Tony Colón, a Trustee at Mohawk Valley Community College and a dedicated advocate for community colleges, has announced his candidacy for re-election as Northeast Regional Director on the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) National Board.

With over 16 years of service to MVCC and three years as Northeast Regional Director, Colón has a proven track record of leadership and commitment to addressing the key challenges facing community colleges. In his time on the ACCT Board, Colón has served as Chair of the ACCT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, where he has been a vocal advocate for creating inclusive educational environments.

“I am honored to seek re-election as Northeast Regional Director,” said Colón. “Over the past three years, I have worked alongside trustees across the region to tackle pressing issues like funding shortages, workforce gaps, and neurodiversity in higher education. I am committed to continuing this important work and ensuring that our community colleges remain strong and inclusive spaces for all students.”

As a leader, Colón is known for his collaborative approach and his ability to bring people together to find solutions. He has been a driving force behind initiatives that address declining enrollment, resistance to DEI programs, and inadequate transfer pathways, all while working to ensure community colleges are equipped to meet the needs of their students and local economies.

In addition to his role as a trustee at MVCC, Colón has been actively involved in various leadership roles, including as a member of the ACCT Latino Caucus and the New York State Community College Trustee Association. His extensive experience in both higher education and business makes him a strong candidate to continue representing the Northeast region on the national stage.

The election for ACCT Northeast Regional Director will take place during the ACCT Leadership Congress in Seattle, Wash., from Oct. 23-26, 2024. Colón encourages trustees and community college advocates to reach out and discuss the future of community colleges in the Northeast.