Forsyth Tech Wins Two ACCT National Awards in Chicago

Forsyth Tech News  |  National Recognition

Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has won two ACCT national awards: the Impact and Success Award for the college and the Professional Board Staff Member Award for Dr. Sara Singleton, both announced by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) at its 2026 Leadership Congress in Chicago.

What the ACCT national awards recognize

The Impact and Success Award recognizes a governing board, or a board and president together, for exemplary commitment to the success of a college’s students and communities. For Forsyth Tech, the award points to the working partnership between the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees and the college’s leadership team — a shared focus on creating opportunities for students, responding to workforce needs and serving Forsyth and Stokes counties.

“This award belongs to everyone at Forsyth Tech: our trustees, faculty, staff and the community partners who work beside us every day,” said Dr. Janet Spriggs, president of Forsyth Tech. “Our board has been a true partner in putting students first, and I am grateful for their steady leadership and for this national recognition.”

Both awards followed the same path. Forsyth Tech was nominated nationally after winning the Southern Region honors in each category, announced in August. Because ACCT names only one recipient per category from among the five regional winners, each national award represents a single choice from across the country.

Why Dr. Sara Singleton won the board staff award

The Professional Board Staff Member Award honors individuals whose work strengthens the effectiveness of community college governing boards. Dr. Singleton serves as associate vice president for governance and strategic innovation at Forsyth Tech, working directly with the Board of Trustees and with local and state government officials to advance the college’s mission, vision and values.

“Dr. Singleton’s work makes it possible for our board to lead with clarity and confidence.”

John Davenport, chair of the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees

“Our trustees are proud of this recognition for her and for the college,” Davenport said, “and we are committed to continuing to serve the students and communities of Forsyth and Stokes counties.”

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Dr. Singleton. “Supporting our trustees is a privilege because their work supports our students. I share this recognition with my colleagues and with a board that cares deeply about this college and this community.”

How Forsyth Tech student results have changed since 2019

The national awards arrive in a year of recognition built on measurable gains for students. Since 2019, Forsyth Tech has more than doubled its three-year graduation rate, from 19% to 45%, and closed the gap for underrepresented minority students. Enrollment is at an 11-year high.

In 2026, Forsyth Tech was named an Aspen Prize semifinalist, and the college is now a finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Forsyth Tech is also wrapping up the first year of its next strategic movement, Vision 2030, which focuses on meeting learners where they are and providing everyone the opportunity to rise, thrive and lead. You can read more about Forsyth Tech and Vision 2030.

“Recognition like this is a reflection of the students we serve and the people who show up for them,” Spriggs added. “We will keep working to open doors to good careers and a better future for our community.”

The full slate of 2026 award winners is available on the Association of Community College Trustees website.

Frequently asked questions

What awards did Forsyth Tech win from ACCT in 2026?

Forsyth Tech won the national Impact and Success Award, and Dr. Sara Singleton won the national Professional Board Staff Member Award. The Association of Community College Trustees announced both at its 2026 Leadership Congress in Chicago.

What is the Association of Community College Trustees?

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is the national association that recognizes community college governing boards and the professional staff who support them. It announced its 2026 national awards at its Leadership Congress in Chicago.

Who is Dr. Sara Singleton?

Dr. Sara Singleton is associate vice president for governance and strategic innovation at Forsyth Tech. She works directly with the Board of Trustees and with local and state government officials to advance the college’s mission, vision and values.

How competitive are the ACCT national awards?

ACCT names only one national recipient in each award category, chosen from the five regional winners. Forsyth Tech advanced to the national round after winning Southern Region honors in both categories in August.

What is Vision 2030 at Forsyth Tech?

Vision 2030 is the next strategic movement at Forsyth Tech, now wrapping up its first year. It focuses on meeting learners where they are and providing everyone the opportunity to rise, thrive and lead.