Providence, RI—Lamont Gordon has been named the next Executive Director of College Visions, effective August 15, 2022. The announcement follows a six-month national search by executive search firm Eos Transition Partners.
Deborah Obalil, Chair, College Visions Board of Directors states, “I am delighted to announce that Lamont Gordon is the new Executive Director of College Visions. Lamont brings a depth of knowledge and experience in the fields of college access and success, a strategic vision for the future of College Visions, and a strong connection to the work. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the founding of College Visions, we are excited to have Lamont lead the next phase of College Visions’ development. As first-generation, low-income students continue to navigate challenges associated with COVID, the services provided by College Visions have never been more needed.”
“As a first-generation college graduate, I am deeply committed to creating pathways to higher education for students from underserved communities. College Visions is an innovative and highly regarded leader in the college access space in Rhode Island and I am honored and excited to work with the incredibly dedicated staff and board to build on the organization’s success,” stated Gordon.
Gordon comes to College Visions after serving as Executive Director of Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA), a national nonprofit dedicated to diversifying our country’s leadership pipeline by identifying, recruiting, and supporting high-potential, low-income students applying to and attending top-tier colleges and universities. Prior to his work at LEDA, Gordon was Vice President, Programs at the Jackie Robinson Foundation, an organization that administers one of the nation’s premier scholarship and leadership development programs for talented college students. Gordon also served in senior leadership at the Posse Foundation, a top college access and leadership development program in the United States, directing the Posse Boston site and then joining the national leadership team at Posse headquarters in New York City.
Gordon has deep personal and professional roots in Providence where he attended Brown University. He also served as the University’s first Director of Education Outreach. He began his career at the Community Preparatory School for low-income, students of color in South Providence where he was hired as the school’s first Director of Admission, Financial Aid, and Placement.
Lamont is a member of the national board of directors at Higher Achievement, a leading academic enrichment program serving middle school students in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Richmond, VA.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Brown University and earned master’s and doctoral degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
About College Visions
Founded in 2004 with 10 students, College Visions empowers low-income, first-generation students to enroll, persist in, and graduate from college. The organization works with more than 500 students in 2022. In 2021, 92% of College Visions 12th graders enrolled in college directly after high school compared to 44% of low-income Rhode Island students. College Visions provides support to students throughout college, and an impressive 68% of College Visions students earn a degree within 6 years of college enrollment, compared to the Rhode Island average of 44% for low-income students. In 2022, CV is celebrating 450 college graduates
“Although my dreams felt unreachable, College Visions consistently ensured that they were possible. From the very beginning, College Visions immediately saw great potential in me, even when I didn’t. Their care packages, email check-ins, and one-on-one meetings were a needed reminder to never quit. CV always saw the brightest moments in my darkest times. I couldn’t have achieved my academic goals without their endless support.” Yuselly, Rhode Island College Class of 2018, Health Equity Zone Project Officer, Health Equity Institute at Rhode Island Department of Health, Commissioner, Providence Human Relations Commission.
For more information visit www.collegevisions.org or call 401-490-3996
