Stanly Community College (SCC) once again earned a coveted spot among the finalists for the 2025 Bellwether Award, a prestigious recognition presented by the Bellwether College Consortium. Out of 30 community colleges nationwide, SCC stood out for its innovative student advising model, as revealed during the 31st Annual Community College Futures Assembly held in San Antonio, Texas, last month.
This nationally recognized award identifies and honors outstanding and leading-edge community college programs in three categories: Instructional Programs and Services, Workforce Development, and Planning, Governance and Finance.
In the Planning, Governance, and Finance category, recognizing programs that enhance college efficiency and effectiveness, SCC shared the spotlight with other distinguished finalists from across the nation: Louisiana, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California and Arizona.
“We received a record total of eighty-eight submissions from community colleges across thirty states. Each college demonstrated its commitment to excellence through innovative, replicable, scalable, and equity-focused programs that yield impressive outcomes. Their students are essential to today's economy and are armed with the skills and education needed to advance and lead in their chosen careers,” said Rose Martinez, Ph.D., director for the Bellwether College Consortium.
College teams conducted presentations to a jury of anonymous judges, fellow community college practitioners, and CEOs to showcase how they have significantly addressed critical issues impacting community colleges.