CCBA Pioneer Awards

CCBA’s Pioneer Awards annually honor individuals who bravely and tenaciously serve as leaders in improving access for community college graduates into baccalaureate education.

2024 CCBA Pioneer Award Honorees

Madeline Pumariega is the first female president appointed to lead one of the nation’s largest educational institutions, Miami Dade College, which offers more than 20 CCB programs. President Pumariega is also an alumna of Miami Dade College and was the first female and Hispanic chancellor of the Florida College System.

Dr. Tonjua Williams became the first woman and African American president of St. Petersburg College, the first Florida community college to offer CCBs and is now home to more than 25 community college bachelor’s programs. Dr. Williams began her tenure at the college in 1986 as a Senior Accounting Clerk, rising through the ranks in various academic and administrative roles. 

PAST PIONEER AWARD WINNERS

Jan Yashiwora

2023 Pioneer Award Winner

Assemblymember Jose Medina

2022 Pioneer Award Winner

Becky Nutt

2022 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Michael G Hansen

Mike Hansen

2021 Pioneer Award Winner

Jean Floten

Dr. Jean Floten

2020 Pioneer Award Winner

Community College Baccalaureate Association

Dr. Shirley Reed MBA, Ed.D.

2019 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Malcolm Grothe | Community College Baccalaureate Association

Dr. Malcolm Grothe

2018 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Constance Carroll

2017 Pioneer Award Winner

Debra Bragg

2016 Pioneer Award Winner

Al Lorenzo

2015 Pioneer Award Winner

Senator Marty Block

2014 Pioneer Award Winner

Dr. Jill Wakefield

2013 Pioneer Award Winner

Bruce MacKenzie

2012 Pioneer Award Winner

Belle Wheelan

2011 Pioneer Award Winner

Will Holcombe

2010 Pioneer Award Winner

Beth Hagan

2009 Pioneer Award Winner

Dahlia Repole

2008 Pioneer Award Winner

Linda Thor

2007 Pioneer Award Winner

Carl M. Kuttler, Jr

2006 Pioneer Award Winner
(co-winner)

Senator Don Sullivan

2006 Pioneer Award Winner
(co-winner)

Kenneth P. Walker

2005 Pioneer Award Winner

Jim Wright

2004 Pioneer Award Winner

Ronald K. Remington

2003 Pioneer Award Winner