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Season 10, Episode 6: Navigating Challenges & Creating Opportunities at Los Angeles Community College District
In this episode, we talk about navigating challenges & creating opportunities with the chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), Dr. Alberto J. Román.
Season 10, Episode 5: The Lowe’s Foundation Announces Gable Grants Third Cohort
Season 10, Episode 4: NC Reconnect: Increasing Adult Learner Success via Professional Staff Training
Many states have established educational attainment goals to align a skilled workforce with industry needs, mainly focusing on adults with some college experience but no degree, who often face challenges such as debt despite progressing toward completion. The NC Reconnect project, initiated four years ago with a small cohort of five colleges, has expanded to 20 community colleges across North Carolina, engaging over 42,000 learners and enrolling more than 2,500, resulting in a combined $2.9M return on investment in additional tuition revenue for the first term. This project has provided valuable insights into effectively supporting and retaining adult learners, leading to transformative changes at Forsyth Tech and Durham Tech Community Colleges through enhanced professional development for staff and improved internal processes for connecting with adult learners. Ultimately, this initiative has equipped colleges with tools to serve their learners better while enhancing college culture and staff satisfaction.
Host:
- Tabitha Whissemore, Manager, Publications
Guests:
- Paula Dibley, Chief Officer of Student Success & Strategic Innovation at Forsyth Technical Community College
- Abraham Dones, Vice President and Chief Student Services Officer at Durham Technical Community College
Season 10, Episode 3: Perimenopause—Why Are We Not Talking About it?
In this episode, our guests talk about perimenopause and how more needs to be done to support community college employees with the challenges associated with it.
Approximately 50% of the population experiences perimenopause, and for many of these individuals—colleagues and leaders alike—this natural process brings physical and emotional symptoms that can disrupt workplace performance for years. A 2023 Korn Ferry survey of over 8,000 women found that 47% experienced symptoms affecting their work, with the majority feeling unsupported by their organizations around their perimenopausal needs. Symptoms like hormone fluctuations, hot flashes, and brain fog can hinder productivity and negatively impact career progression, absenteeism, and turnover, particularly among senior leadership. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of whom to approach about these issues, and few institutions have developed inclusive policies to address them.
Host:
- Tabitha Whissemore, Manager, Publications
Guests:
- Aliesha Crowe, vice president of academic affairs at Northwood Technical College
- Kristen Raney, president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Season 10, Episode 2: Transforming Atlantic City’s Inlet Neighborhood with Atlantic Cape Community College
The Inlet neighborhood in Atlantic City, N.J., has faced significant economic and resource-related challenges, prompting Atlantic Cape Community College to launch a transformative project focused on revitalization through collaborative partnerships. This podcast explores the college’s strategy that includes housing development, economic revitalization, and workforce training.
Host:
- Tabitha Whissemore, Manager, Publications
Guests:
- Dr. Barbara Gaba, president at Atlantic Cape Community College
- Dr. Natalie Devonish, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Atlantic Cape Community College
Season 10, Episode 1: Talking to Pasco-Hernando State College about Cultural Change Through Listening, Learning and Acting
This is our 100th episode! This episode was recorded live at the 105th AACC Annual in Nashville, TN.Our guests are:
- Nicole Miller, associate dean of academic affairs and retention services at the Spring Hill Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College
- Dr. Jesse Pisors, president of Pasco-Hernando State College
Host:
- Tabitha Whissemore, Manager, Publications
Our guests talk about a recent initiative by Pasco-Hernando State College, which exemplifies best practices in fostering cultural change through effective listening, learning, and responsive action. The college leadership conducted a comprehensive “Listening Tour,” engaging with students, faculty, and staff through small group sessions and an extensive online survey to gain deep insights into the institution’s dynamics. Following thorough analysis and the creation of presentations, the findings were strategically communicated to both senior administrators and leaders involved in the college’s strategic planning process. As a result, numerous specific actions have been implemented or are currently underway, leading to positive cultural shifts within the organization.