This winter’s severe New England weather tested Akoh’s good nature and sense of humor during his first weeks at Greenfield Community College. After relocating from relatively balmy Atlanta, Georgia, a record cold spell in January and more than a foot of snow offered a brisk introduction.
Akoh has embraced the challenge with warmth, enthusiasm and sincere appreciation for the GCC community. “I have had a remarkable welcome at GCC across the board. I feel like I belong here, and I don’t take that for granted.”
Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, Akoh provides leadership for GCC’s academic programs, overseeing the college’s deans, the Nahman-Watson Library, academic operations and all credit-bearing programs. He brings more than a decade of senior academic leadership experience in public higher education, most recently as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Atlanta Metropolitan State College.
His priorities include offering cutting-edge career opportunities to students, strengthening transfer pathways, supporting retention and timely graduation and fostering a welcoming academic culture where faculty, staff and students thrive.
A trained historian, Akoh approaches leadership with a deep respect for evidence, critical thinking and best practices. He is committed to data-informed decision-making balanced with empathy and collaboration. Akoh is passionate about the transformative power of community colleges. “Education,” he reflected, echoing Nelson Mandela, “is one of the most powerful tools we have to change lives.” Outside of work, Akoh is a runner, a longtime Peachtree Road Race participant and an avid soccer and tennis fan.
When you give to GCC, you create opportunity, stability and possibility for our students and our community. Where your support makes a difference:
Student Basic Needs & Emergency Support: Helping students cover food and urgent expenses so they can remain in school
The GCC Impact Fund: Providing flexible resources to meet emerging needs and strengthen student success
Scholarship Support: Expanding access to education and opening pathways to opportunity
Endowment Growth: Building lasting support for future generations of GCC students. * Endowment gifts received before 6/30/2026 will be matched by 50% *
