Bellevue College Recognized by Achieving the Dream as 2025 Leader College 

Bellevue College announced today that it has been designated a Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility in their communities. 

“We are honored Achieving the Dream selected our institution as a Leader College,” said Bellevue College Provost Dr. Jess Clark. “Since joining ATD, Bellevue College has seen increased markers of student success and retention. We look forward to continuing our commitment to transforming the student experience so that all students will find success at Bellevue College.” 

Leader Colleges play an important role in accelerating the adoption of effective practices within the ATD Network and across higher education. They are recognized for the quality of their work in whole-college reform, resulting in increased completion rates for all students. Leader Colleges develop innovative ways to work with other colleges to share knowledge and facilitate an exchange of ideas about evidence-based reform strategies.   

Bellevue College is part of the ATD Network, made up of 300+ colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality throughout their communities. Bellevue College has been a member of the ATD Network since 2017.   

“We are proud to recognize our 2025 Leader Colleges and Leader Colleges of Distinction for their extraordinary commitment to student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “These colleges exemplify excellence within the ATD Network, achieving measurable gains in student outcomes and fostering impactful change within their institutions and communities. Their dedication to using data-informed approaches to create meaningful opportunities for students and their communities serves as a powerful example for all institutions of higher education and especially for those in the ATD Network.”  

About Achieving the Dream    

Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream website: www.achievingthedream.org.   

Pictured: From left, Achieving the Dream Coach Diane Troyer, Bellevue College Dance Professor Kirsten Kinney, Associate Director of Student Success and Retention Melissa Martinez, Interim Dean of the School of Business and Technology and Continuing Education Esteban Maldonado, Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Judith Hernandez, Dean of Student Support Megan Kaptik, Healthcare Management and Leadership Assistant Professor Stacy Woodruff, President Dr. David May, Interim Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Liz Hollerman, Sociology Professor Eric Davis, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jessica “Jess” Clark.