Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) President Dr. Kristen Raney has been elected to the Board of Directors for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), an organization representing more than 1,200 associate degree-granting institutions that serve more than 12 million students nationwide.
Raney was elected by her peers during AACC’s annual meeting and will serve a three-year term beginning July 1. The 32-member AACC Board of Directors acts on behalf of its member institutions to create and maintain a vision for AACC—shaping national advocacy efforts, guiding strategic priorities, and ensuring community colleges have a strong voice in federal policy and workforce development.
Her election ensures continued representation for Wisconsin’s technical college system at the national level, bringing the state’s perspective on workforce training, student success, and employer-aligned education into national conversations.
“Community colleges play a critical role in strengthening our workforce and expanding opportunity,” said Raney. “I’m honored to serve alongside peers from across the country to help elevate the impact of technical and community colleges and ensure our students—and the communities we serve—are represented in national conversations.”
Raney is recognized as a visionary leader in higher education and brings more than 20 years of experience in community and technical colleges. She began her presidency at NWTC in July 2023.
Under her leadership, the college has prioritized student success, operational excellence, sustainability, and community impact—focusing on K-12 partnerships, strengthening transfer agreements, and preparing graduates for workforce needs across Northeast Wisconsin.
AACC serves as the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges, advancing policies and initiatives that support student success, workforce development, and access to higher education.
Learn more about the American Association of Community Colleges and NWTC leadership.
