DTCC: Past, Present, and Future
Significant learning points:
Dr.
Patti DePlasco gave a brief history of community colleges as well as a
historical account of the evolution of Delaware Tech. She then gave us a “Leader’s Toolbox” which
is a large list of manuals, plans, and reference materials and a summary of
their content. For a discussion of the future of Delaware Tech, Dr. Rick
Kralevich presented an update on CCIT and DIET.
The seminar concluded with a discussion of how CCIT could help us
promote student success.
Relevance to ideas about leadership:
Leaders
need to be responsive to stakeholder needs and it is clear that the College has
continued to evolve over the years to meet the needs of Delawareans. Additionally, leaders should always be
looking for ways to be more effective, so the Leader’s Toolbox will help me
quickly find relevant information.
Ways to apply learning to current role:
Dr.
Kralevich shared the following quote, “Let’s make one thing clear: Education is
about the students. It is about caring for them, pushing them, helping them,
and working with them rather than against them. Take a good long look at your
reasons for being in higher ed. If
students are not at the center, you are doing it wrong.” This quote is now hanging in my office and I
reflect on it when I’m trying to decide on the correct course of action –
particularly when students are involved.
It’s helped me become more mindful of my decisions and how they affect
student success.