Thursday, March 5, 2026

Muskegon Community College (MCC) has been recognized as one of the nation’s top community colleges, demonstrating ‘sustained and substantial outcomes in the advancement of student success.’ MCC is the only institution in Michigan to earn the prestigious Leader College of Distinction award from Achieving the Dream (ATD). The title is bestowed upon the top 2–3 percent of community colleges in the country, placing MCC among an elite group.

ATD is a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility. Each year, colleges within ATD’s network are evaluated on their ability to drive meaningful outcomes for students. Institutions that earn Leader College of Distinction status must demonstrate sustained and expanding success in early momentum metrics such as student retention, as well as milestone outcomes including completion rates. They must also show a strong culture of data-informed continuous improvement and clear evidence that effective practices are embedded across the institution.

On March 4, 2026, MCC Provost Dr. Tucker Brown accepted the award on behalf of the College, joining leaders from across the country whose institutions have demonstrated exceptional commitment to student achievement.

“This is an incredible honor for Muskegon Community College,” Brown said. “To be recognized among the top few percent of community colleges nationwide validates the hard work of our faculty and staff and our unwavering focus on student success. This award affirms that the strategies we have implemented are making a measurable difference for our students and our community.”

Leader Colleges of Distinction status is reserved for institutions that not only meet rigorous performance benchmarks but also demonstrate that their student success strategies are responsive to local needs — particularly for students who have historically been underserved.

Since its founding a century ago, Muskegon Community College has been a cornerstone of the Lakeshore, shaping generations of students, strengthening the local workforce, and enriching the cultural and economic vitality of West Michigan.

For more information on Achieving the Dream, visit https://achievingthedream.org/2026-lc-lcod/.