News Summary
Dr. Curtis Ivery has been awarded the 2025 Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership for his exceptional contributions as Chancellor of the Wayne County Community College District. His leadership has transformed educational opportunities, increased student enrollment, and stabilized the institution financially. With over three decades of dedication, Ivery continues to empower students and ensure community engagement while adapting to changing educational needs in the post-pandemic landscape.
Detroit – Dr. Curtis Ivery has been awarded the 2025 Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership, recognizing his transformative work as Chancellor of the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) over the past three decades. Ivery’s leadership has significantly enhanced educational opportunities and facilities for students in Detroit and Wayne County, helping to increase enrollment across various programs.
At 76 years old, Ivery is dedicated to education and community service, having devoted his adult life to empowering children, adults, and families. Under his leadership, WCCCD has seen substantial growth, peaking at 12,000 students in degree programs and 40,000 in non-degree vocational programs annually.
Since Ivery’s appointment as Chancellor in 1995, he has successfully guided WCCCD out of a period of turmoil marked by rapid leadership turnover and a negative reputation. When he took office, the college had suffered through three presidents within five years. Through strategic changes and focus on community needs, he transformed WCCCD into a financially stable institution with improved facilities.
Before his tenure at WCCCD, Ivery was the head of the human services department for Arkansas, becoming the first African American in a governor’s cabinet under Bill Clinton. He also served as a professor and former president of the student body at Texas A&M – Kingsville and pursued graduate studies in higher education administration. His experience has contributed to his commitment to educational reform and support for student success.
Under Ivery’s guidance, WCCCD has made significant strides in improving student enrollment, with numbers increasing from fewer than 10,000 to around 21,920 students during the 2021-22 fiscal year. This increase reflects a growing recognition of the value of community college as a pathway to higher education for many, particularly first-generation college students.
In addition to enrollment growth, Ivery has implemented various programs and services to enhance student support. WCCCD now offers resources such as a food pantry, clothing services, and healthcare, addressing students’ basic needs to promote their academic success. Plans for further community involvement and the establishment of satellite campuses reflect Ivery’s vision for expanding educational access in the region.
Moreover, Ivery emphasizes the importance of adapting higher education methods in response to changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. His approach to leadership during these challenging times has been marked by stability and a focus on the continually evolving needs of students and the community.
Throughout his career, Ivery has received various accolades, including the 2022 CEO of the Year Award from the American Association of Community Colleges, highlighting his impactful contributions to the field of education. He is a strong advocate for critical issues such as childhood literacy and support services for underrepresented students, reinforcing his dedication to inclusivity and progress in the educational landscape of Detroit.
As he continues his work at WCCCD, Dr. Curtis Ivery’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for local students remains unwavering. His long-standing service of over 30 years positions him as a pillar of stability in a climate where higher education leadership often experiences high turnover, reflecting his deep-rooted dedication to the community he serves.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Dr. Curtis Ivery Awarded Neal Shine Award
- Michigan Chronicle: Dr. Curtis Ivery
- Detroit News: Long Serving Community College Leader
- Bridge Detroit: WCCCD Leader Wins National Award
- Community College Daily: Addressing Educational Inequity
- Wikipedia: Community College
- Google Search: Dr. Curtis Ivery
- Google Scholar: Educational Inequity in Urban Areas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
- Google News: Dr. Curtis Ivery
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
