With five months under her wing as president of the Community College of Rhode Island, Dr. Meghan Hughes addressed the Warwick Rotary Club June 16 urging members to partner with the college and to have faith and pride in its graduates.

Hughes became president in February and oversaw her first graduation ceremony in May. In her brief time with the college Hughes said there have already been a lot of long days and late nights, but listening to the stories of CCRI students and alumni keep her going day in and day out.

As an open access school, CCRI opens its doors to any and all students, something Hughes takes pride in. Many of these students are underrepresented in higher education and Hughes makes it a point to speak with students daily to listen to their incredible stories.

“The standard story for many of our students is to go to class all day, go to work at night, stay up late doing homework, care for their family if they have one, and wake up early to do it all over again,” Hughes said. “They remind me of why we do this work, of what they are bringing to this college everyday. No matter the background of our students they all come to us to change their lives through education. That’s what keeps me going.”

More than bringing students into the college, Hughes is focused on supporting students through graduation, ensuring they are prepared and successful in whatever they move onto from CCRI whether its transferring to a four-year institution or the workforce. They need a “clear path” to graduation.

She explained that when community colleges became popular their success was defined by how many students were enrolled. Then, access to many of the good high wage jobs required only a high school diploma.

“Those days are gone,” Hughes said. “We need to be doing more than that; we need to see them to the next stage of their lives, whatever that is, making sure they leave our institution as problem solvers, critical thinkers, team players and have the skills necessary to make them successful.”

Hughes argued that to see a thriving economy you need a successful community college and that CCRI wants to be a “fundamental partner” in Rhode Island’s economic development.

Already, CCRI has instituted several programs and initiatives to help work force development, to help ensure there is a “pipeline of talent.” She said despite what people may hear, CCRI grads stay, live and work in Rhode Island.

She said the Westerly campus, which will partner with Electric Boat to train students in advanced manufacturing for upcoming fields, is well underway. Similarly, CCRI has joined the 10,000 Small Businesses, a national initiative sponsored by Goldman Sachs. As a result, the school will begin hosting three cohorts a year for small business owners to take financial literacy and marketing courses to help their companies grow. Rhode Island is the first statewide program and will begin offering the cohorts this fall.

“This is a powerful example of how we can provide opportunity and spark change for the state through crucial partnership,” Hughes said. “Small business is the backbone of this state and we want to see them prosper. We will offer education, training, access to capital, and create a network of support.”

She asked the members of the Rotary Club to join the Community College of Rhode Island.

She said now is the time for the entire community to “rally” around improving student outcomes, for Rhode island business and community leaders to take part in that initiative by hiring CCRI grads, providing internships, to build a network available to students.

Hughes said, “We need to change the perception of where talent is found, to support and advocate for CCRI students. We need you to believe in their potential, recognize they are a vital resource in this state and encourage others to do the same.”