Former Sinclair Community College President Dr. David H. Ponitz Inducted into American Association of Community Colleges Leadership Hall of Fame

Sinclair Community College is celebrating former President Dr. David H. Ponitz who was inducted this month into the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Leadership Hall of Fame. This prestigious designation recognizes individuals whose accomplishments and professional contributions to the community college field have been outstanding. Dr. Ponitz was joined by his family and members of Sinclair’s leadership team for the induction ceremony in Denver, Colorado.

Dr. Ponitz became president of Sinclair Community College in 1975 and served with distinction until his retirement in 1997. 

During the first several years of his presidency, Dr. Ponitz doubled the number of Sinclair Community College associate degrees with a tailored focus on credentials aligned with the growing needs of employers in the Dayton region. 

In addition, the college realized tremendous growth from annual enrollment of approximately 7,500 students to more than 20,000. Dr. Ponitz’s innovative vision led to the establishment of Sinclair’s Distance Learning Program and training agreements with hundreds of Dayton area employers.

“Dr. Ponitz embodies the mission of Sinclair Community College to find the need and endeavor to meet it through unparalleled commitment to increasing opportunities and equity for students and their families,” said Dr. Steven Johnson, President – Sinclair Community College. “Dr. Ponitz is so incredibly deserving of this distinction for his unwavering dedication to student and community success.”

After retiring from Sinclair Community College, Dr. Ponitz served as a consultant to develop and implement strategies for community colleges and organizations around the world to help them better serve their students and communities.

Dr. Ponitz is part of the AACC’s first cohort inducted into the Leadership Hall of Fame.

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Photo Caption:
Dr. David H. Ponitz, President Emeritus – Sinclair Community College (center) with his son David and daughter Cathy at the 2023 AACC Leadership Hall of Fame induction ceremony.