College marketer publishes articles about sabbatical experience in England

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- When Steve Scheffler, a marketing and public relations administrator at Lone Star College-Montgomery, began planning for his two-month sabbatical last year, he knew that it would involve writing. After all, that's much of what he does for a living. And, after visiting several further education colleges (the rough equivalent of community colleges) in England this past summer, his pen overfloweth. Well, actually, his keyboard.

In addition to keeping a blog throughout his visit, Scheffler also published an article in the Rotary District 5910 newsletter and, most recently, placed an article ("A Texas Marketer in King Arthur's Court") in the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations' "Counsel" magazine, which is distributed to more than 1,500 community and technical college marketing/PR professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada.

During this past June and July, Scheffler visited several further education colleges in and around the London area, including Bedford College, Oaklands College, Croyden College and College of North West London. Most of his time was spent in the marketing and public relations offices, comparing notes and observing their processes and strategies.

"It was eye-opening. One of the biggest differences is that, until 2015, compulsory education in England ends at age 16. So, between the ages of 16 and 18, many schools, colleges, and businesses vie for these students' attention. In fact, some of the further education (FE) colleges I visited were competing directly against the public schools to recruit students. That's a huge difference."

Another major difference was how the FE colleges have formed strong apprenticeship arrangements with area businesses.

"In the U.S., apprenticeships are only now becoming popular, but in England, many young people are spending half their time in school, and the other half working and learning a trade in a factory or business. It's a more formalized arrangement that I think the U.S. should pursue further. In fact, President Obama spoke about it in his recent State of the Union Address."

In addition to his college visits and his writing, Scheffler also explored other parts of England, thanks in part to a serendipitous Rotary Club connection that he made before his visit.

"I was able to stay in England, for the most part, rent-free due to the kindness of the Biggleswade Ivel Rotary Club," said Scheffler. "I had met one of their members here in the U.S. as I was planning my sabbatical. We stayed in touch and he was able to find members of his club who hosted me during my trip. That gave me a unique view into everyday English life."

Scheffler, a member of The Woodlands Rotary Club, attended several meetings of the Biggleswade club's meetings, learning how they serve the surrounding community, which includes much of Bedfordshire (about an hour north of London). He also found time to attend the Wimbledon tennis tournament, the British Open golf tournament in Edinburgh, Scotland, and much of the London area.

"It was everything I hoped for - and more," he said. "I was looking for a creative spark when I applied for the sabbatical. I'm thankful that Lone Star College has a sabbatical program, because it helps to bring new ideas and energy back into the organization. I'll never forget my summer in England."

Scheffler's blog can be found at www.sjscheffler.wordpress.com. He has continued to add entries, albeit not as frequently, since he returned at the end of last summer.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one–half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, visit the link below.

Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

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