Honor underscores commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — AUGUST 26, 2024 — Dutchess Community College has been recognized with the 2024 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Equity Award for the Northeast Region. This prestigious honor highlights DCC’s strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and underscores the College’s transformative impact on the lives of its students and the broader community.
The ACCT Equity Award is presented annually to one college in each of five regions that demonstrates outstanding achievement in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. DCC’s strong leadership, innovative strategies and commitment to closing equity gaps were key factors in the College being selected for this honor.
A Proud Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Under the visionary leadership of DCC’s first Black president, Dr. Peter Grant Jordan, the College has established itself as a beacon of inclusivity and opportunity. With Hispanic students comprising 25% of its full-time equivalent student population, DCC has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Additionally, the significant representation of African American and Hispanic students, who now make up 44% of the student body, underscores DCC’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for diverse communities.
The College also takes great pride in fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students. Registered with the national Pride Agenda Index, DCC is recognized for its commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programming, and practices. One example is DCC’s culturally responsive preferred name policy, adopted two years ago to support LGBTQ+ and/or non-binary students.
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition from the ACCT, which affirms the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff and students in making DCC a place where everyone belongs,” said President Jordan. “This award is a powerful acknowledgment of our shared commitment to equity, and it inspires us to continue our work with even greater passion and purpose.”
DCC’s Board of Trustees Chair Michael Dupree shared, “I am proud of the efforts my fellow trustees and our dedicated colleagues at DCC undertook to advance equity and inclusion at the college. This recognition represents how much we have accomplished, but is also a reminder that there is always more work to do.”
Programs Driving Success
DCC’s dedication to equity is exemplified through its robust support programs and initiatives designed to uplift all students, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. The College’s opportunity programs—TRiO, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)—are pivotal in empowering students to overcome socioeconomic and academic challenges.
Beyond these initiatives, DCC CARES serves as a vital resource hub, addressing basic needs like food, housing, mental health, and financial support, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise hinder students' educational journeys. Similarly, DCC’s Child Care Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) program provides critical support to student parents, allowing them to focus on their academic goals.
In recent years, the College has also emphasized the importance of Open Educational Resources (OER), with faculty-led efforts saving students over $1.5 million since 2017 by eliminating the cost of textbooks in high-enrollment courses.
Through these comprehensive programs and others, along with the unwavering support of its faculty and staff, DCC ensures that all students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
About the ACCT and the Equity Award
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a leading national organization representing more than 6,500 trustees from over 1,200 community, technical, and junior colleges across the United States and beyond. The ACCT Regional Awards honor institutions and leaders who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to advancing community college education.
The Equity Award, in particular, celebrates institutions that have made a significant impact in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dutchess Community College’s selection for this award highlights its strong leadership, innovative strategies, and commitment to closing equity gaps and fostering a community where every student can succeed.
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in New York state. The College currently has four locations including its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport, and DCC @ the Partnership. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.