Larry Durrence , Ph.D. Pam Millsap, Ph.D. College of the Mainland

Success is what counts. 1

Committed Leadership Is More than

Lip Service: How Administrative

Leaders Can Support Interventions

from the Ground Up Larry Durrence, Ph.D.Larry Durrence, Ph.D.

Pam Millsap, Ph.D.Pam Millsap, Ph.D.

College of the MainlandCollege of the Mainland

Millicent Valek, Ph.D.Millicent Valek, Ph.D.

Lynda Villanueva, Ph.D.Lynda Villanueva, Ph.D.

Brazosport CollegeBrazosport College

March 1, 2012 DREAM – Dallas, TexasMarch 1, 2012 DREAM – Dallas, Texas

Success is what counts. 2

Committed Leadership is critical to the success of

ATD interventions

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It is essential for administrators to become active advocates of student success interventions.

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But what does committed leadership really look like?

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First, a brief profile of our institutions and our

involvement with ATD…

COM is a learning-centered, comprehensive community college dedicated to student success and the intellectual and economic prosperity of the diverse communities we

serve.

Student Body Characteristics 4,168 students (fall 2011) *24% Hispanic students *18% African-American students * 6% other minority students *52% Caucasian students

Enrollment: Fall 2011

Workforce 50%

Academic 50%

Total Student Enrollment 4,168

•Serves the communities located in Southern Brazoria county

•Major Regional Employers•Dow Chemical•BASF Corporation•ConocoPhillips•STP Nuclear Operating Company•Brazosport ISD•Brazosport Regional Health Systems•Angleton/Danbury Medical Center

2010-2011 Enrollment (Credit)

Technical 33%

Academic 32%

Undecided 35%

Total Student Enrollment 10,591

•One of 3 community colleges in Texas authorized to offer baccalaureate degree programs

•Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT)

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Both colleges:

•Are Round Three ATD institutions…

•Have included a first-year-experience course as one of their key student success interventions…

•Have incorporated professional development as a key intervention…

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Both colleges are ATD Leader Colleges!

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But the continuity of Presidential leadership has differed at the two

institutions, as Brazosport has enjoyed the leadership of the same President since 1996, while COM has been under the leadership of

four different Presidencies during its ATD involvement!

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So how have these two colleges, despite their different leadership

situations, manifested their commitment to student success?

Again…What does committed leadership

really look like?

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Essential elements of committed leadership…

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Communication between top levels of leadership and those

implementing the interventions!

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Active relationships with the ATD coaches!

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Active participation in theATD Strategy Institutes!

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Active participation in the interventions themselves!

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Active commitment to the institutionalization of student

success interventions!

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What are the challenges facing administrators in their efforts to support success interventions?

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How does administrative support of student success interventions lead to the development of a comprehensive

student success agenda?

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Questions?

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Contact Information

College of the Mainland

Larry Durrence, Ph.D.ldurrence@com.edu

Pam Millsap, Ph.D.pmillsap@com.edu

Brazosport College

Millicent Valek, Ph.D.Millicent.valek@brazosport.edu

Lynda Villanueva, Ph.D.Lynda.villanueva@brazosport.edu