College recognized as a leader in redefining student success as part of Achieving the Dream.
Front Range Community College has been selected to join Achieving the Dream’s Strengthening Advising Seminar Series, a national, invitation-only program that equips colleges to redesign advising models for today’s learners.
This prestigious selection places FRCC among a small group of forward-thinking institutions nationwide that are challenging traditional models of student support and leading the way toward more holistic, equity-driven advising.
Advising at the Heart of Student Success
“Front Range Community College is honored to be selected for this national cohort,” said Colleen Simpson, EdD, president of FRCC.
“Advising is at the heart of helping students complete their collegial path, and this opportunity allows us to reimagine how we support every learner,” she says.
“By strengthening our advising model, we are ensuring that students don’t just navigate college, but that they thrive, graduate and move forward with confidence into their futures.”
That vision is already taking shape through the leadership of FRCC’s advising team, which is committed to building the relationships and systems that will turn this opportunity into meaningful outcomes for students.
Success for Every Learner
“Being selected for this series reinforces our commitment to FRCC’s strategic priority of success for every learner,” said Kyla Antony, associate vice president of enrollment & retention at FRCC.
“Our students need more than course scheduling. They deserve a trusted team that sees them as whole people, understands their goals and proactively helps them overcome barriers.”
“This opportunity will help us bring advising to the next level, ensuring every student feels supported from day one through graduation,” Antony says.
The ATD Advising Seminar Series will run from fall 2025 through spring 2026, with each of eight modules building on the next to provide FRCC advisors with the tools, strategies and expert coaching needed to implement transformative change. Topics include:
- Holistic student support
- Equity-driven advising practices
- Career pathways
- Assessment and evaluation
- Faculty engagement in advising
Supporting Ongoing Innovation
Participation in this series comes at the perfect time, as FRCC is actively refreshing its advising model to better align with student needs. By partnering with ATD and peer institutions, FRCC aims to:
- Provide individualized advising experiences tailored to each student’s academic and personal journey.
- Build collaborative connections between student and academic affairs to deliver holistic support.
- Anticipate and address student needs proactively through early intervention strategies.
- Ensure advising practices are inclusive, equitable and accessible for all learners.
A New Vision
“This initiative gives us the tools to bring our vision for advising to life,” said Gabriel Castaño, EdD, vice president for FRCC’s Division of Enrollment Management & Student Success.
“Students arrive with big dreams, but also with real challenges. By being data-informed, we can create a holistic model of advising that is personalized and proactive,” he adds.
“Through every advising interaction, we can make sure those dreams turn into diplomas and lifelong success.”
FRCC’s inclusion in the series highlights the college’s leadership in redefining community college education, moving beyond traditional advising to create systems that truly fuel dreams and change lives.
About Achieving the Dream’s Strengthening Advising Seminar Series
ATD’s Strengthening Advising Seminar Series is a multi-session, interactive learning experience designed to help colleges elevate their advising practices. Institutions receive hands-on support from holistic student support experts, engage in peer learning with other colleges, and develop an action plan tailored for immediate implementation.
About Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College (FRCC) is Colorado’s largest community college, serving more than 27,000 students each year. With courses offered at multiple locations, online and through our high school Concurrent Enrollment programs, at FRCC, learners can choose from more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide variety of fields. For more information, visit frontrange.edu.
The college’s strategic plan, Forward, Together, focuses on five strategic priorities:
- Learning Without Limits
- Success for Every Learner
- Vibrant Culture
- College Excellence
- Transformational Partnerships
FRCC is proud to be part of the Colorado Community College System, advancing educational access and workforce development across the state.
