LANSING, Mich. — Lansing Community College (LCC) is proud to announce that Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, Ph.D., president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), will deliver the keynote address at LCC’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. 

A nationally recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Pollard assumed the role of president and CEO of AACC in July 2025, becoming the organization's first woman leader. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success, having previously served as president of Nevada State University, Montgomery College (MD), and Las Positas College (CA).

Dr. Pollard began her career in higher education as an English professor and has remained committed to lifelong learning. Her leadership is grounded in a student-centered philosophy that prioritizes access, equity, and opportunity. She is widely regarded as a champion of community colleges and believes deeply in education's transformative power to advance economic mobility and strengthen communities.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Pollard as our commencement speaker,” said LCC President Steve Robinson. “Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to expanding access to higher education make her an inspiring role model for our graduates.”

Dr. Pollard has played a significant role in shaping the future of community colleges through her service on the American Association of Community Colleges’ 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges, the Commission on Academic, Student, and Community Development, and the Board of Directors. She also serves on the National Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Generation Hope, a nonprofit that supports teen parents and parenting college students.

Her contributions to higher education have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Washingtonian Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women. She has also received the 2017 Academic Leadership Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and a Visionary Award from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

Dr. Pollard holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education from Loyola University Chicago.

LCC will honor its graduates at the 68th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

To learn more about the ceremony and to obtain a link to the live stream, visit the Commencement webpage.

 

About Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College is an equal-opportunity educational institution/employer. Lansing Community College programs and activities are open to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information.