Tri-C President Highlighted in Crain's Cleveland's 2025 'Who's Who'

Michael A. Baston recognized for commitment to higher education and community impact

CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., has been recognized in Crain's Cleveland Business 2025 "Who's Who" list, spotlighting influential leaders shaping Northeast Ohio's future.

Baston's inclusion underscores his leadership and commitment to advancing higher education and community impact.

In the feature, Baston highlights the coming rollout of Tri-C's Vision 2030 Strategic Transformation Plan — a bold road map designed to redefine how the College serves its credit and noncredit students. The plan responds to the evolving landscape of higher education, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and aims to meet the changing needs of students, communities and the regional economy.

Looking ahead to 2026, Baston's top goal is to deepen relationships across Northeast Ohio, reinforcing Tri-C's role as a cornerstone of educational and economic development.

"July 2026 will mark four years for me as the president of Tri-C," Baston said. "In the three-plus years I have lived in the Cleveland area, I have been privileged to meet many people who are committed to the growth of this region, the advancement of higher education and the success of our students. My goal in the next year is to continue building those relationships and strengthening Tri-C's position as a higher education resource in Northeast Ohio."

Baston also shared his perspective on influence, defining it as the ability to shape thinking, opinions and outcomes. He uses his platform to initiate critical conversations about the future of higher education and workforce development and advocate for the removal of barriers to student success.

Addressing regional economic priorities, Baston identifies workforce development as essential to regional growth. He points to Tri-C's efforts to remove barriers to entry and completion, such as its wraparound services, counseling, tutoring and assistance with transportation, food insecurity and child care.

"Whether a prospective student is of a traditional age or returning to college later in life, we work to meet them where they are in their journey," Baston said.

Read the profile on the Crain's Cleveland website.

October 29, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu