SKCTC recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2025 Leader College | SKCTC

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SKCTC recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2025 Leader College

Published on Feb 20, 2025

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College announced today that it has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities.

Leader Colleges play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.

 
SKCTC employees, from left, Dr. Lee Harrison, Jill Creech, Dr. Rick Mason, and Elizabeth Bisceglia celebrate SKCTC’s designation as a Leader College at the DREAM 2025 conference in Philadelphia, where Mason holds the award plaque.

"This recognition as a Leader College reflects our deep commitment to student success and continuous improvement," said Dr. Patsy Jackson, SKCTC interim president/CEO. “We are proud to be part of the Achieving the Dream Network and to work alongside institutions that share our mission of providing equitable access to education and fostering economic growth in our communities.”
 

SKCTC is part of the ATD Network, made up of 300+ colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality throughout their communities. SKCTC has been a member of the ATD Network since 2021.

“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”

About Achieving the DREAM

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: www.achievingthedream.org.