A Renewed Vision (Part 4): Dr. Timothy Stokes and the Aspen Presidents Fellowship

Dr. Timothy Stokes, president of South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), never imagined he’d one day sit among the leaders of the nation’s top 10 community colleges. Growing up as a gay child in Arkansas, he saw poverty, inequity, and a world where opportunity often felt out of reach. But even as a fifth grader, he knew he wanted to make a difference by helping people build lives beyond what they thought possible.

That desire to make a difference led him to public service, including work in the Clinton Administration. But it was his early years working at a community college that solidified his purpose.

“After three years in the community college system, I knew I wanted to be a community college president,” said Dr. Stokes. “Not because of the title, but because it meant I could help move my community forward. This job is about creating opportunities, building pathways, and ensuring our students have the chance to thrive.”

Defying Expectations

Throughout his career, Dr. Stokes faced many people who told him he couldn’t be a community college president because he was gay. But he refused to let others define his limits. Through perseverance and a deep commitment to student success, he not only achieved that goal but now leads one of the top community colleges in the country.

That achievement was nationally recognized on April 17, 2025, when SPSCC was named a Finalist with Distinction for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Earning second place and bringing home a $100,00 prize, this prestigious designation places SPSCC among the top-performing community colleges in the nation, celebrated for outstanding outcomes in learning, completion, equity, and post-graduation success.

For Dr. Stokes, the recognition is more than an institutional accolade. It’s deeply personal.

“I talk a lot about how proud I am of the college and the impact we have on our students and community,” said Dr. Stokes. “But this experience, being nominated for the Aspen Prize and being invited to the Fellowship, made me proud of myself, too. No one thought I could do this. And yet, here I am.”

Sitting in the room with the fellow community college presidents recognized by Aspen was both a professional milestone and a profound moment of reflection, one that reaffirmed his belief in what’s possible when people are seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

A Legacy of Opportunity

To Dr. Stokes, the role of a community college president is more than leading a college. It’s shaping a future where every student, regardless of background, can see themselves succeeding. SPSCC’s commitment to equity, access, and student-centered innovation reflects that mission. From strengthening transfer pathways to expanding financial aid access, the college is breaking down barriers and making higher education more accessible and transformative.

Even as he looks toward retirement, Dr. Stokes is thinking about the next chapter. Not just for SPSCC, but for the broader higher education landscape.

“Even when I retire as a college president, I still want to spend my time going around the country talking about this work,” he laughed. “Because somewhere out there, there’s a little gay boy, gay girl, trans kid on the playground in Arkansas getting bullied, chastised, and demeaned. And they need to know they can take a spot in their community as a leader and drive it forward.”

At its core, the Aspen recognition is a testament to what happens when a college, its leaders, and its students refuse to accept limits. Dr. Stokes never let obstacles stop him from pursuing his vision of access and opportunity. Through his leadership, SPSCC is proving that no dream is too ambitious and no student should ever be underestimated.