Colorado Mountain College appoints Alison Griffin as inaugural senior fellow at the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts and Media
Sept. 9, 2024 - Colorado Mountain College has named Alison Griffin as the inaugural senior fellow of the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts and Media, marking a significant step in the school’s continued growth and innovation.
Founded in partnership with Walter Isaacson, former Aspen Institute CEO and CNN chair, the Isaacson School blends traditional and cutting-edge disciplines in the creative arts. The school has earned a reputation for fostering dynamic, experiential learning environments at the intersection of art and technology, a vision championed by Isaacson.
“Alison brings unparalleled expertise in higher education and public policy, along with a deep commitment to connecting students with real-world learning opportunities,” said CMC President Matt Gianneschi. “Her experience and leadership will be transformative for the Isaacson School and Colorado Mountain College as we prepare our students to thrive in creative, fast-evolving industries.”
With nearly 30 years of experience, Griffin has built a distinguished career in higher education, working across federal and state policy, philanthropy and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she served as a leader in the postsecondary education practice at Whiteboard Advisors, a national social impact firm. Throughout her career, Griffin has prioritized the learner experience, focusing on how policy and communication can drive meaningful change in education.
“Alison’s vision for using storytelling to build connections and solve complex challenges aligns perfectly with the mission of the Isaacson School,” said Isaacson. “Her work will help position the school as a national leader in preparing students for the creative economy.”
Griffin is widely respected for her ability to foster relationships across diverse stakeholder communities. A regular contributor to Forbes, she also authors a weekly newsletter, “Boundless Potential,” which highlights innovative approaches to education and employment in Colorado. Griffin’s insights have been featured in national media, where she addresses issues affecting today’s students and workforce development leaders.
As senior fellow, Griffin will collaborate closely with Isaacson School Dean Dr. Jess Guarnero, helping to expand the school’s strategic partnerships at the local, state and national levels. Together, they will ensure students have access to innovative learning and employment opportunities in disciplines such as media, communications, graphic design and culinary arts.
“It is a professional honor to be selected as the inaugural senior fellow of the Isaacson School for Communication, Arts and Media,” said Griffin. “My work in higher education and public policy has always been rooted in connecting what students are learning in the classroom to the needs of their communities. Today’s learning environment is no longer bound by the walls of classrooms and buildings but has grown into experiences in our communities and workplaces. Colorado Mountain College, through the programs offered to students at the Isaacson School, is creating real-world learning experiences in disciplines such as media and communications, graphic design and the culinary arts that are not only the backbone of what we all see and experience, but contribute to stable, connected and thriving economies.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Griffin serves on the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees, having been appointed by Governor Jared Polis in 2019. She is a Colorado Governors’ Fellow and has served on the board of the Colorado League of Charter Schools. Griffin also sits on the national Credential-As-You-Go Advisory Board, which promotes the development of an incremental credentialing system across the country.
Learn more about CMC’s Isaacson School for Communication, Arts and Media.