Jonathan Jefferson was formally inaugurated as the 18th president of Roxbury Community College (RCC) during a ceremony held Friday at the college’s Media Arts Center. Although he took office nearly two years ago in July 2024, Jefferson delayed the event to prioritize getting to work on the college’s initiatives before marking the occasion with a formal celebration.

In his remarks, Jefferson emphasized that the inauguration was less about ceremony and more about recognizing progress. “We’ve got a number of things accomplished,” he said, highlighting the completion of 22 projects in just 16 months. These initiatives have spanned workforce development, STEM, health care, and clean energy programs, alongside improvements such as RCC Connect—a centralized student services hub—and upgrades to IT infrastructure. The college has also promoted several staff members during this period.

State data shows that under Jefferson's leadership, enrollment increased by 21 percent between fiscal years 2024 and 2025, growing from 2,694 to 3,281 students. In addition, RCC secured millions in grants and completed its reaccreditation process. The college’s strategic direction is guided by the “Roxbury 2030” plan, which centers on five priorities: purpose, people, place, programs, and partnerships.

Jefferson outlined a vision to transform RCC into a “career-ready work college” that offers every student at least one paid learn-and-earn opportunity, aiming to combine academic credentials with practical experience. “Our vision is to transform Roxbury Community College into a career-ready work college,” he stated during his inaugural address, stressing the importance of economic mobility for students.

The event drew a range of attendees, including public officials, faculty, alumni, and community members. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu praised Jefferson for focusing on action before recognition, noting that he wanted to be celebrated only after demonstrating tangible results. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll underscored RCC’s significance in expanding access to higher education, particularly for minority communities, pointing to ongoing disparities linked to zip code, income, and race.

RCC has a long history rooted in community activism dating back to opposition against the construction of Interstate 95 through Roxbury in the 1960s. It is also recognized as the only Predominantly Black Institution in the Northeast by the U.S. Department of Education since 2021. Interim Board Chair Israul Marrero commended Jefferson for prioritizing student outcomes and personalized support, while community volunteer Jumaada Abdal-Khallaq Smith highlighted Jefferson’s commitment to stable leadership following years of turnover.

Jefferson framed his presidency as a shift toward sustained growth and institutional trust. “We want people to know that we’re here to stay,” he said, emphasizing the goal of long-term stability and success for the college and its stakeholders.