The prestigious Debra D. Bragg Dissertation Award annually recognizes an individual who sheds new light on broadening access and advancing equitable outcomes for community college students who are historically underserved.
The application for the 2025 Debra D. Bragg Dissertation Award is now closed.
2024 Debra D. Bragg Dissertation Award Honoree
Dr. Tammy Sanders was awarded the inaugural $1500 honor during the 2024 CCBA National Conference in Savannah, GA.
Dr. Sanders’ groundbreaking research “Equity-minded Recruitment of Latinx Students into Community College Baccalaureate Programs,”explores innovative approaches to inclusive pathways and promising recruitment practices. Beyond research, Dr. Sanders actively contributes to developing equitable policies and practices within the community college system. Throughout her career, she has been a driving force in the expansion of access, diversification, and growth of enrollment in community colleges. Notably, Dr. Sanders successfully secured and managed federal and state-funded grants, fundamentally transforming the educational landscape in the communities she serves.
Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Sparrow, Dr. Sanders completed her doctorate at New Jersey City University and now serves as Executive Director of Equity and Strategy at Arapahoe Community College in Colorado.
“I am so pleased and proud that Dr. Tammy Sanders is receiving the very first dissertation of the year award from the CCBA. Dr. Sanders’ study shows how the intentional design of critical processes such as recruitment and communications, including website design, help to ensure Latinx students thrive in community college bachelor’s degrees,” says award namesake Dr. Debra Bragg. “To have the CCBA dissertation award associated with my name, coupled with Dr. Sanders receiving the first award is a dream come true! I am so grateful to the CCBA for recognizing my research career with this incredible honor.”