Vision for Opportunity

John Edward Roueche is the most productive and the most recognized community college leader in the history of the community college movement. He is a person with remarkable vision and over the decades has demonstrated an uncanny ability to scan the horizon of higher education, identify emerging issues—or issues that should emerge—and place them squarely before leaders and practitioners in the field. Throughout his career, Roueche has powerfully led the community college field by recognizing, often long before others do, areas of potential opportunity or impending concern—and addressing them through prolific research, writing, and speaking.This book explores the influence of John on individual lives and community colleges across the United States. Through stories and research of his years in the community college vineyard, the book follows the professional chronology of John’s life from childhood to today. While segments of his life history are included in the chapters, this is not a biography. This work is a collection of voices on the impact of John from many perspectives. Themes run throughout the chapters that paint a picture of this man. Hopefully you, the reader, will smile, laugh, reflect, and enjoy the life and influence of John Edward Roueche.

All of us engaged in community college reform-especially in the realm of developing transformational leaders-owe much to the foundational work of John Roueche. By helping readers understand the origins and motivations behind his tireless efforts, this volume illuminates the incredible contributions Roueche has made to community colleges and the diverse students they serve.--Josh Wyner, founder and executive director, Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program, Bravo to the authors of this book dedicated to John Roeuche, a man who has dedicated his life to "paying it forward." With a commitment to students, he is exemplary in creating an outstanding talent pool of community college leaders. Among the many testimonials to his passion and contribution, I stand proud to call him a friend. John is tireless in his efforts to change people's lives through access to higher education, with a heartfelt celebration of the importance of equity. The authors are among thousands who have left their mark on community colleges, in many ways due to John. This book is inspiring reading for anyone interested in higher education and the impact of strong leadership.--Barbara Gellman-Danley Ph.D., president, Higher Learning Commission, Dr. Roueche is the greatest community college legend to influence this sector of higher education for the past fifty years and for at least the next five decades. For those of us who have the honor and privilege to work with him, we know this is an educator who has dedicated his personal and professional life to helping all of change family trees for generations to come. As you read the stories in this book submitted by those who have proudly labored with him over the past five decades in the community college field, you will quickly learn that this man is no myth - he is truly a legend, a thought leader who can be described in many larger-than-life ways. However, of the multitude of adjectives that can be used to describe him, I believe disruptor, visionary and risk-taker are three that consistently present themselves throughout these passages. In fact, the larger-than-life stories contained in this book will clearly demonstrate how Dr. Roueche found his calling early and followed it to gently and firmly touch generations of students and leaders along the way. These stories will also demonstrate how he has made unforgettable impressions on thousands, many of whom have become leaders throughout the world. Therefore, I believe this book may best be read by the many who have never worked closely with Dr. Roueche but have been influenced by his thoughts, in many cases unbeknown to them. It is indeed a book that should be read if one is committed to becoming a high-performing disruptor, visionary and risk taker within the ever-changing community college landscape of tomorrow.--John J. Sygielski Ed.D, president and CEO, Harrisburg Area Community College, I can't think of a more befitting way than to share with the world these reflections recognizing one of the most visionary leaders of the community college movement - Dr. John Edward Roueche. Leaders from across the country captured stories of his bold and innovative strategies that positioned community colleges as extraordinary places of higher learning. This book is a must read for all current and future community college leaders. Privileged and honored are the best words to describe my association with Dr. Roueche because of his advocacy for my growth and development as a community college leader. As a Roueche Scholar and graduate of one of his CCLPs, I stand in awe of Dr. Roueche's spirit of care for the students in our cohort. He challenged each of us to transform our respective institutions and never forget to dream, imagine, and take risks to prove the worthiness of our dreams. Personally, his influence on leadership transcends the arena of higher education to the work that I currently do as an entrepreneur in workforce development. Thank you, Dr. Roueche, for instilling in me to be a transformational leader in all my pursuits. This book captures not only the influence of John on community colleges but also on individuals.--Linda D. Woodard, president, LDW Group LLC, In my career, which has taken me to more than 500 community colleges in 44 states, no one has been more interested in connecting his work to practitioners than has John Rouche. He has had his critics--myself at times included--and his career has not been without controversy. But, as this book shows, the sheer scope of the issues he has tackled, and the longevity of his efforts demand that attention be paid to the philosophy that has motivated this driven, committed man. Non-Texans and Texans alike will benefit from learning more about what John Rouche set out to do, why, and how he accomplished his objectives.--Stephen G. Katsinas, director of the Education Policy Center and professor of higher education and political science, The University of Alabama

Martha M. Ellis is director of higher education strategy, policy and services at the Charles A. Dana Center and Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin. She has over 30 years of senior leadership and faculty experience in community colleges and universities.