First Three Graduate Innovative Community-Technical College Doctoral Program

Among the thousands of University of Georgia graduates participating in commencement exercises May 8 will be three very special ones – they are the first to graduate a new College of Education doctoral initiative designed to help meet the growing demand for leadership in community and technical colleges.

In Georgia, and across the nation, the need for leadership in community and technical colleges is reaching a crisis point. Two recent national studies predicted that between 45 and 79 percent of current community college presidents will retire within the next eight years.

To address this need to prepare the next generation of senior-level administrators, the College created the collaborative Community and Technical College Leadership Initiative (CTCLI).

The CTCLI is a program like no other in Georgia.  Its uniqueness stems from its blended format, which combines face-to-face monthly classes with online coursework. Another innovative feature of the program is its collaboration between four different departments and programs:  adult education, educational leadership, higher education and occupational studies.  The departments agreed to work together to offer their existing Doctor of Education degrees and focus on community and technical college leadership.

Pat Wilson, of Montezuma, one of the three first graduates, said the format aligned well with family and work factors, allowing her the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream of achieving a doctoral degree. Wilson is currently the director of financial aid at South Georgia Technical College in Americus.

John Watford, of Americus, another May graduate, said he enjoyed the networking and development of strong bonds with other members of the program.

“The CTCLI offered an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge, skills and experience with technical education while working within a cohort of other DTAE (Department of Technical and Adult Education) employees from across the state who had similar career goals,” he said.

Alvetta Thomas, of Fayetteville, agreed with the sentiments of her fellow graduates.  “Being in the cohort really helped me to become a better leader through the thoughts and ideas shared by its various members,” she said.

In addition to learning from peers, students in the program learn about educational and strategic planning, adult education, workforce development, fiscal management, personnel relations, and community relations through directed readings and coursework.

All three candidates plan to work or currently work in senior-level administrative positions in the technical college field.

Thomas, currently the vice president of instructional services at Atlanta Technical College, plans to pursue a technical college presidency within the next few years.

Watford said his doctorate has equipped him to continue his present job as director of instruction at South Georgia Technical College. However, in the future he plans to pursue an executive leadership position in technical college education, and continue research with technical college faculty on how they are affected by the evolving mission of post-secondary technical education.

This first graduating class of the CTCLI began their studies in the fall of 2000.  They are part of a 25-student cohort in which 21 of their classmates have completed comprehensive exams and are expected to graduate within the year.

CTCLI directors are currently in the application process for the third cohort, which is scheduled to begin in fall 2004.  Increasing demand for professionally trained administrators and growing student interest has drawn 52 applicants for only 25 available slots.

If the complimentary attitude of current students is an indicator of program success, applicants may find the benefits are worth the wait.  “My experience with the CTCLI program was awesome! I have highly recommended the program to several individuals who have inquired about it,” said Wilson.

For more information on the CTCLI:
http://www.coe.uga.edu/ctcli/

Tuesday, May 4, 2004
WRITER: Kristen Heflin, 706/542-5889, heflin@uga.edu
CONTACT: Brad Courtenay, 706/542-2214, bcourt@coe.uga.edu