Press Release:
Roane State has once again been designated as 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.
ATD created the Leader College of Distinction designation in 2018 to recognize institutions that have demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing student success outcomes over time.
“We are thrilled to once again be chosen for this prestigious honor,” Roane State President Chris Whaley said. “Our college is well known for its caring culture and investment in students – a reputation we are proud to maintain through the work of our devoted faculty and staff, our administration, and our community partners. Through all of them, as well as each of our wonderful students, we remain committed to transforming lives through education.”
Leader Colleges of Distinction must demonstrate sustained and expanding success in early momentum metrics, such as course success rates and student retention, as well as in milestone momentum outcomes, such as rates of completion; a strong culture of data-informed continuous improvement; and evidence that effective practices are institutionalized.
These colleges advance student success strategies that respond to their local context with emphasis on students who are missing or left behind.
Roane State has been part of the ATD Network since 2015. The college was first chosen as a Leader College in 2019 and moved into Leader College of Distinction status in 2021 before being recertified this year. The designation will remain active for a period of three years.
“The 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “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.”
In 2023, a Roane State student was selected to serve as a DREAM scholar, traveling to ATD’s annual conference in Chicago to share her story. That same year, the college became part of the inaugural Community Vibrancy Cohort. RSCC was one of just 17 colleges from the nationwide ATD network chosen to participate.
Read the full announcement from Achieving the Dream: achievingthedream.org/2026-lc-lcod/.
Photo submitted: Roane State Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Karen Brunner (center) accepts the Leader College of Distinction trophy from ATD President & CEO Dr. Karen Stout (right) during the DREAM 2026 conference held in Portland, Oregon, on March 4, 2026.)