San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton 95207

For Immediate Release
04/26/2016

Dr. Matthew Wetstein Selected for Inaugural Class
of the Aspen Presidential Fellowship
Highly-Selective Program Addresses Critical Need to Improve Student Success


Dr. Matthew Wetstein

(Stockton, CA) Dr. Matthew Wetstein, Delta College’s Vice President of Instruction and Planning, has been awarded the prestigious Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C., announced that Dr. Wetstein will join the inaugural class of 40 nationally selected Aspen Presidential Fellows. His selection involved a rigorous process that considered his abilities to take strategic risks, lead strong teams and cultivate partnerships that result in student access and success.

The Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence aims to develop a team of exceptional leaders who can transform community colleges to achieve higher levels of student success. “I’m honored to be a part of the pioneering class of Aspen Fellows,” says Wetstein. “I believe the program will help me grow as a campus leader and establish an innovative research and networking community that supports community colleges in their efforts to achieve higher levels of student achievement.” Dr. Wetstein’s year-long Aspen Presidential Fellowship starts at Stanford University in July, 2016.

Over the next decade, the majority of community college presidents are expected to retire. In many cases, graduation rates are below expectations. The Aspen Presidential Fellowship consists of pioneering seminars with the goal of preparing current and future college presidents with the tools and vision they need to dramatically improve student outcomes.  These tools are necessary as increasing numbers of students are flocking to community colleges for affordable degrees, Career Technical Education, and the desire to earn transfer units to four-year colleges and universities.

Wetstein is excited about the Fellowship’s mentor opportunities with gifted national policy scholars who seek to improve community college completion rates. “I hope to bring back a knowledge base of vibrant original ideas to Delta College.The interview process for the Fellowship alone opened my eyes to unique programs and initiatives that support student success.”

Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Kathy Hart states: “I am delighted that Matt Wetstein has been selected in the inaugural class of Aspen Presidential Fellows. He has tremendous leadership qualities which will only be enhanced by the Fellowship. Congratulations, Matt!

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