Walter Bumphus, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), has received the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations’ (NCMPR) 2018 President’s Award for his extraordinary contributions to the community college movement on a regional or national basis, particularly in the areas of marketing and public relations.
The President’s Award is among the highest distinctions that NCMPR — which represents public relations officials at U.S. community and technical colleges — gives to an individual or organization. Established in 2000, the award — which is not awarded annually — is presented by the board of directors at the national conference.
Bumphus was selected to receive the award because of his work in elevating the national status of community colleges and leading the advancement of two-year institutions for the next generation.
“He works tirelessly with federal and state leaders to inform and affect educational policy and raise the visibility of community colleges at the local, regional and national levels,” said Michele Kersten-Hart, president of NCMPR and manager of multimedia and web services at Oakland Community College in Michigan.
A leader on many levels
With a distinguished career covering more than 40 years, Bumphus was cited as an effective communicator and natural leader. Well known for his leadership and knowledge of community colleges, Bumphus has served on several White House commissions spanning multiple administrations. He currently represents the nation’s community colleges on President Trump’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion.
“I am humbled and grateful to receive this honor,” Bumphus said. “Community colleges are incredibly complex organizations and require thoughtful and strategic communications and public relations. NCMPR is an organization that we are proud to be affiliated with and I am incredibly appreciative of this recognition.”
“I know of no one who has served better the promotion and recognition of our community colleges than Dr. Bumphus,” added John E. Rouche, president of the Roueche Graduate Center at National American University and former director of the Community College Leadership Program at The University of Texas at Austin. “NCMPR could not honor a more worthy recipient.”
