Our group topic on Broad Scale Changes in the community colleges allowed for some great questions prepared for Dr. Monty Sullivan. He is the fourth President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), who has a plethora of knowledge and experience in community colleges over the last two decades.
I found it a privilege to be part of this interview, where Dr. Sullivan responded to my questions on the theme of collaboration partnership/industry relationships. Dr. Sullivan suggest community colleges must build robust relationship and “must start with the end in mind”. This echoes Steven Covey “Begin with the End in Mind” which is based on the principle that all things are created twice; first the mental creation, proceeded by the physical creation (Covey, 1989, p. n.d.). We can’t assume that faculty know all the working of the ‘end’ of industry needs, so building stronger relationship is essential. We should be in the business of producing for more than an individual employer but produce for an entire sector of business. …show more content…
Community colleges should develop partnerships with those who contribute financially, those who can help with curriculum development, and who serve on advisory committees. Strong partnerships with industry can help colleges to know exactly the skill-set that is required.
Dr. Sullivan referenced ‘Louisiana 2020’ several times and stated that outcome of the process as a “bold plan” with six comprehensive goals. These goals are drivers of many decisions made by the college. According to the LCTCS 2020 (2016) “the success of the colleges is largely dependent upon the strength of their industry relationships. Today, businesses are making major investments in the form of equipment, financial support, internship opportunities, and professionals serving in advisory roles” (p.
I found it a privilege to be part of this interview, where Dr. Sullivan responded to my questions on the theme of collaboration partnership/industry relationships. Dr. Sullivan suggest community colleges must build robust relationship and “must start with the end in mind”. This echoes Steven Covey “Begin with the End in Mind” which is based on the principle that all things are created twice; first the mental creation, proceeded by the physical creation (Covey, 1989, p. n.d.). We can’t assume that faculty know all the working of the ‘end’ of industry needs, so building stronger relationship is essential. We should be in the business of producing for more than an individual employer but produce for an entire sector of business. …show more content…
Community colleges should develop partnerships with those who contribute financially, those who can help with curriculum development, and who serve on advisory committees. Strong partnerships with industry can help colleges to know exactly the skill-set that is required.
Dr. Sullivan referenced ‘Louisiana 2020’ several times and stated that outcome of the process as a “bold plan” with six comprehensive goals. These goals are drivers of many decisions made by the college. According to the LCTCS 2020 (2016) “the success of the colleges is largely dependent upon the strength of their industry relationships. Today, businesses are making major investments in the form of equipment, financial support, internship opportunities, and professionals serving in advisory roles” (p.