KCC's president chosen for Aspen Fellowship

Kankakee Community College President Dr. Michael Boyd knows that the right credential can change a family’s trajectory for generations.

Since becoming the college’s president in July 2019, he has emphasized the connection between education and family-sustaining careers, often using KCC programs that lead to high-demand jobs in the region to show the value of starting at a community college.

Because of his vision for the next phase of KCC’s growth, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program chose Boyd as one of just 23 Presidents Fellowship participants for 2026.

“I’m honored to be selected for this fellowship and to represent Kankakee Community College,” Boyd said. “This opportunity will allow me to continue strengthening the connection between education and workforce needs, ensuring our students are prepared for meaningful, family-sustaining careers.”

“Community colleges are evolving to meet the demands of today’s learners, equipping students with the skills and credentials that lead to real opportunities and good jobs,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “These 23 presidents have committed to ensuring their institutions deliver measurable results for every student.”

This is the third cohort for the Aspen Presidents Fellowship. It includes representatives from 14 states. Boyd is the only representative from Illinois.

Along with other fellows, Boyd will engage in a unique year-long professional development experience to help students succeed both during and after college. The fellowship is led by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and supported by JPMorganChase.

The group will work with highly accomplished community college presidents, Aspen leaders, and each other to analyze their colleges’ outcomes and develop concrete plans inspired by field-leading practices. The curriculum includes real-world examples, data on student outcomes and in-demand jobs, and insights on how current practices align with research-proven strategies that drive high levels of student success.

“We are honored to see President Boyd recognized at the national level,” said Bill Orr, chairman of the KCC board of trustees. “He represents the very best of KCC’s mission and our commitment to serving students and strengthening our region.”

Boyd joined KCC's staff in 2014 as vice president for instructional and student success, the college's chief academic officer. Locally, Boyd has been involved with the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, United Way, Kiwanis, the Kankakee Area Regional Vocational Education System and the Kankakee Grundy Livingston Workforce Board.

Boyd has served as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, chairperson of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce, president of the Illinois Council of Chief Academic Officers, and president of the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators.

Previously, Boyd was a professor of English and humanities and an associate dean at Illinois Central College. He served as ICC's Six Sigma Black Belt. Before becoming a college professor, Boyd was a high school English teacher and football coach.

He has three degrees from Illinois State University: a bachelor's degree in English education, a master's degree in English studies and a doctorate in English studies.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit the website, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.