Des Plaines, Ill. (March 5, 2026) — Oakton College has been designated a 2026–2029 Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility. The renewed Leader College status recognizes Oakton’s sustained institutional transformation and measurable progress in improving student outcomes.
“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,” said Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., Oakton College president. “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 2025–2028 Strategic Plan outlines measurable commitments aligned with ATD priorities. The College is enhancing the student experience by reducing barriers to success, expanding support for adult learners, and increasing access to credit for prior learning.
Through one initiative, Project Open Gate, Oakton saw improved completion rates in gateway English and math courses within students’ first year, a critical milestone linked to persistence and graduation. Following the introduction of Project Open Gate at Oakton, the 2024 gateway math cohort’s completion rate increased by 4 percentage points compared to the 2023 cohort.
“The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Karen A. Stout, Ed.D., president and CEO of ATD. “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 ATD Network in 2013 and was named a Leader College for the first time in 2020. The Leader College designation follows a rigorous national review of institutional performance, strategy and impact. Oakton is part of a select group of colleges nationwide recognized for leading systemic change and delivering sustained improvements in student success. To learn more, visit Oakton’s Strategic Plan and Initiatives page.