Dr. Janet N. Spriggs identified as one of the nation’s top 25 most promising community college leaders

Janet N. Spriggs, president of Forsyth Technical Community College, has been selected by the Aspen Institute to join the 2020-21 inaugural class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship, a new initiative designed to support community college presidents in the early years of their tenure to accelerate transformational change on behalf of students.

Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech

“We are extremely proud that Dr. Spriggs is one of the first presidents chosen for the Aspen Institute’s New Presidents Fellowship,” said Ann Bennett-Phillips, chair of the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees. “She is a student-centered leader who is committed to advancing student success, intentionally focusing on excellence in teaching and learning, using data to close equity gaps and developing partnerships to advance Forsyth Tech’s work as a leader in workforce and economic development within our communities.”

“I’m honored and privileged to be included in the first cohort of the new presidents fellowship,” said Spriggs. “This is an incredible opportunity to learn from Aspen Institute faculty and top community college leaders, while collaborating with forward-thinking peers engaged in transformational change efforts across the country. I am also eager to share the work we are doing at Forsyth Tech to achieve our vision of being a catalyst for equitable economic mobility, empowering lives and transforming communities.”

The fellows, who have been college presidents for five years or less, were selected for their commitment to student success and equity, willingness to take risks to improve outcomes, understanding of the importance of community partnerships, and ability to lead change. They will engage in a seven-month fellowship beginning in June 2020.

“By preparing students and workers for in-demand jobs and meeting the training needs of businesses, community colleges are critical institutions for their regions’ prosperity and development,” said Jennie Sparandara, head of workforce initiatives, JPMorgan Chase. “JPMorgan Chase is proud to partner with the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program to build the next generation of diverse community college leaders.”

JPMorgan Chase is funding the Aspen Presidential Fellowship as part of New Skills at Work, a five-year, $350 million investment to support community colleges and other pathways to great careers and economic mobility.