It’s something I’ve been asking myself a lot lately; what’s the existential threat to our institutions? What circumstances enable our schools and colleges to thrive, merely survive, or eke away quietly into the annals of history? Is this question a depressing one, or an energizing one? How can advancement leaders ensure that their work helps their institution address existential threats facing us every day?
What has struck me over the last six months of getting to know our community colleges and volunteers is that community colleges have a very clear answer to a very complicated question. For most institutions these days, the question of their purpose centers around their social impact and agenda. The social impact of two-year institutions is obvious; these institutions enable many to get degrees and complete programs to which they otherwise may not have access. It’s a beautiful thing in our society, and it’s truly transforming lives.
But when we think about community colleges, what is it that threatens them? What is it that could transform them and secure their futures? And how can CASE support your work to ensure you (and your advancement offices) are thriving for years to come?
At the meeting of the National Committee for Community College Advancement this past October, your committee representatives came up with an impressive list. Just a few things they’re thinking about on your behalf include:
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Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: supporting professionals of color in joining the advancement field
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Ensuring DEIB resources are available to teams of all sizes
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Creating toolkits around the value of community college
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Increasing collaboration with the enrollment management team
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Raising the visibility and importance of advancement with Presidents
These are just a sampling of the myriad topics CASE is working on in collaboration with the committee, but we also want to hear from you. What is the existential question or big idea you need help with in your office? From a national perspective, what can CASE provide you with to ensure you can do your absolute best work? This is an open invitation to send your ideas and your thoughts to me personally. As we look to hire the next Director of Community Colleges and Foundations, we are eager to hear from our members about how we can shape the position and the Center for Community College Advancement to the benefit of our members and volunteers.
Please send all ideas to me at asnyder@case.org.
We look forward to hearing from you and to bringing you news of the position in 2023.