Decision Makers
The deep research and thoughtful assessment required to facilitate the rigorous Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence process wouldn't be possible without the dedication of time, support, and advice from individuals and organizations committed to improving student success. The Aspen Institute is grateful for the contributions of the decision makers and partners for the 2019 Aspen Prize.
Data/Metrics Advisory Panel
The Data/Metrics Advisory Panel regularly reviews and modifies the formula—based on existing national data (provided by NCHEMS)—to assess over 1,000 public two-year colleges and select 150 eligible to apply for the Prize.
Keith Bird
Chancellor-Emeritus of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Nikki Edgecombe
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Laurie Heacock
Achieving the Dream
Richard Reeves
National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education
Chancellor-Emeritus of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Nikki Edgecombe
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Laurie Heacock
Achieving the Dream
Richard Reeves
National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education
Mamie Voight
Institute for Higher Education Policy
Christina Whitfield
State Higher Education Executive Officers
Katie Zaback
Complete College America
Institute for Higher Education Policy
Christina Whitfield
State Higher Education Executive Officers
Katie Zaback
Complete College America
Finalist Selection Committee
The selection committee reviews applications and extensive data on completion, learning, labor market, and equitable outcomes from eligible community colleges to select 10 finalists.
Elaine Baker
Baker Communications Inc.
Michael Collins
Jobs for the Future
Michelle Asha Cooper
Institute for Higher Education Policy
Kimberly Green
Advance CTE
Alfred Herrera
University of California, Los Angeles
Marc Herzog
Connecticut Community College System (ret.)
Mei-Yen Ireland
Achieving the Dream
Rob Johnstone
National Center for Inquiry and Improvement
Baker Communications Inc.
Michael Collins
Jobs for the Future
Michelle Asha Cooper
Institute for Higher Education Policy
Kimberly Green
Advance CTE
Alfred Herrera
University of California, Los Angeles
Marc Herzog
Connecticut Community College System (ret.)
Mei-Yen Ireland
Achieving the Dream
Rob Johnstone
National Center for Inquiry and Improvement
Amy Laitinen
New America Foundation
Shannon Looney
Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities
Paul Markham
Sova Solutions
Gretchen Schmidt
American Association of Community Colleges
Nicole Smith
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
Heather Wathington
Mary Angelou Schools and the See Forever Foundation
Shawn Whalen
College Futures Foundation
New America Foundation
Shannon Looney
Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities
Paul Markham
Sova Solutions
Gretchen Schmidt
American Association of Community Colleges
Nicole Smith
Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
Heather Wathington
Mary Angelou Schools and the See Forever Foundation
Shawn Whalen
College Futures Foundation
Site Visitors
Teams of experienced researchers, current and former leaders, and expert practitioners join Aspen in conducting 1.5-day site visits to each of the ten finalist institutions.
Nikki Edgecombe
Senior Research Scientist
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Martha M. Ellis, Ph.D.
Director, Higher Education Strategy, Policy, and Services
The Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin
Marc Herzog
Chancellor Emeritus
Connecticut Community College System
Senior Research Scientist
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Martha M. Ellis, Ph.D.
Director, Higher Education Strategy, Policy, and Services
The Charles A. Dana Center, The University of Texas at Austin
Marc Herzog
Chancellor Emeritus
Connecticut Community College System
Robert Johnstone
Founder & President
National Center for Inquiry and Improvement
Hana Lahr
Research Associate
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Robert G. Templin, Jr., Ed.D.
Senior Fellow
College Excellence Program, The Aspen Institute;
President Emeritus,
Northern Virginia Community College
Founder & President
National Center for Inquiry and Improvement
Hana Lahr
Research Associate
Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University
Robert G. Templin, Jr., Ed.D.
Senior Fellow
College Excellence Program, The Aspen Institute;
President Emeritus,
Northern Virginia Community College
Prize Jury
Using site visit reports, labor market outcomes, an assessment of learning outcomes, four-year transfer and completion outcomes, and other information gathered in the first two rounds, the Prize Jury deliberates and selects the winners, finalist(s) with distinction, and rising star(s) from among the 10 finalist community colleges.