CCCS Internal 
Colorado’s commitment to educational equity took center stage at the 2024 Equity Day of Action, hosted at Colorado State University Fort Collins on October 18. The event brought together 150 higher education professionals from across the state, showcasing innovative strategies and celebrating achievements in advancing equity in higher education.
“I am so proud of our Colorado schools for leading the way in a space that is now off-limits to so many others across the country,” said Dr. Gillian McKnight-Tutein, Senior Educational Equity Officer at the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE). “The Equity Day of Action was evidence that we remain steadfast in our support of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging inside and outside of the classroom.”
Chancellor Joe Garcia Honored with Inaugural Equity Champion Legacy Award
A highlight of the day was the presentation of CDHE’s inaugural Higher Education Equity Champion Legacy Award to Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Chancellor Joe Garcia. This prestigious award recognizes Chancellor Garcia’s lifelong dedication to equity and access in education, including his impactful leadership roles as Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and president of multiple Colorado colleges.
Now at the helm of CCCS, Chancellor Garcia oversees a system serving 125,000 students annually across 13 colleges and 35 locations. His transformative efforts have expanded access, closed equity gaps, and elevated the role of community colleges as engines of opportunity.
“This recognition reflects the collective commitment of Colorado’s higher education community to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Chancellor Garcia. “Our work in advancing equity isn’t just about access—it’s about creating genuine pathways to achievement for all learners.”
This recognition reflects the collective commitment of Colorado’s higher education community to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Our work in advancing equity isn’t just about access—it’s about creating genuine pathways to achievement for all learners.
Inspiring Moments and Meaningful Dialogue
The event began with a vibrant cultural performance by the Rocky Mountain Indigenous Dancers, setting a tone of inclusivity and celebration. Keynote speaker Dr. Kijua Sanders-McMurtry, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at Mount Holyoke College, delivered a stirring address titled “We Are All in This Together: How We Tell the Truth About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
Breakout sessions spanned critical equity topics, including institutional alignment, learner supports, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive hiring practices. Participants explored innovative approaches such as building credentials for Indigenous students and improving outcomes for students with disabilities, reinforcing the comprehensive efforts required to advance equity.
Building Momentum Across Colorado
“Equity Day of Action showcased the best of what we’ve implemented within our Colorado institutions since our 2022 Equity Day of Discussion,” noted Dr. Angie Paccione, Executive Director of CDHE. “One of the many highlights of the day was honoring Chancellor Garcia with our inaugural Equity Champions Legacy Award for his decades of action towards erasing equity gaps.”
One of the many highlights of the day was honoring Chancellor Garcia with our inaugural Equity Champions Legacy Award for his decades of action towards erasing equity gaps.
The event also highlighted successful initiatives across Colorado, including rural partnerships, transfer student success strategies, and data-informed decision-making. Dr. Angela Marquez, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Chief of Staff at the Community College of Aurora, emphasized the day’s impact: “The insights and strategies shared at Equity Day of Action will guide our work forward. This event provided a platform for exchanging ideas and demonstrated the transformative momentum taking place across Colorado’s institutions.”
As Colorado’s higher education leaders continue to close equity gaps, the Equity Day of Action stands as both a celebration of progress and a call to action. It reaffirms that with shared purpose and dedication, meaningful change is possible—and happening.
