Graduate Certificate

"The program has assisted me in becoming a more informed and well-round leader who possesses a greater understanding of the importance of our community college system."

Greg Dunaway is the Director of Facilities and Safety at John Tyler Community College in Chesterfield, Virginia. In his role, he is responsible for the "vision and leadership in the planning, development, maintenance , and safety of the people, communities, and students."

Mr. Dunaway is in the Graduate Certificate Program with his future in mind: growing into a larger leadership role. Mr. Dunaway states, "the program has assisted me in becoming a more informed and well-rounded leader who possesses a greater understanding of the importance of our community college system."

The professors and courses have been equally beneficial for Mr. Dunaway and the applicability of the program. "The program's professors and courses provide relevant, real-world examples, as well as the opportunities, challenges, and the political environment currently affecting the community college system as a whole." The professors are also very intentional with their assignments. Mr. Dunaway explains, "the professors understand that their students are working adults and structure challenging, thought-provoking course work that can be completed around a busy work schedule."

The program has already proven itself valuable to Mr. Dunaway. He says, "the program has exposed me to areas and perspectives that I do not normally get exposed to in my current role." Using what he learns in class, Mr. Dunaway is "better able to develop and maintain the physical spaces required to attain John Tyler's overall mission of inspiring student success and community vitality."

"The Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership allows me to gain industry insights by exposing me to aspects of the community college."

Jennifer James is a Human Resources Consultant at the Virginia Community College System in Richmond, Virginia. After working in the financial services industry for fifteen years, Ms. James transitioned to a role in higher education. The Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership is perfect for Ms. James in her current role because it "allows me to gaininsightsby exposing me to aspects of the community college that I may not encounter while performing my day-to-day responsibilities."

Benefits of the program include the interactive and real-time courses as well as the highly knowledgeable and dedicated faculty. Ms. James explains, "Often times, the coursework aligns with the real-time evolution that is occurring and affecting community colleges; thus, the content is relevant and easily applied on the job. The professors are highly knowledgeable and dedicatedwell.I have found that each professor effectively challenges program participants to think differently and grow professionally."

The program has already impacted her day to day responsibilities. Ms. James, states "I am applying what I have learned in the program to make informed decisions and offer strategic recommendations on the job."

"I have been able to apply tenets from the course materials to my current job."

Chiquita Henderson is the Dean of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management and Title IX Coordinator at Pasco-Hernando State College in New Port Richey, Florida. In her role, Ms. Henderson oversees student services for more than 12,000 students across a two-county district with five diverse campuses. She has direct oversight of the following departments: Admissions/Student Records, Advising/Registration, eAdvising, Testing & Career Services, Information Center, Veteran Services and Disabilities Services.

For Ms. Henderson, the Graduate Certificate in CCL was the perfect transition program. She states, "being out of the formal classroom for over nine years, I was not ready to begin a doctoral program immediately. However, I knew I wanted to enhance my knowledge of higher education issues as well as develop the academic rigor required of a doctoral program without the initial pressure." She is able to transfer five required courses when she begins the CCL Ph.D. program in the Fall.

The graduate certificate program fits well with a full-time work schedule. Ms. Henderson explains, "the professors understand the demands of a professional student and are able to assign challenging and feasible coursework without compromising the integrity or quality of the program's reputation."

The program has already made a difference in her operational practices. For Ms. Henderson attests that, "the community college leadership program has allowed me to hone in on current higher education issues, specifically from the community college perspective. This knowledge has further enhanced the delivery of excellent student services. From each class I have taken, I have been able to apply tenets from the course materials to my current job as Dean of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management."