Harper College President Dr. Avis Proctor holds a plaque on stage at the Achieving
the Dream conference, joined by several Harper faculty, staff and administrators.
Harper is among 19 community colleges in the country to recertify their status as Leader Colleges of Distinction.
“To be named a 2026 Leader College of Distinction is both an extraordinary honor and a powerful affirmation of Harper College’s unwavering commitment to student success,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “For more than 15 years, our partnership with Achieving the Dream has challenged us to think differently, use data more intentionally, and center our commitment to achieving equitable student outcomes. I am deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, administrators and Board of Trustees, whose dedication ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and energized to continue this transformative work in service to our students and community.”
ATD created the Leader College of Distinction designation in 2018 to recognize institutions
that have demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing student success outcomes
over time. Leader Colleges of Distinction must demonstrate sustained and expanding
success in early momentum metrics, such as course success rates and student retention,
as well as in milestone momentum outcomes, such as rates of completion; a strong culture
of data-informed continuous improvement; and evidence that effective practices are
institutionalized. These colleges advance student success strategies that respond
to their local context with emphasis on students who are missing or left behind.
Harper has been part of the ATD Network since 2009 and has held Leader College status since 2013. Harper was first named a Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and recertified in 2023.
“The 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”
About Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on our expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, we provide institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. We call this Whole College Transformation. Our vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. We know that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn.