Michael A. Baston, Ed.D., became Cuyahoga Community College’s fifth president on July 1, 2022. An experienced instructor and administrator, Baston has championed many initiatives and served on numerous boards and organizations in a decades-long career in higher education.

As a national Guided Pathways and Equity Transfer Initiative coach for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Baston is noted for his work with two- and four-year college leadership teams across the nation, helping them integrate student success initiatives to advance college completion and labor market entry success.

Among many other professional honors and activities, Baston is chair of the Black Male CEO Educators network and a member of the AACC Board of Directors, chairing its Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

An attorney prior to entering higher education, Baston holds a B.A. from Iona College, a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, and an Ed.D. from St. John Fisher College.