Photo: Michael Schulman, Director of Student Affairs for the Colorado Community College System (right), accepts the Elevate Award from Western Governors University.  

Michael Schulman, Ed.D., the Director of Student Affairs for the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), received the Elevate Award from Western Governors University (WGU) for his work championing student success. 

WGU surprised Schulman at a celebration bringing together staff, leaders, and supporters in Denver last week. WGU is a fully-online, private university and one of 14 higher education partners that participate in CCCS’ signature Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree Program, which guarantees transfer for first-time community college students.  

“Receiving the WGU Elevate Award has been a tremendous honor,” Schulman said. “I am passionate about the work we do at CCCS to advance equity by bringing postsecondary credentials and degrees to the people of Colorado so that they may better their lives.” 

Schulman, who administers the Bridge to Bachelor’s Degree program, was recognized for developing and executing programs that foster student success across the system’s 13 colleges. As Director of Student Affairs, he helps set systemwide strategy to improve student success and enrollment and advises colleges on data, policies, and procedures that promote strong outcomes.  

“Michael’s positive impact is felt up, down and across the system office and each of the CCCS colleges,” said Tim Haverkamp, senior strategic partnerships manager for WGU. “The team at the CCCS helps Coloradans gain new knowledge and skills and create better lifestyles for themselves and their families. For me and my WGU colleagues, Michael Schulman embodies the spirit of the WGU Elevate Award as much as anyone.” 

Thanks to their commitment to accessible education, WGU has emerged as a valuable collaborator for CCCS, Schulman said.  

“WGU, and their competency-based model, provide an incredible opportunity for our students—many who live in remote locations or are balancing careers, families, and work,” he said. “They are an incredible, collaborative partner that shares our values and provides effective pathways for our students to complete bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees that lead to meaningful opportunities.” 

Prior to joining CCCS, Schulman was a higher education consultant helping colleges across the country leverage modern technology and best practices in student finance, records, and financial aid. Schulman also recently earned his doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity in Higher Education with the University of Colorado Denver.