Community colleges don’t always make national headlines. We’re not usually the focus of splashy rankings or big-time sports coverage. But in countless towns across America, we are lifelines. We are often the heart of the community—quietly but powerfully shaping lives, guiding futures, and supporting local wellbeing in ways that go far beyond academics.

I’ve had the honor of working in a number of small colleges over the course of my career, and I’ve seen firsthand just how critical these institutions are. They’re more than places to earn credits—they’re where people find hope when they’ve been laid off, where high school graduates discover their passions, where single parents gain new footing, and where local leaders come together to solve problems.

In small communities, the college isn’t some distant, separate entity. It’s woven into the daily life of the town. The responsibility that comes with that is immense—but so is the opportunity.

A Front Line for Economic Health

One of the most urgent responsibilities of community colleges today is preparing people for the workforce. That’s not just about getting a job—it’s about creating economic resilience in communities that need it most. In rural or economically stressed areas, the local community college might be the only affordable and accessible way for someone to get new skills and stay competitive in the job market.

We have the power to create programs that respond directly to what local businesses need. Whether it’s healthcare, skilled trades, renewable energy, or information technology, small colleges can—and should—partner closely with local employers to build pipelines to opportunity. That’s how we serve not only students, but the economic life of the community.

I’ve worked with faculty and local leaders to launch programs in areas like sustainable farming, culinary arts, and healthcare. These weren’t created in a vacuum—they were born from conversations with business owners, civic groups, and students. When a college listens well, it becomes a mirror of the community’s strengths, and a tool for addressing its challenges.

A Hub for Human Services

Community colleges are often one of the most trusted institutions in a town, and that trust creates an opening for us to serve in broader ways. Our campuses host food pantries, clothing drives, blood donations, and mental health workshops. These aren’t extras—they’re essentials. In many cases, our students themselves need access to these services. But so do their families, and so do our neighbors.

This kind of community engagement is more than goodwill. It’s about wellbeing. When people are struggling with housing, hunger, or mental health, learning becomes a secondary concern. We can’t ignore those realities. That’s why I believe colleges must actively partner with nonprofits, social workers, and public health agencies to close those gaps.

Some of the most moving experiences in my career came when I saw how a single program or outreach effort changed a person’s trajectory. Maybe it was a student who got back on track because they received childcare assistance. Or a veteran who found connection and a renewed purpose after attending a campus community event. These aren’t isolated stories—they’re reminders of the role we must play.

Relationships That Matter

One of the advantages of small colleges is that we’re close enough to know people’s names. We know our students, our faculty, and often the families and businesses in town. That proximity creates accountability—and it also creates care.

In a time when many institutions feel impersonal and bureaucratic, community colleges have the ability to remain personal. That is not a small thing. When someone walks through our doors, they should feel like they matter. Because they do.

This kind of culture starts with leadership, but it grows through community. When students see that their school is committed not only to their academic success but to their wellbeing as people, they feel empowered to succeed. And when people in town see the college acting as a good neighbor, they want to support it in return.

I’ve seen this time and again—at town meetings, volunteer events, or school partnerships. It’s a reciprocal relationship, and it’s what makes community colleges truly powerful.

Rising to the Moment

The world is changing quickly. Technology, culture shifts, and economic uncertainty are reshaping how people live and work. That makes the role of community colleges more vital than ever. We are the ones who can adapt quickly, who can listen, who can be nimble in how we support local needs.

That flexibility is one of our greatest assets—but it also calls for a deep sense of responsibility. We don’t have the luxury of coasting. We must stay rooted in our mission and remain fiercely committed to equity, inclusion, and practical impact.

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the things that matter most, and doing them well. When a college invests in the wellbeing of its community—not just financially, but emotionally, socially, and ethically—it becomes something greater than an institution. It becomes a force for good.

A Legacy Worth Building

As I reflect on my years in higher education, I carry with me a strong belief: small colleges can do mighty things. We don’t need massive endowments or national media attention to make an impact. What we need is vision, heart, and the willingness to meet people where they are.

I’ve seen the magic that happens when a community college fully embraces its role—not just as a place of learning, but as a cornerstone of community wellbeing. That’s a legacy worth building. That’s a mission worth defending. And that’s the kind of work I’ll always be proud to do.