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Making a difference: Jim Casper
July 14, 2025
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) has been invited to join the inaugural Aspen Institute Presidents & Trustees Collaborative – a new national initiative to strengthen board-president alignment and advance lasting reforms that improve student success at community colleges.
President Kristen Raney said NWTC is one of just 10 colleges nationwide – and the only one in Wisconsin – selected to participate.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our board and leadership team to build on our commitment to putting students first and to learn alongside other leading colleges across the country,” she said. “Strengthening our governance and leadership practices ensures we can continue to deliver the highest level of education and opportunities for our students and the communities we serve.”
Josh Wyner, executive director of Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, said participants will explore proven strategies for boards and presidents to collaborate effectively, build strong governance structures and drive long-term student success.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen that community colleges make the most progress when presidents and trustees are unified in purpose and aligned in strategy,” he said. “Through the Presidents & Trustees Collaborative, we’re advancing the field by working with colleges and statewide partners to strengthen that alignment.”In its first phase, Wyner said the collaborative will partner with the Texas Success Center and the Michigan Community College Association to expand statewide cohorts.
