Oakton President to Join National Webinar Series on Rebuilding the American Dream
Oakton President to Join National Webinar Series on Rebuilding the American Dream
Oakton President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., is one of the 12 ZogoTech’s Rebuilding the American Dream webinar series panelists.
Des Plaines, Ill. (August 27, 2025) — Oakton President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., will be a featured panelist in ZogoTech’s Rebuilding the American Dream webinar series. Free and open to the public, the series brings together community college leaders from across the country who are working to restore economic and social mobility through education.
Research from Opportunity Insights shows that only half of today’s young adults earn more than their parents—down sharply from more than 90% for those born in 1940. Community colleges play a critical role in reversing this trend by providing affordable, career-aligned education, connecting students to in-demand jobs, and ensuring pathways to family-sustaining wages.
“Oakton is the community’s college — we connect residents to opportunity with the goal of building just and thriving communities,” said Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., Oakton College president. “I am honored to join this important conversation alongside colleagues from across the country who share this mission.”
Webinar series schedule
Earning Enrollment: Community Colleges as the Smartest Path to Mobility Sept. 9, 11 a.m. - noon
Momentum to Mobility: Rethinking Student Progression for Today’s Learners Oct. 7, 11 a.m. - noon
Completion with Purpose: Ensuring Value-Added Credentials Lead to Family-Sustaining Wages Nov. 5, 2-3 p.m.
From Data to Action: Building the Infrastructure for Student and Institutional ROI Dec. 2, 11 a.m. - noon
In addition to President Smith, panelists include
Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State Community College president
Kimberly Beatty, Metropolitan Community College–Kansas City, chancellor and CEO
Pam Eddinger, Bunker Hill Community College president
Jacquelyn Elliott, Central Arizona College president
John Enamait, Stanly Community College president
Lane Glenn, Northern Essex Community College president
Vern Lindquist, Johnston Community College president
Jeremy McMillen, Grayson College president
Char Perlas, College of the Siskiyous president
Gregory Williams, Odessa College president
Ding-Jo Currie, Community College Think Tank Strategic Solutions executive director
ZogoTech is a data analytics provider that partners with institutions to deliver actionable insights across the entire student experience – from registration through graduation or transfer. The Rebuilding the American Dream webinar series is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot.