Michael A. Baston

President & CEO, Cuyahoga Community College

Education: Juris doctor and doctoral degree in education

How I Approach My Day: I begin every day asking a simple question: Who will be better because I showed up today? My goal is to align purpose, people and possibility.

Favorite Quote: “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

If I Could Trade Places With Anyone: Benjamin Mays — to witness firsthand how education, faith and leadership can shape generations

What Motivates Me Right Now: Expanding opportunity for learners who have talent, ambition and dreams but need someone to help clear the path

What Would Surprise Someone to Learn About Me: I learned some of my most important leadership lessons serving in church ministry and working directly with people facing life’s toughest challenges.

An Important Lesson I Learned: Never confuse access with success. Opening the door matters, but helping people walk through it and thrive matters even more.