Tri-C Recognized by Achieving the Dream as 2026 Leader College of Distinction

National recognition highlights sustained progress in helping students

CLEVELAND — Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) has been designated a 2026 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility.

"This recognition affirms the progress our students are making and the work our faculty and staff put in every day to support their success," said Lindsay English, Ph.D., executive vice president of Academic Affairs. "We're proud to see Tri-C's commitment to student success and continuous improvement acknowledged at a national level."

Tri-C is one of 32 higher education institutions to earn the Leader College of Distinction for 2026. The College has been part of the ATD Network since 2005 and has held Leader College status since 2018.

ATD created the designation in 2018 to recognize institutions that have demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing student success outcomes over time.

Leader Colleges of Distinction are recognized for consistently approving early momentum metrics, such as course success rates and student retention, as well as achieving milestone momentum outcomes, such as graduation rates. They also show a strong culture of data-informed continuous improvement and evidence of institutionalizing effective practices. These colleges advance student success strategies that respond to their local context with an emphasis on students who are missing or left behind.

"The 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success," said Karen A. Stout, Ed.D., president and CEO of ATD. "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."

March 05, 2026

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