What's Happening?
Dr. Angela Marquez, Vice President of External Strategy and Chief of Staff at the Community College of Aurora (CCA), has been appointed to a newly established advisory committee for the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE). This committee, known
as the Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes, will play a crucial role in advising the CDHE on the requirements for the state's new Thriving Institution designation. Furthermore, the committee will assist in selecting institutions that will receive this designation. Dr. Marquez's appointment is recognized as a statewide honor, elevating the Community College of Aurora's standing. The committee's formation follows the state law HB26-1006, which established the initiative earlier this summer. Dr. Marquez will serve as the representative for first-generation institutions, a significant role given that 51.8% of CCA students are the first in their families to attend higher education.
Why It's Important?
Dr. Marquez's appointment is significant for several reasons. It provides the Community College of Aurora with a direct opportunity to contribute its extensive experience in serving first-generation students to a statewide initiative focused on student success. As one of only three members from the Colorado Community College System on the 16-member committee, her perspective will be vital in shaping policies that impact a diverse student population across the state. The Thriving Institution designation aims to identify and recognize institutions that create environments conducive to student success, and Dr. Marquez's input will help ensure these criteria are inclusive and effective. This initiative underscores Colorado's commitment to improving higher education outcomes and fostering social and economic mobility for its students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The committee's work has the potential to establish new benchmarks for institutional effectiveness and student support, influencing higher education practices statewide.
What's Next?
The Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes is scheduled to convene for its inaugural meeting this fall. Its primary task will be to develop and refine the requirements for the Thriving Institution designation. Following this, the committee will begin the process of selecting colleges and universities for this recognition. The first Thriving Institution designations are anticipated to be awarded to Colorado colleges and universities on or before December 31, 2027. Dr. Marquez will continue to bring the perspective of CCA and its students to these discussions, aiming to shape how Colorado identifies and supports institutions that foster student, community, and campus thriving. Her involvement is expected to ensure that the criteria for the designation are equitable and reflective of the diverse needs within the state's higher education landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
Dr. Marquez's role on the state advisory committee extends beyond the immediate task of defining and awarding the Thriving Institution designation. Her representation of first-generation institutions highlights a critical area of focus within U.S. higher education: supporting students who are navigating college without prior family experience. This appointment could lead to the development of best practices and policies that specifically address the unique challenges faced by first-generation students, such as financial literacy, academic support, and cultural integration. The initiative also reflects a broader trend in higher education to move beyond traditional metrics of success and focus on holistic student well-being and institutional impact on communities. By elevating institutions that demonstrate a commitment to creating thriving environments, Colorado could set a precedent for other states to adopt similar comprehensive approaches to evaluating and supporting their higher education systems, ultimately fostering more equitable and successful outcomes for all students.
