Spotlight on Community Colleges

SpotlightOnCCs

The Spotlight on Community Colleges podcast provides community college administrators, trustees, and faculty, as well as higher education scholars, students, and thought leaders, with insights into major challenges and issues community colleges face. Through topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, guests discuss emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, as well as critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. Together they share stories and anecdotes grounded in personal narratives, professional examples, and practical take-aways. Hosted by Drs. Carrie B. Kisker, Erin Doran, and Brett Ranon Nachman, a trio of community college scholars from diverse backgrounds, the Spotlight on Community Colleges highlights the centrality of community colleges to our democracy, economy, and work toward social justice, and shines a light on the perspectives of those who attend, teach, lead, and study these institutions. Spotlight on Community Colleges is a project of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges, the largest association of university-based researchers and community college scholar-practitioners dedicated to furthering scholarship on the community college enterprise.

  1. APR 15

    Ep 16: Community College Athletics

    According to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), about 60% of community colleges offer sports programs. This translates to approximately 60,000 student-athletes in community colleges around the United States participating in more than two dozen sports. According to Eddie Comeaux and Eric Davidson, student-athletes have higher GPAs than their non-athlete counterparts; community colleges often provide their athletes with positive, holistic academic support; and while community college athletics programs have expanded in the last twenty years, their overall support for female athletes and their programs has remained stagnant. Yet this component of community college life often remains on the sidelines. Deconstructing community college athletics are three guests who know this world well: Dr. Dan Kinney, President of Iowa Western Community College, a college which has garnered 18 NJCAA National Championships; Dr. Brett Monaghan, Vice President of Championship, Membership, and Sports Governance at the NJCAA, and former athletic director at Indian Hills Community College; and Alaura Sharp, the Head Women’s Basketball coach at Appalachian State and a former community college athlete and coach. Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    55 min
  2. MAR 18

    Ep 15: Noncredit Workforce Education

    The American Association of Community Colleges estimates that about 40% of headcount enrollment at community colleges is in non credit-bearing courses and programs, yet much remains unknown about noncredit education. On this episode of Spotlight on Community Colleges, we talk about what we know about noncredit occupational training in community colleges - and what we still don’t know. We are going to hear from our colleagues in the colleges about where they are putting their noncredit occupational training efforts, and we will ask about the major challenges and opportunities they are experiencing. Finally, we are going to talk about how everything may or may not be expanded or upended by the implementation of “Workforce Pell” later this year.  Joining today's episode are three experts on noncredit workforce education. Dr. Mark D’Amico is a Professor of Higher Education at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, as well as one of the founders of the Noncredit Research Collaborative. Ms. Molly Dodge is Senior Vice President for Workforce and Careers at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. Dr. Andrew Gardner serve as Associate Vice President for Workforce Strategies for the North Carolina Community Colleges.  Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    48 min
  3. FEB 18

    Ep 14: Dual-Career Couples in Community Colleges

    There's a lot to love about community colleges, and one of those components is the employees who themselves are in, healthy romantic relationships. The two-body problem, as it is commonly referred to, entails how spouses or significant others must account for finding similarly specialized role in the same geographic area, or if possible, the same institution. On today's episode, we welcome on one dual-career couple to discuss their situation that blends life, career, and love. Dr. Corina González-Stout serves as an associate professor of history at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas. Her husband is Dr. Brian Stout, a professor of biology, also at Northwest Vista College.  Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    49 min
  4. JAN 21

    Ep 13: Understanding Campus Climate

    Today on Spotlight on Community Colleges we focus on issues related to campus climate in community colleges. In other words, how might faculty, staff, administrators, and other constituents perceive institutional policies, practices, and routines that influence satisfaction, efficacy, and success.  Deconstructing this complicated and nuanced topic is a panel of guests who have a deep understanding of campus climate. Dr. Audrey (AJ) Jaeger serves as the W. Dallas Herring Distinguished Professor of Community College Education and Executive Director of the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at NC State University. The Belk Center administers  the PACE Climate Survey for Community Colleges. Dr. Daniel West is the Associate Director of Research and Evaluation at the Belk Center. Focusing primarily on employee engagement and professional development, Daniel is responsible for administering and helping colleges interpret the PACE Climate Survey for Community Colleges. Finally, Dr. Jason Hurst serve as president of Cleveland Community College in Shelby, North Carolina. Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    54 min
  5. 12/17/2025

    Ep 12: Fundraising in Community Colleges

    On this episode of Spotlight on Community Colleges we take a peek into the world of community college fundraising! Guests Dr. Everrett Smith (Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati) and Charles Silver (Development Director, Scottsdale Community College) join in the conversation to share the research on community college fundraising and the unique considerations that practitioners face, respectively. Along the way they offer thoughts on how community colleges engage in meaningful collaborations, programs, and efforts that bolster giving. If you are seeking to make a donation during this giving season and are wondering where your contributions can make a big impact, consider creating a charitable gift to your local community college.  Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    1 hr
  6. 11/19/2025

    Ep 11: Community College Trustees

    This episode of Spotlight on Community Colleges centers some of the most understudied yet vital members of the higher education community: community college trustees. These are the incredible folks who volunteer their time to act as fiscal stewards of their institutions, guide institutional mission and strategy, monitor operations, hire the CEOs, and ensure that their colleges and students can flourish. Sharing insights on this episode include three guests with a wide range of perspectives on community college governing boards and the people who serve on them: Ms. Geralyn Presti (former attorney and current Chair of the Board of Trustees at Cuyahoga Community College); Dr. Susan Kater (Assistant Professor of Higher Education Leadership at Idaho State University and a Director of the Center for the Study of Community Colleges [CSCC]); and Mr. David Conner (Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications at the Association of Community College Trustees [ACCT]). Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts! You can check out the ACCT-CSCC report via this link.

    50 min
  7. 10/15/2025

    Ep 10: Challenges and Opportunities in Financial Aid

    The community college financial aid landscape is fraught with challenges related to income verification and making satisfactory academic progress, but also opportunities associated with supporting students' payments and financial literacy training. This episode of Spotlight on Community Colleges deconstructs the current realities of community college financial aid. Today's guests discuss the various dimensions of financial aid. They include: Dr. Devon Graves (Assistant Professor of Community College Leadership at North Carolina State University); Dr. Matthew Mayhew (Professor of Educational Administration at The Ohio State University); and Dr. Courtney De Roche (Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University).  Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    1h 5m
  8. 09/17/2025

    Ep 9: International and Transborder Students

    Drawing in tens of thousands of international students each year, community colleges welcome these learners to higher education. Similarly, transborder students attend community colleges, each day crossing the border to attain their education. Yet the turbulent political and immigration landscape is creating challenges for community colleges and, in tandem, international and transborder students. On today's episode of Spotlight on Community Colleges, we disentangle these issues with three fantastic guests: Dr. Fanta Aw (CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators), Dr. Vanessa Falcón Orta (Assistant Professor in the School of Education at San Diego State University, and a founding director of the Trans Border Scholars Thriving Institute), and Dr. Joel Pilco (Director of Binational and International Programs at Southwestern College).  Spotlight on Community Colleges debuts new episodes on the third Wednesday of every month to hear topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, learn about emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, and consider critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. The podcast is hosted by Drs. Erin Doran, Carrie B. Kisker, and Brett Ranon Nachman. More information at: https://spotlightonccs.podbean.com/.   Spotlight on Community Colleges is the official podcast of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (https://www.cscc.pitt.edu/). Stay Connected With Us: Email: SpotlightonCCs@gmail.com Instagram: @spotlightonccs BlueSky: @SpotlightonCCs.bksy.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriekisker/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-doran-7545a67a/, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettnachman/   Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to Spotlight on Community Colleges wherever you listen to podcasts!

    1h 9m
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

The Spotlight on Community Colleges podcast provides community college administrators, trustees, and faculty, as well as higher education scholars, students, and thought leaders, with insights into major challenges and issues community colleges face. Through topical exchanges between researchers and practitioners, guests discuss emerging scholarship paired with practical solutions, as well as critical analyses of possibilities for future practice. Together they share stories and anecdotes grounded in personal narratives, professional examples, and practical take-aways. Hosted by Drs. Carrie B. Kisker, Erin Doran, and Brett Ranon Nachman, a trio of community college scholars from diverse backgrounds, the Spotlight on Community Colleges highlights the centrality of community colleges to our democracy, economy, and work toward social justice, and shines a light on the perspectives of those who attend, teach, lead, and study these institutions. Spotlight on Community Colleges is a project of the Council for the Study of Community Colleges, the largest association of university-based researchers and community college scholar-practitioners dedicated to furthering scholarship on the community college enterprise.

You Might Also Like