Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing, and economic mobility, has announced that the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) has been named in a cohort of 21 new “Leader Colleges.”

“We are honored to accept this award,” said IAIA president Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “We thank ATD for recognizing IAIA’s excellence, and we are proud to join the other colleges and universities in our cohort. IAIA continues to pursue excellence—for our students, our faculty, and our staff. We also continue to grow, both within the academic community at large and within the global Indigenous creative community. This honor is further recognition of that growth, and of our continued importance in best-in-class Indigenous education.”

Leader Colleges are recognized for meaningful progress in expanding access; improving early momentum metrics, such as retention; advancing relevant student success strategies with evidence of implementation and early results; and growing institutional capacity through culture and capacity-building efforts.

“The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD network, reflecting the focus, discipline, and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”

The cohort of 21 new Leader Colleges also includes Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, Navajo Technical University, and Tohono O’odham Community College.