The influence and impact of community college leaders on authentic organizational change can not be overstated. NCII knows that this kind of transformation requires the involvement of leaders at all levels of the institution. And, we understand that development of these leaders must be driven by purpose: identifying strategic priorities centered on students’ experiences, mobilizing a broad coalition toward action, and ensuring that change efforts significantly improve equitable outcomes.
Through projects like our Rural Leaders Learning Community and California Guided Pathways Project CEO Retreats, we convene top executives working in similar types of institutions or on a common redesign strategy. We create a dedicated space for them to discuss shared issues, generate solutions to difficult organizational challenges, and connect to seasoned experts who offer first-hand insight and guidance.
We also support administrators, faculty, and staff who work below the vice president level in building a foundational understanding of critical student experience and change management concepts. Through initiatives like the Leadership Academy for Student Success, carried out in partnership with the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, we are helping “middle leaders” in multiple states boost their capacity to facilitate transformational change. And we are strengthening a much-needed pipeline of future college executives.