Oakton College has been recognized as a 2026–2029 Leader College by Achieving the Dream, according to a March 5 announcement. The designation highlights Oakton’s ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes and drive institutional transformation.
The recognition is significant because it acknowledges Oakton’s progress in expanding access, closing equity gaps, and strengthening workforce readiness. Achieving the Dream is a national organization focused on supporting community colleges as accessible centers for learning and economic mobility.
Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., president of Oakton College, said, “This distinction affirms our commitment to our strategic plan, Vision 2030: Building Just and Thriving Communities, which guides our work to expand access, close equity gaps and strengthen workforce readiness. Through student-centered programs and data-informed decisions, our faculty and staff provide clear pathways, comprehensive support and meaningful opportunities for every student to achieve their goals.”
Oakton’s current strategic plan for 2025–2028 includes initiatives such as reducing barriers to success, increasing support for adult learners, and expanding credit for prior learning. One program highlighted is Project Open Gate, which led to improved completion rates in gateway English and math courses within students’ first year. After implementing Project Open Gate at Oakton, the completion rate for the 2024 gateway math cohort increased by four percentage points compared to the previous year.
Karen A. Stout, Ed.D., president and CEO of Achieving the Dream, said, “The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success. 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.”
Oakton joined the Achieving the Dream Network in 2013 and was first named a Leader College in 2020. The current designation follows a national review of performance and strategy. Oakton is among a select group of colleges nationwide recognized for leading systemic change.
