May 7, 2026
Aurora, Colo. – The EDU Ledger, a national higher education publication, has named the Community College of Aurora (CCA) one of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges. The national honor recognizes institutions that demonstrate excellence in employee engagement, inclusive workplace culture, and institutional effectiveness.
CCA excels in:
- recruitment and retention of students and employees,
- fostering inclusive learning and working environments,
- and pursuing meaningful community engagement and service.
CCA has experienced true growth and maturity over the past few years as our community has taken time to truly look at what it means to be the college where every student succeeds,
said Erica Hines, Chief Human Resources & Personnel Success Officer. We’ve also put several measures in place, particularly this past year, to ensure employee wellness isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we actively promote, program around, and discuss at the leadership level on a regular basis. I’m truly honored to be a member of such an inspiring community and am so excited for not only all we have achieved, but all we will continue to achieve together.
CCA emerged as a top place to work through commitment to transparent communication among staff and faculty. Opportunities have expanded for staff and faculty to engage in regular town halls, open forums, and shared governance practices. The result is a connected, informed, and empowered workforce.
The recognition is based largely on employee feedback and institutional data collected through the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD), of which CCA is a member. Survey results are analyzed by Do Good Work LLC, an independent consulting firm that identifies top-performing institutions nationwide.
Being named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges is not the result of a single initiative or fleeting commitment. It reflects a sustained, data-informed investment in people,
said Dr. Terrell L. Strayhorn, President & CEO of Do Good Work LLC. It communicates to other colleges that building a strong, supportive workplace is not accidental, it is designed. And when it is designed well, it leads not only to improved employee satisfaction and retention, but also to stronger institutional performance and better outcomes for the students and communities they serve.
CCA is one of 27 community colleges nationwide to receive the recognition in 2026. The EDU Ledger published the full list in the May 7 issue of the magazine and will present the winners at the annual NISOD conference later this month.
Through continuous improvement and alignment with its mission, CCA intentionally creates a culture grounded in belonging, meaning, and shared purpose. Being named one of the most promising places to work in community colleges is a reflection of that commitment.
About the Community College of Aurora
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora, Centennial, and Denver, Colorado. With a vision to aspire to be a college where every student succeeds, CCA is the most diverse college in the State of Colorado. Focused on creating social and economic mobility for its students, the college offers courses on three campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
Contact
Courtney Butler
Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]