THE BOARD’S ROLE IN STUDENT SUCCESS, COMPLETION, EQUITY & WORKFORCE

Over forty-five (45) community college leaders and boards of trustees from four community colleges in Western Pennsylvania, participated in the 27th GISS institute, entitled The Board’ Role in Student Success, Completion, Equity and Workforce held on March 12-13, 2018, at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Of this number, nineteen (19) were trustees. Focused on reviewing data and key indicators of student success and completion, the remaining participants were campus presidents (4) and top administrative staff (15) from the following community colleges: Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC), Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), Butler County Community College (BCCC), and Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC).

High performing boards

ACCT President and CEO, J. Noah Brown, set the stage for the two-day board development event and provided the characteristics of high performing boards. Boards and CEOs were then able to review the results of their detailed board-self-assessments. Later, all attendees discussed topics such as moving the success agenda forward through data-informed policy and reviewed data collected on key student momentum points for their respective colleges.

Colleges showcase good work

During the showcase session on What is Moving the Needle in Western Pennsylvania?, Dr. Nick Neupauer, President of BCCC, presented on the Town & Gown Initiative with the City of Butler. CCAC President and host for the event, Dr. Quintin Bullock, introduced Dr. Charlene Newkirk, During the showcase session on What is Moving the Needle in Western Pennsylvania? Dr. Nick Neupauer, President of BCCC, presented on the Town & Gown Initiative with the City of Butler. CCAC President and host for the event, Dr. Quintin Bullock, introduced Dr. Charlene Newkirk, South Campus President, and Kelli Maxwell, Dean of Students on the CCAC South Campus, who co-presented on Fighting Food Insecurity Amongst Community College Students, an extensive college-wide effort to keep students from being hungry.

Changing World of Work and Learning

Much of the institute focused on the changing dynamics in learning and in the upcoming workforce. GISS Director, Dr. Norma Goldstein, presented educational and economic profiles of the colleges and the State of Pennsylvania, including covering the impact of increasing automation and Pennsylvania’s skills gap. Guest speaker, Neal Holly, Assistant Director of Postsecondary & Workforce Development, Education Commission of the States, presented on The Future of Work and the Speed of Policy.