Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania
At a recent Quarterly Breakfast, Dr. Stuart Blacklaw, our Dean of Academics here at EC3, shared a few insights into how we live our mantra: "Doing College Differently."
Dr. Blacklaw explained how EC3 builds its class schedule around eight-week terms, which is a nontraditional model backed by data showing that students learn better in shorter, focused bursts. He also highlighted our commitment to Open Educational Resources (OER), reducing the financial burden of textbooks that are often expensive and underused by the students who purchase them. What surprised me most was how engaged the audience was with these topics. For us at EC3, this is just the norm. Everything we do is centered on one goal: student success.
This month, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) released a powerful report titled "Resilient by Design: The Future of America's Community Colleges". I encourage my fellow higher ed professionals to read it, but there are a few highlights that stood out to me.
The report argues that the traditional community college model is no longer equipped to meet the challenges of today. It pointed to several specific challenges:
- Demographic shifts, like the "demographic cliff" where the number of high school graduates is expected to decline.
- Rapid economic and workforce changes, demanding more agile educational responses.
- Accelerating technology, including the rise of AI and automation.
- A shifting political landscape, where the value and funding of higher education are under scrutiny.
In response, "Resilient by Design" lays out a bold vision for transformation. Here are three key takeaways that I believe EC3 — and all community colleges, really — must plan to embrace:
- Reimagine Leadership
Senior teams must evolve into data-driven strategists and policy navigators. Leadership is no longer just about managing learning systems; it's about shaping the future and becoming cultural change agents. - Think Like a Business
Community colleges must position themselves as investments to students, employers, and funders alike. We must embrace the idea that ROI matters, even if it challenges traditional academic norms. - Advocate Relentlessly
We must be loud and clear in advocating for our students at the state and regional levels. We can't afford to just passively accept policy decisions; we must shape them. - Be the Community's College
Our programs must be deeply aligned with local workforce needs. Education should connect directly to the jobs and industries thriving in our region.
While this report is sparking conversations across the country, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. EC3 was built for this moment. We've been doing college differently from day one.
Let me share with you our competitive advantage, known internally as the EC3 Edge. These principles guide our decisions and shape how we invest our time and resources:
Student Success
- We develop and maintain programs and services that support student success.
- We offer classes when, how, and where students want them.
- We remove barriers for students whenever and wherever possible.
Innovation & Integrity
- We always start with the end user in mind.
- We lead positively, work with a can-do attitude, and encourage others to do the same.
- We take risks and embrace progress, even if it's five steps forward and three steps back.
- We strive to be an organization people want to work for.
Sustainability
- We understand that the business model matters.
- We find comfort in discomfort.
- We embrace change as both inevitable and necessary.
If you've attended our Quarterly Breakfasts or follow EC3 closely, you've probably heard these ideas before. But reading Resilient by Design affirmed something powerful: we're already doing what the future demands.
Yes, it feels good to see our approach validated by national thought leaders. But guess what feels even better? Hearing our students' success stories. Watching them thrive in a system built for them. Seeing them outpace peers from more traditional institutions. It's happening!
Doing college differently isn't about being trendy or experimental. It's about being deliberate and intentional. It's about building a college that works for our students, our community, and our future.
And I couldn't be prouder of this great institution for doing just that.
Our community: your college.
