DeRionne Pollard, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), introduced the organization's strategic plan through 2035. Pollard, who began her role in October 2025, emphasized the need for community colleges to increase their visibility and address systemic challenges.

Pollard stated that poverty is the number one barrier to college completion. She noted that community colleges face enrollment volatility and contracting resources at the local, state, and federal levels. These institutions collectively serve 10 million undergraduates in the U.S.

Pollard previously served as president of Las Positas College, Montgomery College, and Nevada State University. She observed that community colleges are often overlooked, stating, "When you serve everyone, you're noticed by no one."

During her presentation regarding the strategic plan, Pollard called for proactive communication. "We have to be very deliberate about how we are amplifying and telling our own story," she said. She referenced the omission of community colleges from a recent ranking, noting, "U.S. News & World Report just put out its most innovative colleges and universities. There's not one community college on there."

Pollard's personal experiences include visiting Kennedy King College in Chicago as a child while her mother attended classes there. Her mother died when Pollard was four years old. Pollard then lived with an aunt, who attended Prairie State College to establish an in-home childcare center.

Why It Matters

The strategic plan presented by Pollard provides a framework for the AACC's goals through 2035. Community colleges play a role in higher education for millions of students, and concerns about their visibility and resources could impact access and educational outcomes. The plan aims to address these challenges and amplify the sector's contributions.