Itawamba Community College President Dr. Jay Allen has been named a finalist for one of the top national community-college awards.
ICC announced that Allen is a finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges CEO of the Year Award, which annually honors leaders whose work has made a significant and lasting impact on their institutions, students who attend, and the communities they serve.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition, but it truly belongs to our outstanding employees,” Allen said. “Every day, our faculty and staff go above and beyond to serve students and positively impact our communities. Their commitment, professionalism, and heart for this work are what make ICC special, and I am proud to stand alongside them.”
Since assuming the presidency at ICC in 2017, Allen has emphasized student success, workforce alignment, and community engagement while maintaining a strong focus on institutional culture and excellence, the release noted. Under his leadership, the college has continued to strengthen its academic programs, expand workforce and industry partnerships, and enhance the overall student experience across ICC’s campuses in Fulton, Tupelo, and Belden.
The American Association of Community Colleges is the primary national advocacy organization for community colleges nationwide, representing nearly 1,100 two-year schools that collectively serve more than 10 million students annually. AACC provides leadership development, policy advocacy, and professional resources while highlighting best practices and innovation across the community-college sector.
“Dr. Allen’s selection as a finalist places Itawamba Community College on the national stage and underscores the college’s ongoing role as a leader in community-focused education and workforce development,” a portion of the release reads.
Allen will be formally recognized as a finalist during the AACC annual convention in April in Seattle.