Community College of Aurora Named 2026 Achieving the Dream Leader College
Workforce Design in Action at the Community College of Aurora
Last week, Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, welcomed Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director JB Holston, and Colorado Community College System Chancellor Marie DeSanctis to the Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST).
The visit underscored Colorado’s continued commitment to aligning higher education with workforce demand and economic mobility.
CAST, which opened in Fall 2025, represents a strategic investment in applied STEM education and skilled trades training. Developed in partnership with BuildStrong Academy of Colorado, the facility connects hundreds of students to hands-on, industry-aligned pathways designed to move learners quickly into high-demand, family-sustaining careers.
For Dr. Brownlee, the significance of the visit extends beyond celebration.
“This is what disciplined workforce alignment looks like,” he shared. “When state leadership, industry partners, and higher education move with shared clarity of purpose, students gain real opportunity — and our economy grows stronger.”
During the tour, state leaders engaged with students and faculty in hands-on lab environments, witnessing firsthand how technical skill development, credential attainment, and employer partnership converge within a single facility.
The visit served as a visible affirmation that Colorado’s investment in higher education is rooted in outcomes — strengthening talent pipelines, expanding access to STEM careers, and positioning community colleges as engines of innovation and growth.
As Colorado continues to navigate economic shifts and evolving workforce needs, the Center for Applied Science and Technology stands as a model of systems-level collaboration — and a testament to what is possible when leadership aligns around purpose, performance, and opportunity.
Just Finished Reading: My Vanishing Country by Bakari Sellers
Every ten days, I commited to finishing a book that stretches my thinking as a leader and servant to others.
This week’s read was My Vanishing Country by Bakari Sellers.
My key takeaway from this read is simple but profound:
Your journey is yours to own.
It is a privilege when others believe in your dream.
It is a blessing when mentors open doors.
It is encouraging when family and friends cheer you on.
But the dream itself — the discipline, the courage, the resilience — is your responsibility.
Ownership requires consistency. It requires work when no one is watching. It requires belief when external validation is absent.
Equally important, as we fulfill the dreams placed in our hearts, we must never forget those known and unknown who sacrificed so that we could even have the opportunity to dream.
Dr. Mordecai Joins Unity in Dialogue Panel at Gaylord Rockies Resort
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, recently participated in the Black History Month Unity in Dialogue panel at the Gaylord Rockies Resort, commemorating a century of Black history, culture, and community impact Black History Month Unity In Di…
The event brought together leaders from across the region for an authentic and engaging conversation centered on leadership, belonging, and community growth. This year’s national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” served as both reflection and call to action — inviting participants to consider not only the progress made, but the responsibility carried forward.
Dr. Brownlee was invited to speak on the leadership essential “Be Curious.” In his remarks, he emphasized that curiosity is not a passive trait but a leadership discipline. He challenged attendees to embrace intellectual humility, ask better questions, and remain open to growth — especially in moments of complexity or discomfort.
The panel also featured Millete Birhanemaske, owner of Whittier Café, who spoke on connection, and Jasper Peters, community leader and advocate, who reflected on courage. Together, the conversation underscored that meaningful progress requires curiosity, connection, and courage working in tandem.
Dr. Brownlee expressed appreciation to Suzy Hart, General Manager of the Gaylord Rockies Resort, and the leadership team for creating space where dialogue was substantive, thoughtful, and community-centered.
As an inclusive educator committed to intellectual and economic advancement, Dr. Brownlee continues to engage in conversations that strengthen belonging and advance leadership practices rooted in purpose.
Dr. Mordecai Delivers Keynote at Tarleton State University Fort Worth's Future Leaders Summit
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, recently served as keynote speaker for the Third Annual Future Leaders Summit hosted by Tarleton State University at its Fort Worth campus.
The summit brought together high school students from across the Dallas and Fort Worth region for a day centered on leadership development, purpose discovery, and the transformative power of higher education. In his keynote address, Dr. Brownlee challenged students to think beyond titles and accolades, emphasizing that character, discipline, and clarity of vision must be cultivated long before opportunity presents itself.
Drawing from his own leadership journey, Dr. Brownlee encouraged students to define success on their own terms, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and steward their gifts in service to others. He underscored the importance of access, mentorship, and exposure in expanding what young people believe is possible for their futures.
Dr. Brownlee expressed sincere gratitude to President James Hurley and the Division of Global, Community & First-Gen Initiatives for the invitation and for their steadfast commitment to creating meaningful pathways to higher education across Texas.
“Institutions change lives when they intentionally create spaces where young people can see themselves as future leaders,” Dr. Brownlee shared. “When belief is nurtured early, possibility expands.”
The Future Leaders Summit reflects Tarleton State University’s ongoing investment in regional access, student success, and the development of the next generation of leaders across the Dallas–Fort Worth community.
New Article Published I Community College Daily
In his latest national column for Community College Daily, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee challenges higher education leaders to rethink the very nature of strategy.
What if strategy is not merely a roadmap for institutional success, but a moral decision?
In When Strategy Becomes a Moral Act, Dr. Brownlee invites educators, trustees, policymakers, and executive leaders to reflect on their “why.” At a time when institutions face enrollment pressures, fiscal constraints, political scrutiny, and shifting workforce demands, he argues that the most consequential decisions are not technical—they are ethical.
Strategy determines:
Who has access to opportunity
Which programs are prioritized
How resources are allocated
Whether institutions choose courage over comfort
For Dr. Brownlee, strategic planning is never neutral. It either advances upward mobility—or it maintains the status quo. It either expands belonging—or unintentionally reinforces barriers. It either serves communities—or protects systems.
This article continues Dr. Brownlee’s national conversation around purpose-driven leadership, institutional courage, and the responsibility community colleges carry as engines of economic mobility.
Higher education does not simply respond to change. It shapes the future. And strategy—when grounded in mission—is one of the most powerful tools leaders possess to do so.
Read the full article at Community College Daily:
👉 https://www.ccdaily.com/2026/02/when-strategy-becomes-a-moral-act/
Historic Enrollment Milestone at the Community College of Aurora
Historic Enrollment Milestone at the Community College of Aurora
Spring 2026 sets a new all-time high
The Community College of Aurora has reached a historic milestone. For the Spring 2026 semester, more than 10,800 students are enrolled—the largest learner population in the college’s history. This achievement comes just one semester after the institution recorded its highest fall enrollment on record, signaling strong and sustained momentum.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Mordecai I. Brownlee, the college has implemented a focused, student-centered strategy designed to remove barriers and expand access to opportunity. Key efforts have included restoring bus service to the CentreTech campus, expanding concurrent enrollment pathways, launching targeted scholarship programs, and opening new workforce-aligned campuses in applied science, healthcare, and public service.
These initiatives are producing measurable results. Concurrent enrollment continues to grow, with new full-tuition scholarship pathways for Aurora Public Schools graduates. In addition, more than 150 students who had previously stopped out of college returned this spring after a focused outreach effort asking a simple question: How can we help you finish?
“This moment represents more than record enrollment,” Dr. Brownlee said. “It reflects a growing trust in the mission of the Community College of Aurora and our commitment to translating education into real economic mobility for the communities we serve.”
The college’s growth is also fueled by major investments in workforce-aligned programming, including the new Center for Applied Science and Technology and the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. These expansions position the institution to meet Colorado’s most urgent talent needs while providing students with clear pathways to high-wage, in-demand careers.
As enrollment continues to rise, the Community College of Aurora remains focused on its core mission: ensuring that every learner not only gains access to higher education, but succeeds in it. With expanded campuses, targeted financial support, and wraparound services, the college is building a model designed for today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.
This historic enrollment milestone reflects more than growth. It signals a college on the rise—one intentionally built to serve its community, strengthen the regional economy, and create real pathways to opportunity.
The EDU Ledger Announces Sponsorship of Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai
The EDU Ledger has officially joined Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai as a sponsor and content partner, marking a new chapter for the nationally recognized leadership and workforce-focused podcast.
Hosted by Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, president of the Community College of Aurora and a national voice on purpose-driven leadership and economic mobility, Discovering Your Mission features conversations with leaders who are shaping the future of education, workforce development, and community impact.
The first episode under this new partnership features Brook DeRenzis, CEO of the National Skills Coalition, in a wide-ranging discussion on the future of work, skills-based hiring, and the evolving role of higher education in an economy defined by rapid technological change.
Drawing on her national policy leadership and personal lived experience, DeRenzis outlines why skills—technical, digital, and durable—have become the foundation of economic mobility. The conversation also highlights the growing importance of community and technical colleges, the rise of working learners, and the urgent need to design education and workforce systems that support lifelong learning.
At the center of the discussion is a clear message: workforce training is not a “second-chance” system, but a first-choice investment in people, communities, and national prosperity.
Key themes from the episode include:
Skills as the foundation of economic mobility
Credentials that validate skills rather than create barriers
The central role of working learners in the future of higher education
Community and technical colleges as engines of workforce advancement
Continuous learning as an essential strategy in an AI-driven economy
The importance of equity and student voice in workforce policy
“Jobs that require skills training are the backbone of our economy,” DeRenzis shared during the conversation.
Dr. Brownlee emphasized the broader mission of higher education, noting that the future of opportunity will be built on systems designed to lift people, not leave them behind.
Through this new partnership, The EDU Ledger and Discovering Your Mission will continue to spotlight national leaders, emerging workforce trends, and the strategies shaping the next era of higher education and economic mobility.
Watch the full episode here.
New Article Published I NASPA Leadership Exchange
The conversation about the future of community colleges is evolving, and it requires more nuance than a single narrative.
Rural and urban institutions face very different realities. Yet the core mission remains the same: expanding access, strengthening workforce pathways, and advancing long-term economic mobility for learners and communities.
NASPA Leadership Exchange recently published a new article I co-authored with Dr. Leah Barrett, President of Northeast Community College titled, 👉 “Future Trends and Opportunities.”
In this piece, we explore how community colleges fulfill their mission in distinct ways across local contexts, while remaining deeply aligned in purpose.
Specifically, we examine:
🌾 How rural community colleges serve as workforce and economic anchors through deep industry partnerships, applied learning, and regional collaboration
🏙️ How metropolitan community colleges address access, equity, and basic needs while supporting diverse, first-generation learners at scale
🧩 Why workforce development, short-term credentials, and work-based learning are no longer optional, but ethical and moral imperatives
🧠 How addressing basic needs like food, housing, transportation, and mental health is foundational to student persistence and completion
🎓 Why dual and concurrent enrollment pathways are becoming essential strategies for early access, credential momentum, and long-term mobility
Read the article here: https://www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/leadershipexchange/library/item/2026winter/4308655/
Just Finished Reading
Team, as you know, I have committed to reading a new book every 10 days this year. My latest read, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, reminded me of something every leader eventually learns the hard way:
Perception is power.
Not because it changes facts, but because it shapes meaning. How we interpret interactions with others, resistance, silence, criticism, or moments in our lives determines whether we grow or retreat.
Even more powerful is the realization that our perception of how the world sees us often becomes the lens through which we lead. While we do not control our outcomes, we do control interpretation.
Take care, and have a productive week.
Colorado State Capital
It’s always an honor to represent the Community College of Aurora—especially at the Colorado State Capitol.
We had a very successful Colorado Community College System Day at the Capitol yesterday, sharing the impact of our work and our vision for advancing student success and economic mobility across Colorado.
Thank you to our elected officials for taking the time to listen, engage, and partner with us. A special note of gratitude to the Colorado Black Caucus for spending meaningful time learning about the successes and future direction of our institution.
Senator Michael Bennet Commends CCA Education Innovations in Visit at CAST
On Jan. 16, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet toured the new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the Community College of Aurora (CCA) CentreTech campus. During the visit, he commended CCA’s award-winning academic program innovations that make it easier for graduates to enter the workforce and earn a living wage.
“With an economy that’s changing at the speed of light, Coloradans deserve a quality education that prepares them to enter the workforce, make a living wage, and chase the American Dream,” Bennet said. “To do that, we have to pay our educators what they deserve, connect education directly to work, and ensure our students can read and do math at grade level.”
CCA designs academic programs aligned with workforce needs, positioning graduates for successful transfer or immediate entry into their career. This is possible, in part, by incorporating certifications into degree programs. CCA also fosters strategic partnerships that support pathways from education to employment. Some of those strategic partners include Colorado Youth for a Change and City of Commerce City. CCA also partners with other educational institutions like BuildStong Academy of Colorado, Cherry Creek School District, Aurora Public Schools, Regis University, and Colorado School of Mines.
“At the Community College of Aurora, we ensure every learner has access to an education that leads to opportunity,” said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora. “As part of the Colorado Community College System, we work every day to connect education and workforce preparation so students can build meaningful careers and strengthen Colorado’s communities.”
After a tour, Dr. Brownlee joined the senator and several CCA partners to discuss the interconnected initiatives that build the network of pathways for students. In attendance was:
CCA Dean of Academic Success in Career and Technical Education, Dr. Jim DeLung,
Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, Dr. Marielena DeSanctis,
CCA Provost and Vice President of Academic Success, Dr. Bobby Pace,
Aurora Public Schools Executive Director of Equity in Learning: Programs, Dr. Zachary Rahn,
Transwest Truck Trailer and RV Service Director, Jim Schoff,
BuildStrong Academy Director, Allison Stepnitz,
Arapahoe County Commissioner, Leslie Summey,
CCA Dean of STEM, Dr. Susan Young,
Wagner Equipment Company Pathways Coordinator, Jesse McKay. Jesse was also recently featured in CCA’s Alumni in Action series.
Building Educational Pathways Through Partnerships
At CAST, Senator Bennet joined education and workforce leaders from across the region for a discussion on the barriers that continue to limit socioeconomic mobility in education. A key theme centered on long-standing perceptions of higher education, particularly the stigma that has historically steered employers’ attention toward four-year institutions. As student loan debt continues to rise and traditional pathways become financially unattainable for many learners, community colleges like CCA are redefining value—delivering industry-aligned education through strong partnerships, applied learning, and diverse career pathways that lead directly to opportunity.
CCA intentionally designs academic programs around workforce demand, building connections with both industry and education partners to create a seamless network of pathways. This approach ensures students can pursue education and technical training that align with their career goals, whether that means immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. From a student perspective, they have a variety of ways to choose their career pathway and earn valuable socioeconomic mobility.
That pathway network begins as early as high school. Through partnerships with Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools, CCA expands access to affordable college coursework through concurrent enrollment and programs like the Aspiring Educator Pathway program. As students graduate, CCA’s partnerships continue to reduce financial barriers through opportunities such as the full-ride Momentum Scholarship for former concurrent enrollment students, and the Commerce City Promise program. While enrolled at CCA, some students pursue workforce-driven pathways through partnerships like BuildStrong Academy of Colorado and Wagner Equipment Co., while others follow higher-education transfer routes through initiatives such as the Mines Academy and additional four-year degree pathways.
Senator Bennet’s visit underscored the critical role community colleges play in strengthening Colorado’s workforce and expanding access to education that leads to meaningful careers. Through facilities like CAST and a growing network of K-12, higher education, and industry partnerships, the Community College of Aurora continues to build pathways that connect learning directly to opportunity—ensuring students are prepared not only to enter the workforce, but to thrive in Colorado's evolving economy.
Find additional, high-resolution photos from the visit here.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tonight, our family had a beautiful time at the MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo.
Thank you to both Wagner Equipment and Transwest, two strong supporters of the Community College of Aurora and key rodeo sponsors, for making tonight possible.
New Article Published | Community College Daily
Dr. Mordecai’s latest article, “Why Community Colleges Can’t Be Fixed — They Must Be Rebuilt,” has been published in Community College Daily, the national publication of the American Association of Community Colleges.
In this piece, President Brownlee argues that incremental reform is no longer sufficient for community colleges facing seismic shifts in demographics, workforce demands, public trust, and funding structures. Instead, he calls for a fundamental rebuilding of institutional models—grounded in workforce alignment, equity as a moral obligation, and community colleges’ role as essential economic infrastructure.
Drawing on national research and his experience as a college president, Dr. Mordecai challenges leaders to move beyond surface-level fixes and toward bold, systems-level redesign that delivers real outcomes for students, families, and communities.
🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.ccdaily.com/2026/01/why-community-colleges-cant-be-fixed-they-must-be-rebuilt/
Just Finished Reading...
My bride, Daphne Brownlee, and I met Sugar Ray Leonard two years ago.
What I didn’t know then was the depth of the fight he was carrying long after the crowd stopped cheering. I just finished "The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring", and it reminded me of a truth every educator and leader needs to remember: We never really know what someone is fighting to overcome.
As a college president, this hit close to home. Our students walk into classrooms carrying far more than assignments. Our colleagues show up to work carrying more than job titles. Strength is often survival disguised as success.
This book reinforced my commitment to lead with grace, compassion, and love—especially when I don’t have the full story.
In 2026, I set a personal goal to read a new book every 10 days. This one reminded me why empathy must sit at the center of leadership.
New Chapter Published I CampusWorks
2026 will demand courage — not comfort.
Dr. Mordecai was honored to contribute to Courageous Leadership: The Power of Brave Hearts and Bold Action to Spark Change in Higher Education, a national collection of presidents and change-makers telling the truth about what leadership requires in this moment.
In his chapter, “The Mission-Driven President,” he shares how they’ve aligned systems, strategy, and culture at the Community College of Aurora so every decision serves students and economic mobility.
The power is not in the person.
The power is in the mission.
You can read the chapter here: https://www.campusworksinc.com/the-mission-driven-college-president/
Just Finished Reading...
Just finished reading Black Woman on Board by Dr. Donna J. Nicol, and I’m grateful for this powerful and deeply human account of leadership, courage, and moral clarity.
Dr. Nicol’s telling of Dr. Claudia Hampton’s story is extraordinary. What I found most profound was Dr. Hampton’s use of what Dr. Nicol calls “sly civility”—the disciplined, strategic navigation of systems that were never designed to include her.
In the midst of racism, sexism, and prejudice, she understood both the weight of her presence and the responsibility of her position. She knew that being at the table wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about creating space for others to follow.
Thank you, Dr. Nicol, for preserving this history and for lifting up a story that every leader, especially those serving in complex, inequitable systems, needs to read.
To purchase this book, visit www.DonnaJNicol.com
Brand New Episode of Discovering Your Mission is Now Available!
NEW EPISODE — Discovering Your Mission 🎙️
Too many people confuse leadership with position.
Brian Haggerty reminds us that it’s really about integrity, preparation, and how you treat people when no one is watching.
In this conversation, Brian (author of How to Be a Successful Politician) shares lessons that are transferable far beyond politics—especially for presidents, executives, educators, and anyone responsible for people.
We talk about:
Why “success” is service, not status
The discipline of only promising what you can deliver
Preparation as the difference between leading and merely occupying a role
Communication: eye contact, presence, and the power of self-awareness
His CLASS Academy: Communications, Leadership, and Social Skills—skills every learner deserves
🎧 Watch/Listen here: https://youtu.be/_DzMTcNvq9c
Happy New Year as we head into 2026.
As a family, we begin each year with a strategic retreat—a time to step away, reflect, and be intentional about how we live and grow together. This year, we centered our conversations around three truths I want to share with you. Use them as you see fit—perhaps they’ll encourage you as well.
1️⃣ Change will remain a constant.
History, economics, and geopolitics all remind us that uncertainty is not new. Because change is inevitable, it’s essential to build strong homes with strong internal infrastructure—values, discipline, and clarity—that allow us to pivot and adjust with wisdom rather than fear.
2️⃣ Intentionality matters in everything.
How we spend our time.
How we speak to one another.
How we show up in relationship.
How we support and hold each other accountable.
None of this should be accidental. What we do daily shapes who we become.
3️⃣ Change is part of growth—and growth has seasons.
We talked with our children about purpose, identity, and mission, but also about seasons. Every season teaches us something and prepares us for what comes next. Staying aware of the season we’re in helps us move forward with clarity and peace, rather than resistance.
Our plan for 2026 is simple: to remain centered, grounded in purpose, and faithful to the season we are called to serve in.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. God bless.
