Dr. Debra Bragg, Gutgsell Endowed Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and founding director of the Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL), was honored by the Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA) with its annual Pioneer Award for her significant accomplishments and remarkable career devoted to improving access to postsecondary education.
Mary Alice McCarthy, Senior policy Analyst at New America, presented the award, which recognized Dr. Bragg´s contributions to enhance the transition of youth and adults to college and careers and to improve access, equity and outcomes for students of color, low-income students, and first-generation students. Dr. Bragg has led research funded by federal, state, local government agencies as well studies funded by several foundations. Last year, she was also named an American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellow.
Dr. Bragg’s recognition took place during the 16th Annual International Conference of the CCBA held in Chicago, IL on March 18-19. Every year, the meeting brings together administrators and scholars in the U.S., including organizations in Australia and China, to learn from each others’ experiences about community college baccalaureate degrees.
The CCBA Pioneer Award recognizes leaders who demonstrate the bravery and tenacity exhibited by early settlers in the United States, Canada, and many other countries and we could not agree more that Dr. Bragg’s career has been an outstanding example of such distinct virtues.
Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition, Dr. Bragg!