Education - Dr. Leigh Goodson

Dr. Leigh Goodson has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening student success, and advancing equity at every level of higher education. As President and CEO of Tulsa Community College since 2014, she leads Oklahoma’s third-largest college, serving more than 20,000 students each year and overseeing nearly 1,700 employees. Under her leadership, TCC completed a $20 million campaign, launched Oklahoma’s first early college high school program, and joined the American Association of Community Colleges’ Pathways Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These initiatives have reshaped how Tulsa students enter, navigate, and complete college, particularly first-generation students and those from underrepresented communities. TCC’s national recognition—including multiple AACC Awards of Excellence and selection for the Aspen Institute’s “Unlocking Opportunity” network—reflects her deep commitment to improving outcomes and closing equity gaps.

Her influence extends far beyond TCC’s campuses. Dr. Goodson serves on numerous local, state, and national boards, including the Tulsa Regional Chamber, the Oklahoma Business Roundtable, and previously the National Advisory Board for the Center for Community College Student Engagement. Nationally, she chairs the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors, representing over 1,000 colleges and 12 million students. She has also served in key leadership roles on commissions focused on workforce development, access and equity, structured pathways, and apprenticeships. Through these roles, she has helped shape policy, research, and best practices that strengthen community colleges nationwide.

Dr. Goodson’s volunteer work reflects the same commitment to community empowerment and educational access. She has dedicated more than 16 years of service to the YMCA of Greater Tulsa, held major leadership positions with the Tulsa Area United Way, and served on boards for Tulsa Public Schools, the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges, and other key organizations. Together, her professional and volunteer leadership have made a lasting impact on Tulsa’s students, families, and economic future, positioning education as a powerful catalyst for opportunity and equity.