Lone Star College partners with university to advance community colleges

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Lone Star College and Ferris State University announced an alliance that allows students the ability to earn a doctorate in Community College Leadership at the LSC-University Center at The Woodlands.

“Today is an example of creative partnership,” said Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, LSC executive vice chancellor, Academic & Student Success during a ribbon cutting ceremony. “We’re really pleased that the first cohort has started to develop future community college leaders.”

The FSU Community College Leadership program is for leaders of mission-driven, 21st-century community colleges. Courses are taught by experienced college leaders, including current and recent community college presidents, vice presidents and deans. FSU is located in Big Rapids, Michigan.

“This is an absolutely fantastic day,” said Dr. Paul Blake, Ferris State University, Academic Affairs provost and vice president. “We are incredibly grateful for this partnership.”

Courses generally run 7 ½ weeks each and include face-to-face and online components. The program, designed to prepare leaders for the changing environments in education, uses an inquiry-based, problem-solving, action-oriented approach to help develop essential skills that will lead to success, regardless of the level from which the graduates will lead.

Topics include finance, technology, resource development, marketing, teaching and learning, policy, and leadership.

“I am so enthused every time I see an opportunity for the community to better itself,” said Dr. Alton Smith, LSC Board chair who spoke at the event.