Elecia Spain, associate dean of access and retention at Clark State College.
The Association on Higher Education and Disability has appointed Elecia Spain, Clark State College associate dean of access and retention, to serve on a task force that shapes and updates national standards for evaluating disability documentation and accommodation requests in higher education. The updated publication will reflect current research, evolving legal frameworks and experiences of students and practitioners.
Spain earned her appointment through a competitive national process that evaluated applicants on professional experience, institution type and commitment to accessibility.
“I’m honored to participate. This is an opportunity to ensure the needs of students and professionals at open-access institutions are represented in national standards. My serving on the AHEAD Task Force is just one of many ways Clark State works to meet the needs of a wide-array of learners,” said Spain, who leads the college’s accessibility services, Academic Engagement Program, adult learner supports and programs for English and GED attainment. Her team also develops academic support strategies designed to improve student retention.
The Task Force will meet twice a month throughout the 2025–26 academic year and aims to release updated guidance in summer 2026. Members represent a variety of colleges and universities across the country, ensuring new recommendations reflect varied institution sizes, populations and service models. Spain said her role will include analyzing survey data, reviewing current practices and collaboratively drafting recommendations that strengthen consistency and flexibility for students across campus environments — from classrooms to dining.
“Elecia’s 11 years of experience in disability services, leadership in process development and doctoral research on documentation reform positioned her to contribute to this important work,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State College president. “Her selection allows Clark State to directly contribute to a national effort that will improve accessibility and support student success across higher education.”