Lakewood, Wash. — Pierce College is proud to announce that it has been designated a 2026 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility.
“Pierce College’s continued partnership with Achieving the Dream strengthens our commitment to ensuring every student has access to transformative educational opportunities,” said Pierce College Chancellor and CEO Julie White, Ph.D. “This renewed recognition as a Leader College of Distinction speaks to the progress our community is making every day to help students thrive.”
ATD created the Leader College of Distinction designation in 2018 to recognize institutions that have demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing student success outcomes over time. Leader Colleges of Distinction must demonstrate sustained and expanding success in early momentum metrics, such as course success rates and student retention, as well as in milestone momentum outcomes, such as rates of completion; a strong culture of data-informed continuous improvement; and evidence that effective practices are institutionalized. These colleges advance student success strategies that respond to their local context with emphasis on students who are missing or left behind.
In 2012, Pierce College joined the ATD Network, made up of more than 300 colleges committed to supporting student success at their institutions and promoting economic vitality throughout their communities. In 2017, Pierce College received ATD’s Leah Meyer Austin Award, its highest distinction, recognizing colleges that demonstrate outstanding achievement in creating a culture of evidence-based improvement, systemic institutional change, and equity. In 2023, ATD named Pierce College to their inaugural Community Vibrancy Cohort – a group of 17 community colleges who work together to think bigger and act urgently to address systemic inequities and create more economically vibrant communities.
Over the last 14 years, the focus of Pierce College's work with ATD has evolved, but it has always supported our mission to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.
“The 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”
Pierce College, serving more than 14,000 students annually, is a two-college district with campuses at Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup, along with teaching centers at Joint Base Lewis McChord, and extension sites across Pierce County.
About Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on our expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, we provide institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. We call this Whole College Transformation. Our vision is for every college to be a catalyst for equitable and economically vibrant communities. We know that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn.