college community, we are projected to finish the year with a $14.9 million fund balance.
Strong finances are not the goal. They are the fuel that allows us to expand opportunity, strengthen student support, invest in our people, modernize our campuses, and respond to the evolving needs of employers and communities across our region.
The momentum at CCA is a reflection of what is possible when faculty, staff, students, trustees, community partners, and industry leaders unite around a shared mission of economic mobility and student success.
While there is still much work ahead, moments like these remind us that purposeful leadership, strategic investment, and a relentless focus on students can create transformational results.
The future of the Community College of Aurora remains bright, and I am grateful to everyone who continues to make this work possible.
— Dr. Mordecai Brownlee
Honored to Be Named a 2026 Titan 100 Honoree
I am honored to have been recognized as a member of the 2026 Titan 100, an award that celebrates many of Colorado's top business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it highlights something I have long believed: community colleges are among the most important economic engines in our communities.
While higher education is often discussed through the lens of access and completion, our work is also deeply connected to workforce development, talent creation, and economic mobility. Every day, community colleges help employers address workforce challenges while creating pathways to opportunity for learners and their families.
I view this recognition not as an individual achievement, but as a reflection of the collective work happening across the Community College of Aurora. It belongs to the faculty, staff, students, employers, and community partners who are committed to building a stronger future for our region.
I am grateful to the Titan 100 organization for this honor and proud to stand alongside so many leaders who are making a difference across Colorado.
The work continues.
Community College of Award Recognized With National Award for Institutional Culture
People don't give their best to organizations. People give their best to environments where they feel seen, valued, and connected to purpose.
One of the greatest leadership lessons I've learned is that culture is not built through strategic plans, organizational charts, or mission statements alone. Culture is built through thousands of daily decisions that communicate to people: "You matter here."
That's why I'm especially proud that the Community College of Aurora was recently recognized as a Most Promising Place to Work by The EDU Ledger.
Not because of the award itself. But because it reflects years of intentional effort by a team committed to caring for one another while caring for our students. The strongest organizations are never built around "I." They are built around "we."
Way to go, team!
Community College of Aurora Honors Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven as President Emeritus
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) formally recognized former President Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven with the designation of President Emeritus during the college’s commencement ceremony on May 9, 2026.
The honor recognizes Dr. Oudenhoven’s lasting impact on the institution through her leadership, commitment to equity, and transformational investments that continue shaping the future of the college and its students.
Dr. Oudenhoven served as CCA’s fifth president from 2013 to 2021. During her tenure, the institution advanced major equity-centered initiatives, earned Hispanic Serving Institution designation, strengthened workforce diversity efforts, and secured critical investments that positioned the college for long-term sustainability and growth.
Among the most significant milestones during her presidency was the acquisition of the CentreTech campus, a move that strengthened the institution’s financial position and expanded future opportunities for growth and state investment. Her leadership also helped create momentum for what would eventually become the Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), now one of the college’s premier workforce-aligned educational facilities.
Dr. Oudenhoven also helped guide the institution through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in modern higher education history.
Current CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee reflected on the significance of the recognition and the foundation Dr. Oudenhoven helped establish for the institution.
“Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven’s leadership has left an enduring mark on the Community College of Aurora,” said Dr. Brownlee. “Her steady commitment to students, her belief in the power of access and opportunity, and her ability to lead with both clarity and compassion helped shape the foundation upon which we continue to build today.”
Dr. Brownlee presented Dr. Oudenhoven with the President Emeritus designation prior to the commencement ceremony in front of graduates, employees, and community members.
Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Oudenhoven shared her gratitude for the institution and community she served.
“My ten years at CCA were incredibly meaningful for me,” said Dr. Oudenhoven. “Our students were inspiring, our employees were passionate and hard working, and our community was involved and supportive.”
The President Emeritus designation is reserved for leaders whose influence and contributions extend far beyond their time in office. For the Community College of Aurora, recognizing Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven honors a leadership legacy that continues to impact students, employees, and the broader community today.
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Joins Alliance for Innovation and Transformation Executive Committee
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT), a national organization focused on advancing system-level change across higher education.
This appointment comes at a critical moment for the sector, as colleges and universities are being called to more directly align with workforce needs, strengthen economic mobility outcomes, and deliver measurable impact for the communities they serve.
AFIT’s work is centered on bold national “moonshots” designed to accelerate institutional transformation. These efforts focus on reimagining higher education systems, strengthening workforce alignment, and ensuring that learning consistently translates into real opportunity for learners.
Dr. Brownlee’s appointment reflects his growing national influence as a leader who not only articulates vision, but also builds and operationalizes systems that drive results. Under his leadership, the Community College of Aurora has experienced record enrollment growth, expanded workforce-aligned programming, and strengthened its role as a regional engine of economic mobility.
In accepting the role, Dr. Brownlee emphasized the importance of execution in this next era of higher education.
“Higher education is being called to deliver more than access,” Brownlee shared. “Our responsibility is to ensure that learning translates into real opportunity, economic mobility, and long-term community prosperity. That requires alignment, discipline, and a commitment to building systems that deliver outcomes at scale.”
He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of outgoing Executive Committee members Roger Stanford and Cid Yousefi, whose contributions helped shape AFIT’s direction and position the organization for continued impact.
As a member of the Executive Committee, Dr. Brownlee will contribute to guiding AFIT’s strategic direction and advancing its national efforts to support institutional transformation. His work will continue to focus on aligning mission, strategy, and outcomes in service of learners and communities.
This appointment further reinforces Dr. Brownlee’s role as a national voice on purpose-driven leadership and workforce-aligned higher education—one committed to ensuring that institutions not only educate, but transform lives and strengthen the economic vitality of the communities they serve.
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Named a 2026 Colorado Titan 100 Recipient
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, has been named a 2026 Colorado Titan 100 Recipient—an honor recognizing the state’s top CEOs and C-level executives who are driving innovation, growth, and transformative impact across industries.
The Titan 100 program celebrates leaders who exemplify vision, resilience, and a commitment to building organizations that extend beyond profit to create meaningful, lasting change. This year’s honorees collectively generate more than $20 billion in annual revenue and employ over 266,000 individuals, reflecting the strength and influence of Colorado’s leadership community.
Dr. Brownlee’s inclusion among this distinguished group underscores his national leadership in higher education and his unwavering focus on economic mobility, workforce alignment, and student success. Under his leadership, the Community College of Aurora has experienced record-setting growth, expanded workforce partnerships, and deepened its role as a catalyst for opportunity within the region.
The 2026 Colorado Titan 100 Awards will be held on June 4, 2026, at the National Western Center in Denver, where this year’s honorees will gather to celebrate leadership, collaboration, and collective impact.
Strengthening Opportunity Through Partnership and Philanthropy
Last week, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, joined civic leaders, community partners, and philanthropic supporters to celebrate the launch of the President’s 1983 Society, an initiative recognizing donors who invest in student success and the future of the Aurora community.
Named in honor of the college’s founding year, the President’s 1983 Society recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 or more annually to support scholarships, emergency student aid, and programs that expand economic mobility for Community College of Aurora students.
With the continued partnership of the Community College of Aurora Foundation, philanthropic support for students has reached historic levels. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the institution awarded more than $950,000 in scholarships and emergency student assistance, helping students overcome unexpected barriers and remain on track toward completing their educational goals. The college is currently on pace to surpass $1 million in student support this year, further strengthening CCA’s commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing economic mobility across the region.
Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Brownlee expressed his appreciation for the community of supporters who make this impact possible. He shared his sincere gratitude to the Community College of Aurora Foundation, its Board of Directors, Executive Director John Wolfkill, Foundation staff, and the many champions whose generosity continues to invest in the success of CCA students.
As part of the event, Dr. Brownlee also moderated a panel discussion featuring three regional city managers who are helping shape the economic future of the Denver metro area:
Jason Batchelor, City Manager of Aurora
Matt Sturgeon, City Manager of Centennial
Jason Rogers, City Manager of Commerce City
The discussion explored the economic signals shaping the region, the importance of workforce readiness, and the growing role that partnerships between cities, employers, and community colleges play in building strong workforce pathways and inclusive economic growth.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brownlee emphasized that community colleges are uniquely positioned to connect education, industry, and civic leadership in ways that strengthen both individuals and communities.
“When education, civic leadership, and community investment align around a shared mission,” Dr. Brownlee noted, “we do more than educate students. We expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and help build brighter futures for entire communities.”
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Named Honorary Commander at Buckley Space Force Base
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, was recently named an Honorary Commander at Buckley Space Force Base, an initiative designed to strengthen partnerships between military leadership and civic leaders throughout the community.
Dr. Brownlee received the honor from Colonel David M. Knight, Vice Commander of Space Base Delta 2, during a ceremony recognizing community leaders who support the mission of the installation.
The Honorary Commander Program connects civic leaders with installation leadership to deepen understanding of the base’s mission and strengthen collaboration between the military and the communities they serve.
“Programs like this reinforce the importance of partnership between our military and the communities that support them,” said Dr. Brownlee. “Aurora is proud of the mission taking place at Buckley and grateful for the men and women who serve our nation every day.”
Buckley Space Force Base plays a critical role in national defense and space operations while also serving as an important economic partner in the Aurora region.
Dr. Mordecai Shares Q1 Presidential Update Highlighting Record Enrollment and Institutional Momentum
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora (CCA), has released his Quarter One Presidential Update, highlighting several milestones and continued progress across the institution as it advances its mission to expand opportunity and strengthen economic mobility for the communities it serves.
Among the most notable developments this spring is CCA’s record spring enrollment, reflecting growing student confidence in the college’s academic programs, workforce pathways, and student support systems. The milestone underscores the increasing role community colleges play in preparing learners for meaningful careers and long-term success.
In the update, Dr. Brownlee reflects on the collective effort required to achieve this momentum and expresses gratitude to the many stakeholders who continue to support the mission of the Community College of Aurora.
Under Dr. Brownlee’s leadership, the Community College of Aurora has continued to position itself as a key driver of regional workforce development and economic opportunity, aligning academic programs with industry needs while maintaining a strong focus on student success and belonging.
The video update can be viewed above.
Preparing the Whole Student: Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Highlights Opening of Foxy’s Fitness Center at the Community College of Aurora
Recently, the Community College of Aurora celebrated the opening of Foxy’s Fitness Center at its Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders—an initiative that reflects the college’s broader commitment to preparing students for the real demands of today’s workforce.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, CCA has continued to expand investments that support the full student experience. Foxy’s Fitness Center is designed to strengthen student wellness while reinforcing the physical readiness required in some of the region’s most essential professions.
The Centennial Campus serves as the hub for several of CCA’s most demanding workforce programs, including nursing, emergency medical services, and fire science. These professions require more than technical knowledge; they require endurance, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure in moments that can save lives.
Dr. Brownlee frequently speaks about the importance of preparing the “whole student”—a philosophy that recognizes that student success includes not only academic achievement but also physical wellness, belonging, and personal resilience. Foxy’s Fitness Center represents that philosophy in action.
The project was made possible through collaboration across CCA’s Division of Student Success and campus leadership, reflecting the college’s belief that strong partnerships within institutions are essential to building environments where students can thrive.
Learn more about the Community College of Aurora at www.ccaurora.edu.
Community College of Aurora Named 2026 Achieving the Dream Leader College
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) has been named a 2026 Achieving the Dream Leader College, a national recognition awarded to institutions demonstrating measurable progress in advancing student success and improving outcomes for the communities they serve.
The designation was announced at the Achieving the Dream national conference, where colleges from across the country gathered to share strategies, innovations, and best practices focused on strengthening student completion, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, the institution has continued to advance a mission centered on expanding access, strengthening pathways to completion, and aligning academic programs with workforce opportunities that lead to meaningful careers.
Leader College status is awarded to institutions within the Achieving the Dream Network that demonstrate sustained commitment to using data, institutional strategy, and cross-campus collaboration to improve student outcomes. The recognition reflects the collective work of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to building systems that support learner success.
For Dr. Brownlee, the recognition reflects the culture of intentionality that continues to shape the college.
“Community colleges play a vital role in expanding opportunity and strengthening economic mobility in our communities,” Brownlee shared. “This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our faculty and staff who work every day to ensure our students have clear pathways to success.”
Achieving the Dream is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping community colleges build capacity to improve student success and advance equity through evidence-based reforms.
As a Leader College, CCA joins a select group of institutions recognized for demonstrating how intentional leadership, strong institutional culture, and data-informed decision making can create meaningful progress for students.
For Dr. Brownlee and the CCA community, the recognition is both a celebration and a reminder that the work continues.
Workforce Design in Action at the Community College of Aurora
