HENDERSON, NC (February 20, 2025) — Vance-Granville Community College has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities. ATD made the announcement on February 20 at its DREAM 2025 conference in Philadelphia.

“VGCC is honored to be recognized as a Leader College for the ATD Network as we work to achieve student excellence and success,” commented Dr. Rachel Desmarais, Vance-Granville Community College president. “Continuous improvement is the fuel to advance the people and communities we serve.”

Leader Colleges play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They have demonstrated quality work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.

VGCC joined the ATD Network in 2018, a coalition of 300+ colleges nationwide committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality in their communities. The College’s three-year Leader College term begins in February 2025, after which it will have the opportunity to recertify its designation.

“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”

About Achieving the Dream:

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides 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. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows 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 ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: www.achievingthedream.org.

About Vance-Granville Community College:

Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond!

For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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