Dr. Carrie B. Kisker is a powerful advocate for community colleges and plays a pivotal role in shaping their future. As president of Kisker Education Consulting in Los Angeles, California, she offers her expertise on entrepreneurship, innovation, and student success, helping college leaders across the nation develop impactful programs and policies. Dr. Kisker’s passion for community colleges, however, extends beyond consulting work; for the past 16 years she has led the Center for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC), a nonprofit committed to advancing research that supports the unique mission of these institutions.
Community colleges have long been a cornerstone of American higher education, educating nearly 40% of all U.S. undergraduate students. These colleges offer affordable, accessible pathways to universities and the skilled trades, often serving as a crucial lifeline for adults seeking to upskill and students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. Dr. Kisker writes and speaks frequently about the immense potential of community colleges and has devoted her career to enhancing their impact on students and communities. Through her work at CSCC and with support from organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates and Spencer foundations, Kisker has spearheaded investigations into essential areas such as transfer and articulation reform and community college civic engagement, ensuring that students can seamlessly transition from community colleges to four-year institutions and are prepared to play a meaningful role in our democracy.
Most recently, Dr. Kisker and CSCC have partnered with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to design and administer the groundbreaking ACCT/CSCC Survey of Community College Trustees, the first iteration of this national survey in over 25 years. The survey captures trustees’ beliefs, values, and perspectives on today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Results will be published in 2025 and will inform professional development for trustees and community college leaders seeking to create more equitable and innovative institutions. Survey findings will also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the individuals charged with guiding their institutions through complex social and financial landscapes and will offer valuable data to help them lead more effectively on behalf of their communities. As Dr. Kisker relates, the ACCT/CSCC Survey is a necessary step toward understanding community colleges as they evolve in a rapidly changing educational environment.
Dr. Kisker’s scholarship is deeply respected in the field of higher education. She is author–along with Arthur M. Cohen and Florence B. Brawer–of The American Community College (7th edition, 2023), which continues to be a foundational text for understanding the role of community colleges in the U.S. In 2024 she published a revised edition of The Shaping of American Higher Education (3rd edition, 2024), also with Arthur M. Cohen, which traces the evolution of the country’s contemporary system of higher education. Both works are frequently taught in schools of education and provide critical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by the nation’s colleges and universities.
In addition to her scholarly contributions, Dr. Kisker is a passionate speaker and workshop facilitator, sharing her insights with educators and policymakers nationwide. Her book, Creating Entrepreneurial Community Colleges: A Design Thinking Approach (2021), illustrates her approach to helping colleges foster a culture of entrepreneurship, preparing students not just for jobs but for creative, adaptable careers. Through her writing and speaking engagements, Dr. Kisker encourages leaders to think differently about how they can serve their students and communities.
Visit her website to learn more about Dr. Kisker’s work or to book her for a speaking engagement. Her dedication to community colleges shines through in every aspect of her work, making her a true champion for these essential institutions.
