Joshua Tree, March 25, 2026 – Today, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) announced that Daren Otten, Superintendent/President at Copper Mountain College, is one of 23 community college presidents selected to participate in the third cohort of the Aspen Presidents Fellowship, a unique year-long professional development experience supported by JPMorganChase. During the program, presidents will develop a reform agenda that helps more of their students graduate into good jobs, either directly after community college or following transfer and bachelor degree attainment.
“We know from 15 years of intensive research how the best community colleges equip students with the skills and credentials that lead to good jobs and flourishing lives,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program. “These 23 presidents have committed to strengthening their institutions so those outcomes become the norm for every student.”
Through the year-long program, fellows will work with highly accomplished community college presidents, Aspen leaders, and each other to analyze local labor markets, their colleges’ outcomes, national models of excellence, and lessons from highly successful presidents. The reform agendas they draft are then pressure-tested during multi-day residential sessions, multiple webinars, and feedback from peers and experts.
This third cohort of Aspen Presidents Fellows represents community college leaders serving students and communities across the country. The fellows lead institutions in 14 states, spanning rural communities, suburban regions, and urban centers. They represent colleges with a wide range of missions—from comprehensive and technical institutions to tribal-serving colleges. They join a growing network of 433 fellowship alumni, including 202 community college presidents, committed to strengthening student success and economic mobility in their communities. Aspen supports this network of community college reform leaders through targeted professional development, research briefings, and convenings at national conferences.
“At Copper Mountain College, we see firsthand the power of community colleges to transform lives and strengthen communities,” said CMC Superintendent/President Daren Otten. “That work requires a clear focus on results and student success. I am honored to join the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Presidents Fellowship alongside leaders from across the country to refine our approach, expand opportunity, and ensure more of our students achieve lasting success.”
For bios and photos of the Aspen Presidents Fellows, please visit: highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-presidents-fellowship#meet-the-2026-2027-class
