Tri-C President Awarded NACCE Entrepreneurial President of the Year
Michael A. Baston recognized for supporting entrepreneurial activities
CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., was named 2025 Entrepreneurial President of the Year by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
The NACCE is North America's leading advocate for entrepreneurship education and programming for community and technical colleges.
The Entrepreneurial President of the Year award is given annually to an individual who has achieved entrepreneurial success and played a pivotal role in the community through involvement and support of entrepreneurial activities. Baston, an NACCE board member, accepted the award during the organization's annual conference.
"This award is a testament to the talent and tenacity of the students, faculty, staff and community partners of Cuyahoga Community College," Baston said. "Together, we are building pathways that transform potential into prosperity to ensure that our region is prepared for the future of work. Entrepreneurship in higher education is about more than creating businesses — it's about creating opportunities. At Tri-C, we are committed to opening doors that lead to brighter futures for every learner we serve."
Since arriving as president in 2022, Baston has led Tri-C's mindset shift to prepare students for traditional employment while expanding its offerings to workers drawn to the gig economy.
Tri-C has developed 24 new employer-aligned programs in the last three years in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, health care and AI. Through extensive partnerships with local businesses and public agencies, Tri-C has established itself as one of the region's major talent pipelines and a hub for 21st-century workforce development.
Recognizing that more professionals are working for themselves, Tri-C and Team NEO published a report in 2023, The Gig Workforce Isn't Just Delivering Dinner, that examined the nature of gig work and challenged preconceived notions about gig workers.
In response, the College invested in and promoted entrepreneurial resources and opened the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College®, a division of Tri-C. The center provides support for gig workers through mentorship programs and networking opportunities to nurture the entrepreneurial aspirations of gig-minded individuals.
"Under President Baston's leadership, Tri-C has cultivated pathways that bridge education and employment," said Rebecca Corbin, president and CEO of NACCE. "With 94% of credit students and 98% of noncredit students either entering the workforce, continuing their education or pursuing advanced credentials, Tri-C has demonstrated a powerful return on its entrepreneurial mission and investment."
October 08, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu