The program supports community college presidents in the early years of their tenure as they aim to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success. Over the next nine months, the Fellows will participate in residential sessions and virtual learning to develop strategies to meet their goals for student success and equity with data to assess challenges and progress.
“We continue to learn how the best community colleges improve outcomes for students and close persistent race- and income-based equity gaps,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program. “This year’s fellows have demonstrated their commitment to achieving excellent and equitable student outcomes, and we are eager to work with them as they join Aspen’s network of more than 100 fellows who serve as community college presidents.”
Dr. Ponce has been president of Temple College since January 2019. Before becoming president of Temple College, she participated in a separate program sponsored by the Aspen Institute that is designed to prepare aspiring college presidents.
“I feel honored to have been selected by the Aspen Institute to participate in the New Presidents Fellowship,” Dr. Ponce said. “In this program we will focus on capacity building and bringing in new resources for our colleges. This will help our team build on the momentum at Temple College and continue to develop new strategies to support this amazing community.”