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.
