Aurora, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora is pleased to announce that President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee has been named as one of this year’s Pillars of Profession by the NASPA Foundation for his leadership, commitment and dedication to the advancement of student success in higher education.
The title is awarded to multiple individuals each year by the NASPA Foundation at its annual conference. NASPA recognizes educational professionals who have served as leaders, teachers and scholars in student affairs and higher education, and who have demonstrated several qualities, including:
- Having provided significant service to NASPA through regional and/or national leadership roles within the Association; and
- Have created a lasting impact on the institution(s)/organization(s) at which they have worked, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service recognized by a cross-section of institutional/organizational stakeholders; and/or
- Have demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in the field of student affairs and/or higher education.
Dr. Brownlee expressed his gratitude for winning the award saying, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be named a NASPA Pillar of the Profession. For years, NASPA has served as my professional home – aiding in advancing my skills and acumen to serve in the equitable educational attainment and care of students from all around the world. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the NASPA Foundation for this acknowledgment. It strengthens my commitment to advancing student success and fostering a transformative educational experience for all.”
Dr. Brownlee was enthusiastically nominated by his fellow educators who cited his leadership qualities, commitment to educational excellence, and pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion, among other reasons.
“Since coming under Dr. Brownlee’s leadership in 2021 at the Community College of Aurora, I have felt inspired and hopeful about the future of higher education in providing opportunities to advance the social and economic mobility for our students and their families,” said Senior Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Student Success, Dra. Reyna Anaya.
“His approach to student success is beyond his years, which has led to positive and transformative change at our college. I am grateful for leaders like Dr. Brownlee who have paved the way for individuals like me in student affairs and executive leadership, and I wanted him to know that myself, our CCA team, and many others appreciate the dedication and service he has provided to the field of student affairs. His acceptance as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession is long overdue and I’m excited to celebrate him and his accomplishments throughout the year.”
Following the award, members of the NASPA Foundation Board will work with the awardees and their lead nominator to pursue a fundraising goal of $3,500 to further research and scholarship in student affairs.
Dr. Brownlee joins 19 other educators from around the country in receiving the accolade for 2025. The NASPA Foundation has been recognizing leaders in education since 1999. The award is one of NASPA’s highest honors.
For more information on NASPA and to read its vision and mission, click HERE. For more information about CCA, click HERE.
About the Community College of Aurora:
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) provides high-quality instruction and student support services to Aurora 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 two (2) campuses, online, and through its high school concurrent-enrollment programs. For more information, visit www.ccaurora.edu.
Contact:
Courtney Butler
Director of Strategic Communications and Special Initiatives
Strategic Communications and Alumni Engagement
P: 303-340-7201 | E: [email protected]