RICE LAKE, WI — Northwood Technical College has been designated a 2026 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 Leader College designation recognizes institutions within the ATD Network that demonstrate meaningful progress in expanding access, improving early momentum metrics such as retention, advancing evidence-based student success strategies, and strengthening institutional capacity through intentional culture-building efforts.
“Being recognized as a Leader College affirms Northwood Tech’s unwavering commitment to student success and community impact,” said Dr. John Will, president of Northwood Technical College. “Our faculty and staff work every day to remove barriers, strengthen student support systems, and use data to guide decisions that improve outcomes. This designation reflects the collective effort of our college community to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
Leader Colleges are recognized for meaningful progress in expanding access; improving early momentum metrics, such as retention; advancing relevant student success strategies with evidence of implementation and early results; and growing institutional capacity through culture and capacity-building efforts.
Northwood Tech has been part of the ATD Network since 2022.
“For Northwood Tech, this work begins and ends with our students,” said Dr. Aliesha R. Crowe, vice president of academic affairs. “Putting students first means continuously evaluating how we teach, support, and guide learners from their first class to completion. When our students succeed, our communities grow stronger. This recognition reflects our commitment to transforming communities by ensuring students have the skills, credentials, and confidence to thrive in the workforce and beyond.”
“The 2026 Leader Colleges 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.”
Through its participation in the ATD Network, Northwood Tech has strengthened its culture of data-informed decision-making, prioritized equity-focused strategies, and enhanced student support initiatives aligned with its strategic plan. The Leader College designation reflects the college’s continued focus on whole-college transformation to improve student persistence, completion, and career outcomes across the region it serves.
Last Update: Mar 06, 2026 11:15 am CST
