AACC move expected to boost community college access

AACC move expected to boost community college access

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has created a new position of policy analyst for the organization with a view to increase its capacity to assess public policy affecting student access and success.

Christopher M. Mullin has been named to the newly-created position, and he is expected to support the Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count initiative which is active in 22 states and aimed at improving student success through data-driven analysis.

Mullin's own story shows how education, including that obtained through an online college degree program, can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career. He holds a bachelors degree in education from the University of Florida, a masters degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Florida.

"The policy analyst position will give AACC new advantage to articulate the critical role our colleges are playing as they educate almost half of all U.S. undergraduates," says the association's CEO George R. Boggs.

"We believe new and solid research will lead to greater understanding of and support for the challenging job the colleges do," he adds.

Many institutions across the country, including community colleges, offer online degree programs for interested candidates.