President's Update
February 2026
Dear FRCC Community,
I hope the spring semester is off to a wonderful start for each of you. Over these past few weeks, it has truly filled my heart to see our campus come alive again—hallways buzzing with energy, students reconnecting with one another and classrooms once more full of possibility. Watching our students return with hope and determination is one of the greatest reminders of why we do this work.
As we begin our Black History Month celebrations here at FRCC, I have been spending time reflecting on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His vision, his courage and his call to community continue to resonate deeply—especially as we recommit ourselves to building a college where every student and employee feels seen, supported and empowered to thrive.
January 19 was especially meaningful for me. It was the first MLK Day since I have been at FRCC that we were given the day off to honor Dr. King’s life and work. I was so grateful to spend that day at CSU, surrounded by community, purpose and powerful moments of remembrance. The performances were incredibly moving, and it meant so much to look around and see our FRCC team there together. Sharing that experience was a reminder of the values that connect us and the work that still calls us forward.
As I step into 2026, I feel a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Implementing our Forward, Together Strategic Plan is not just about goals on paper—it is about the people behind them. It is about our students, our colleagues and the community we serve.
Top Stories
Mazda Partnership Revving Up Automotive Students
Front Range Community College is accelerating students’ paths into high-demand automotive careers through a new industry partnership with Mazda North American Operations that will significantly strengthen hands-on learning and career pathways for students in the college’s Automotive Technology program.
Through the Mazda Automotive Student Training (MAST) program, FRCC students will have access to Mazda-specific online and hands-on training, cutting-edge diagnostic tools and current model year vehicles provided directly by the carmaker. Read more >
New Advising Model to Provide Holistic Support and Keep Students on the Path to Completion
As part of Achieving the Dream’s national cohort focused on strengthening student advising, FRCC is reimagining how we support students through a new advising framework called COMPASS Advising. This next evolution of our pathways advising model directly advances our strategic priority of Success for Every Learner by ensuring students receive more intentional, timely and personalized guidance throughout their educational journey.
COMPASS Advising is designed to reduce advisor caseloads, increase capacity and leverage technology to provide proactive outreach—helping students stay on track, persist semester to semester and ultimately complete their credentials. Grounded in appreciative and integrated advising practices, the model supports the whole student, not just course selection.
COMPASS reflects the key elements of this approach: Connecting students early, Outcomes oriented, Monitoring progress, Personalized coaching, Academic and career planning, Support when it matters most and Success together—all with the understanding that student success is a shared responsibility.
While the full model officially launches in fall 2026, FRCC is beginning the first phase this spring through group advising sessions for new students. These sessions, offered both in person and virtually, are replacing traditional drop-ins and include built-in registration support. Group advising helps to streamline onboarding while still creating space for questions, connections and clear academic and career planning from the very start.
Through COMPASS Advising, FRCC is strengthening the support structures that help every learner succeed and move confidently toward completion.
Employee Spotlights
Jennifer Sheaman
Anyone who has ever used financial aid or transferred credits at Front Range Community College can likely trace that work back in some way to Jennifer Sheaman, FRCC’s director of assessment and accreditation.
Jennifer, who also serves as the college’s accreditation liaison officer, helps ensure the college stays accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, a process that keeps the lights on in more ways than one.
“Accreditation for Front Range is really our currency in higher education,” Jennifer says.
But her path to this pivotal role wasn’t exactly linear. Read more>
Rising Higher Ed Leaders Fellowship
Our Associate Vice President of PRISM, Krishna Pattisapu, PhD, has been selected for EAB’s Rising Higher Education Leaders Fellowship in 2026. Through this program, Krishna will develop a holistic, collegewide approach to strengthening equitable student outcomes and fostering an inclusive climate for all.
Each fellow will complete a capstone project on a topic of interest to their home institution with the support of EAB resources, advancing a key institutional priority while building a network and community of practice.
Spread the Word
Ask Apollo: Expanding Student Support Anytime, Anywhere
FRCC’s new AI chatbot is helping students get answers faster, connect to resources 24/7 and stay on track for success.
In support of our strategic priorities of Success for Every Learner and College Excellence, FRCC has launched Ask Apollo, a new AI chatbot now live on the college website. Students and visitors can access 24/7 answers, multilingual support (including Spanish), and direct connection to Wolf Central when needed.
Early results are promising: nearly 700 conversations, 98% resolved automatically, saving an estimated 106 staff hours with over 95% positive feedback.
We will continue improving Ask Apollo as usage grows. Please report any needed updates through the Chatbot Error Report. Thank you to our campus partners for making this innovation possible.
Digital Diplomas: Faster Pathways From Graduation to Opportunity
FRCC’s new digital credentials help graduates share achievements instantly and connect with employers faster than ever.
More than 1,600 FRCC graduates received their credentials instantly this fall, connecting them to employers and opportunities faster than ever before through our implementation of new digital diplomas.
Digital diplomas allow graduates to access and share credentials immediately so they can share their achievements with employers, family and friends faster. Paper diplomas are still mailed to graduates, but this new option gives students an instant way to celebrate and showcase their accomplishments. I want to thank our amazing Registrar’s Office team and EMSS leadership for making this exciting enhancement possible!
Tools & Resources
Spring 2026 In-Service Recap
Our virtual in-service in January provided several important updates—on everything from the latest developments in the implementation of our Forward, Together Strategic Plan to work the college has begun to prepare for our upcoming accreditation process. This was a fantastic opportunity to come together as a college community and renew our sense of purpose and shared direction.
If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to check out these links we shared at in-service to find more information on our:
- Strategic Plan Implementation
- Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Process
- President’s Innovation Fund
- Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE)
Supporting Our Teams
All-Instruction Meeting: Reconnecting Academic Affairs
Fostering a renewed sense of learning, community, collaboration and commitment.
FRCC’s January All-Instruction Meeting marked an important moment for Academic Affairs, bringing the division together in person for the first time since I began my tenure at FRCC. More than a gathering, the day strengthened connections across instructional teams and reaffirmed our shared purpose: advancing teaching and learning for every student.
Faculty and staff engaged in thoughtful conversations about the future of instruction, including emerging practices, artificial intelligence and Universal Design for Learning. The afternoon provided valuable time for schools and teams to reconnect, align priorities and build relationships across our college’s wide geographic footprint.
Ultimately, the meeting renewed a sense of belonging and set a forward-looking tone for how we support one another—and, most importantly, our students. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the day so meaningful and inspiring.
College Updates
President's Innovation Fund
The President’s Innovation Fund application is now open, offering internal grants to support bold, high-impact projects aligned with FRCC’s new strategic plan, Forward, Together. I encourage all employees to consider applying and bringing forward ideas that strengthen student success and college excellence.
A total of $100,000 is available, with awards up to $25,000 per project. Proposals are due March 13, 2026, with final selections announced in April and projects launching in summer 2026.
Full details, eligibility requirements, and upcoming support sessions are available on the Innovation Fund intranet page.
Spring Enrollment: Strong Momentum in Access and Student Success
Early indicators show FRCC expanding opportunity, strengthening retention and serving students where they are.
As we enter February, spring enrollment reflects strong momentum in access, persistence, and student success. FRCC is serving more than 22,000 students, with 45% concurrently enrolled, underscoring our growing role as an on-ramp to higher education.
Our students reflect the heart of our mission: 46% are first-generation and 35% are Pell-eligible, highlighting FRCC’s critical role in advancing social and economic mobility. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, Latine students now make up 27% of degree-seeking enrollment, reinforcing the importance of culturally responsive support.
Early outcomes are encouraging, with 70% fall-to-spring retention among new students—evidence that targeted outreach and holistic support are making a difference.
Enrollment is also broadly distributed across the college, with Westminster enrolling 38% of students, Larimer 35%, Boulder County 18%, and 9% online, reflecting both our geographic reach and flexible options that meet students where they are.
While figures remain unofficial until after add/drop, improved processes and stronger data integrity ensure decisions are grounded in accurate, trustworthy trends.
Around FRCC
FRCC Program Featured in New Documentary
Use the password LCCC2026 to view.
Finally, I want to acknowledge that we are living through a time of real uncertainty and change. I know many of us are carrying a great deal—personally, professionally and in the world around us. Please remember that you are not alone.
Take care of yourselves and one another. Reach out to a colleague, offer support and allow space for rest when you need it. The strength of FRCC has always been our people, and the way we show up for each other is just as important as the work we do.
And that work—supporting students, expanding opportunity and building a community where everyone can thrive—matters now more than ever.
Thank you for all you do each day with such dedication, compassion and heart. I am deeply grateful to be on this journey with you.
With Gratitude,
Colleen Simpson, EdD
President
Questions?
Larimer Campus
303-555-1212 | email us
Boulder County Campus
303-555-1212 | email us