What’s one lesson or insight from the program that’s stayed with you?
The South Carolina Technical College System was created to train workers for industry. While the course availability has expanded, the heart and mission of the system remains the same: to prepare students of all ages for real work today, also demonstrating a commitment to increasing the employability of all South Carolinians and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all.
Also, the value and importance of the network we have built within our cohort cannot be emphasized enough. Our cohort is the friendly face at a meeting, the person who makes room for you at their table, and the individual you contact for program information.
What was your favorite class or assignment – and why?
My favorite assignment was from our Leadership in Higher Ed course. We were tasked to interview three C-suite individuals from three different technical colleges about an approved issue of our choice. Our governor had just mentioned the possibility of smaller technical colleges being combined or absorbed by larger institutions in his State of the State Address. It was a controversial topic, and I had to be very careful how it was discussed. I interviewed three different college presidents – three very different personalities, opinions, and college sizes. It was a great opportunity!
Who was your biggest supporter during the program (personally or professionally), and how did they support you?
My biggest supporter was my boss, Dr. Gina Mounfield. During our one-on-one check-ins, she always asked how classes were going and what I was enjoying the most. Those “touches” were so encouraging. Almost immediately after the program began, she was pushing me to finish my master’s degree after CCLA.
What accomplishment or moment were you most proud of during or since completing the program?
When the last final of our last class was turned in, I felt this rush of accomplishment. I did it!
What’s something you learned about yourself through this program?
I was intimidated at the beginning of the program, as it had been a while since I was in college. But I learned more than our subject matter; I learned how to navigate Blackboard, the USC Library system, and APA 7th edition guidelines. I realized I could perform and learn at the graduate school level.
