E³ Alliance Names ACC “Architect of Change”

E3 Alliance has named Austin Community College a 2014 “Architect of Change” for its commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating innovative programs to improve student outcomes.

The recognition honors individuals or organizations that exemplify E3’s “Blueprint for Educational Change,” which seeks to improve students’ readiness for school and future careers, eliminate achievement gaps, and promote shared accountability.

“Austin Community College has proven itself as a pacesetter nationally in creating innovative systems to improve student persistence, degree completion, and successful transfer to four-year institutions for thousands of low-income, first-generation, and underserved students to reach their college goals,” said Susan Dawson, executive director and president of E3 Alliance.

In recent months the college has introduced or expanded several initiatives that support E3 objectives, including mandatory orientation for first-time college students, competency-based and accelerated programs, and new campuses for Elgin and Hays County. The college was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College for showing measureable improvements in student achievements.

Previous “Architect of Change” recipients include former University of Texas System Regent Martha Smiley, National Instruments, and the Austin College Access Network. Others receiving the 2014 honor are Dr. Grant W. Simpson, dean of the School of Education at St. Edward’s University; Amy Jones and Lauren Paver, co-chairs, Missing School Matters task force; and the School Ready team at Education Service Center Region 13.

“Our partnership with organizations such as the E3 Alliance helps create a larger pool of resources that will ultimately put more students on the path to success and close education and skills gaps in our community,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO.

For more information, visit the the E3 Alliance website.

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