March 4, 2026

Forsyth Technical Community College announced today that it has been designated a 2026 Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility.

“Being named a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream reflects years of focused work to help more students succeed,” said Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. “Over the past six years, Forsyth Tech has more than doubled its graduation rate and eliminated long-standing achievement gaps. That progress is the result of our faculty and staff using data, providing real-world experience, strengthening support for students, and staying committed to helping every student dream, learn and thrive.”

ATD created the Leader College of Distinction designation in 2018 to recognize institutions that have demonstrated sustained excellence in advancing student success outcomes over time. Leader Colleges of Distinction must demonstrate sustained and expanding success in early momentum metrics, such as course success rates and student retention, as well as in milestone momentum outcomes, such as rates of completion; a strong culture of data-informed continuous improvement; and evidence that effective practices are institutionalized. These colleges advance student success strategies that respond to their local context with emphasis on students who are missing or left behind.

Forsyth Tech has been part of the ATD Network since 2019 and has held Leader College status since 2024.

“The 2026 Leader Colleges of Distinction demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting  the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”