PPSC Receives Insight Into Academia Magazine’s Inaugural Top Colleges for Innovation
Award
National recognition of institutions leading innovation across higher education
Colorado Springs, CO – Thursday, May 21, 2026 – Last Tuesday, May 14, Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) received the 2026 Top Colleges
for Innovation Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the nation’s longest-running
publication advancing best practices in higher education.
The award recognizes colleges and universities where innovation is embedded in their
vision, strategy, and measurable impact. Through creativity and transformative initiatives,
award winners are reimagining teaching, learning, research, support systems, and administrative
practices to better serve the evolving needs of students, employees, and the changing
demands of today’s workforce. PPSC will be featured in the June 2026 issue of Insight
Into Academia magazine.
“We are proud to receive this recognition and to be recognized for the innovative
work happening across PPSC every day,” said Dr. Enrique Romo, Vice President of Student
Experience and Equity at PPSC. “Our teams are committed to creating learning experiences,
support systems, and workforce pathways that help students succeed both inside and
outside the classroom.”
Insight Into Academia magazine selected Pikes Peak State College because of its commitment
to student-centered innovation, ethical AI integration, workforce development partnerships,
and expanded support systems that help students succeed academically and professionally.
“The Insight Into Academia Top Colleges for Innovation Award is a prestigious national
distinction honoring institutions driving the next chapter of higher education,” said
Holly Mendelson, co-owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “At a time
when colleges and universities are increasingly being called upon to demonstrate their
value, innovation needs to be a priority in today’s ever-changing landscape.
These award-winning institutions stand apart by anticipating and meeting today’s challenges,
creating and activating bold ideas, and setting the standard for what excellence and
forward-thinking leadership looks
like across the academy.” Nominations for the inaugural Top Colleges For Innovation
Award opened in December 2025.
For more information about the 2026 Insight Into Academia Top Colleges for Innovation
Award, visit insightintoacademia.com.
About Insight Into Academia:
For more than 50 years, Insight Into Academia has empowered higher education leaders
by defining and advancing the best practices shaping the future of the academy. Across
our magazine, podcast, webinars, awards, and digital platforms, we spotlight the institutions,
initiatives, and ideas driving progress across higher education. Through thought-provoking
articles, expert advice, valuable resources, and in-depth profiles of top programs,
Insight helps leaders understand what works and what comes next. Recognition in Insight
signals exceptional leadership and evidence-based excellence. To learn more visit
insightintoacademia.com
About Pikes Peak State College (PPSC):
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers
associate degrees, certificates in career and technical fields and a growing number
of bachelors’ degrees. With four campuses, various off-campus locations, two military
education centers, and hundreds of online classes, PPSC provides access to a quality,
affordable and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually with both
credit and non-credit classes.
Media Contact:
Rachel Tyrrell BS, BA
Content Coordinator
Marketing and Communications
Pikes Peak State College
Mobile: 719-715-3297
Email: rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu