Dr. Nerita Hughes

ESCANABA — Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes has been elected to serve as an institutional representative on the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors. Her term will begin on July 1.

The AACC’s 32-member board represents community colleges across the nation, guiding the organization’s vision, ensuring effective performance, and maintaining accountability to its members. The association is dedicated to its mission of “Building a Nation of Learners by Advancing America’s Community Colleges.”

Hughes was among 19 candidates on the AACC ballot competing to fill six open seats. She will serve a three-year term, contributing her strategic leadership and governance in support of member colleges.

AACC represents nearly 1,200 associate degree-granting institutions that serve more than 12 million students, including an increasing number of international members. The organization’s core values — integrity, excellence, leadership, learning, diversity, commitment and connectedness — underscore its dedication to serving and advocating for community colleges, which now make up the largest and fastest-growing sector of higher education.

Hughes became president of Bay College on July 10, 2023. The college serves approximately 5,000 students each year, offering career certificates, associate degrees, transfer programs, industry certifications, workforce training, and professional development.

On July 10, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Hughes to the state Workforce Development Board. Hughes is completing her current term as a commissioner for the structured pathways with AACC, which began July 1, 2023, and will conclude June 30.