Lisa Matye Edwards, Ph.D.

Lisa Matye Edwards has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and a passion for serving students. She currently serves as the vice president for student affairs at Arapahoe Community College (ACC) in Littleton, Colorado. As a member of AACC’s Pathways 2.0, ACC is working across the college to reduce equity gaps and implement guided pathways to improve student success. In partnership with other college leaders, Dr. Edwards provides leadership for guided pathways work and strategic enrollment management, including student success initiatives. Dr. Edwards has previously served in a variety of leadership roles at both the community college and university level, with experiences in advising, orientation, student life, and student advocacy. Prior to ACC, Dr. Edwards was the VP of student success at Lower Columbia College, an Achieving the Dream Leader College recognized for improving student success through advising, retention, and math reform efforts.

Along with her college level work, Dr. Edwards has provided leadership for and been involved in a variety of statewide student success initiatives in both Washington and Colorado, all with the aim of increasing access to education and addressing larger policy issues that impact student success.

Dr. Edwards’ passion for equity and student success is fueled by her past and present mentors along with her educational experiences. Dr. Edwards is a logger with an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Puget Sound. Her M.Ed. is from Western Washington University and her Ph.D. is in higher educational leadership in student affairs from University of Northern Colorado.