Catalyzing Equity Centered Change in Community Colleges

This book addresses persistent inequities in student outcomes, resource allocation, and institutional practices at community colleges, despite being known for their open access policies and educational opportunities for diverse populations. It presents research-backed strategies for creating more inclusive and effective learning environments for all students.

Exploring critical perspectives from low-income and first-generation students alongside insights from faculty and practitioners, the book examines:

• Historical foundations of higher education access for African Americans
• Resource allocation and fiscal decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Evidence-based approaches to institutional transformation

Essential reading for educators, administrators, policymakers, and researchers committed to advancing equity in higher education and ensuring community colleges fulfill their promise as gateways to opportunity for our most diverse student populations.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Community College Journal of Research and Practice.

Deborah L. Floyd is a Higher Education Professor at Florida Atlantic University and the Editor-in-Chief of the Community College Journal of Research and Practice. She has received numerous awards including the Association of Community Colleges’ Leadership Hall of Fame and was named a Senior Scholar by the Council for the Study of Community Colleges.

Cristobal Salinas, Jr. is a Higher Education Professor at Florida Atlantic University and the Editor of the Journal of Hispanic Higher Education. He is a Board Member and Social Media Editor for the Community College Journal of Research and Practice. Dr. Salinas has received over 30 international and national awards in higher education.

Kelli Listermann is a Doctoral Candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Florida Atlantic University. She serves as Editorial Assistant for the Community College Journal of Research and Practice. In 2024, she was named a Floyd Scholar.