FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2026
CONTACT: Sarah Hardin, sarah.hardin@alamancecc.edu, (336) 506-4178 & Kristin O’Keefe, kristin.okeefe@aspeninstitute.org, (240-351-8531)
Justin Snyder of Alamance Community College Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship
Alamance Community College Leader Named Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow, Participating in Fellowship Preparing Next Generation of Presidents to Improve Student Outcomes
Graham, NC – Today, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) announced that Justin Snyder, Senior Vice President of Student Learning and Workforce Development at Alamance Community College, is one of 40 outstanding leaders from across the country for the 2026-27 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 125 applicants, these 40 executive and senior community college leaders were chosen for their potential to enact major reforms that deliver much stronger results for students.
Over 15 years, Aspen’s research on high-performing community colleges has consistently shown that high and improving levels of student success are much more likely when an exceptional president is leading the community college. For that reason, Aspen has been working for a decade to help prepare a new generation of transformational community college leaders through this program. Over the coming year, these fellows will:
- Deeply examine data on available jobs in their community and student outcomes at their colleges.
- Learn about transformational models from 15 years of Aspen Prize research into colleges with high and improving levels of student success through the Aspen Prize process.
- Receive coaching and feedback from accomplished college leaders, including sitting and retired presidents who have led transformational reforms.
- Devise a concept for a major reform strategy at their institution, receiving critical feedback from peers and experts along the way.
“Our research shows that excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers, centering instead on whether graduates are prepared for transfer and bachelor’s attainment and success in the workforce or further education,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”
Justin Snyder, Senior Vice President of Student Learning and Workforce Development, is elated to be selected for this fellowship. “I am humbled to be selected as part of the Aspen Institute's Rising Presidents Fellowship. This fellowship provides an incredible opportunity to connect with and learn from community college leaders serving across the country. I am excited to bring new ideas, perspectives, and insights back to my work here at Alamance Community College as we continue working to support student success and strengthen our community”.
"This is a well-deserved honor that speaks volumes about his dedication, vision, and commitment to our students and institution. The Aspen Institute's Rising Presidents Fellowship represents one of the most prestigious leadership development opportunities in higher education, and I could not be more proud to see Alamance Community College represented in this distinguished cohort”, said Dr. Ken Ingle, President of Alamance Community College. “ Justin embodies the kind of transformational leadership that will shape the future of community colleges, and I have no doubt he will return from this experience ready to make an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve."
Rising Presidents Fellows are chosen based on their commitment to improving student success and advancing economic mobility, their readiness to lead major student-success reforms, and the likelihood that they will assume a college presidency within five years of completing the program. The selected fellows come from 20 states and a wide range of institutions—from small rural colleges to large urban campuses—bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the fellowship. They join a vibrant network of over 500 peers—including over 215 sitting presidents—who are leading colleges that help more students finish college, transfer to four-year institutions, and secure good jobs.
The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Burton Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, College Futures Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University.
For bios and photos of all 40 leaders, visit as.pn/risingpresidents.
About Alamance Community College
Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges.
It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
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