Statewide Professional Learning for Student and Faculty Success

This study examines the development and impact of the Teaching and Learning Hubs initiated by a research center and its partners in response to Dr. Karen Stout's (CEO Achieving the Dream) 2018 Lecture at a university. Aimed at enhancing teaching and learning excellence across North Carolina's 58 community colleges, the Hubs provide a collaborative framework for faculty professional learning centered on evidence‐based practices. Established in 2021, the East, West, Central, and Piedmont Hubs have engaged more than 2149 faculty members through various professional learning sessions, directly impacting over 167,281 students. Utilizing a mixed‐methods approach, we analyzed quantitative data from the first 3 years of Hub operations (Fall 2021–Spring 2024), which predicts a significant, positive relationship between enrollment in courses taught by Hub‐trained faculty and persistence. The research highlights the significance of scalable, sustainable professional learning activities that support both full‐ and part‐time faculty. Survey insights were gathered from peer learning leader meetings and presentations at state and national conferences, showcasing best practices and collaborative efforts to disseminate innovative teaching strategies. The findings illustrate the transformative potential of the Hubs in fostering a culture of teaching excellence, with implications for broader educational reform in community colleges. This study underscores the importance of a statewide network support that is locally contextualized to enhance faculty development and student success, contributing valuable insights for other educational institutions seeking to implement similar initiatives.