Lorain County Community College President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D., has been named to the board of directors of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to increasing the success of community college students.
“I am deeply honored to join the Achieving the Dream Board of Directors and am thrilled to contribute to an organization that has been transformative in advancing student success both at LCCC and across the country,” Ballinger said.
The ATD Network includes more than 300 community colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and throughout their communities. The ATD Board includes 12–15 members who bring experience as Network college presidents, business leaders, researchers, policy makers and four-year college leaders.
LCCC has been a member of the ATD Network since 2011, held Leader College status since 2015, and has been designated a Leader College of Distinction since 2019. In 2020, LCCC was named the Leah Meyer Austin winner, ATD’s top prize reserved for network colleges that show greatest, sustained improvements in student outcomes and student success. As a member of ATD, LCCC implemented strategic efforts that resulted in an increase in completion rates, especially among students from underserved populations.
“Lorain County Community College is committed to helping every student achieve their dreams, no matter their circumstances,” Ballinger said. “Through our work with Achieving the Dream, the College continues to make strides in access, experience and completion for all students. I look forward to collaborating with the Achieving the Dream Board of Directors to continue driving meaningful change nationwide.”
Also appointed to the ATD board was Shanna Jackson, Ed.D., president of Nashville State (Nashville State) Community College.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Marcia Ballinger and Dr. Shanna Jackson to the Achieving the Dream Board of Directors,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, ATD’s president and CEO. “Both are highly accomplished presidents of ATD Network colleges who have demonstrated great leadership at their respective institutions in incorporating ATD tools and resources into their student success work. They will be invaluable additions to the ATD Board.”