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
Mike Hansen
2021 Pioneer Award Winner
Dr. Jean Floten
2020 Pioneer Award Winner
Dr. Shirley Reed MBA, Ed.D.
2019 Pioneer Award Winner
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