Two outstanding staff members of Coahoma Community College, Lorean Willingham and Nekedra Blockett, were selected to take part in the 2020-2021 Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy. The employees are enthused to have recently completed the one-year program that began in June 2020.
Willingham, the Associate Degree Nursing program director, and Blockett, a technical assistance coordinator for the Early Childhood Academy, teamed up for a leadership project to conceptualize a possible upgrade to the institution. Their idea involved a 'One Stop Information Center' for the general public as well as first-time students. Furthermore, a FAQs (frequently asked questions) section added to the school's website would better aid prospective students in enrolling.
"Dr. Towner was very supportive in our ideas for this project," said Blockett.
Willingham says the team project makes the program an excellent endeavor.
"Mr. Marriel Hardy and Mr. Ezra Howard contributed to the success of the project using their graphic designs," Willingham said. "The Business Office, Student Engagement, Financial Aid, Housing, and Campus Safety provided the necessary information for answering the FAQs."
MCCLA gives participants a look inside the various operations of a community college system. The Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy proposed by the Mississippi Community College Foundation emphasizes a call for upper-level leaders in the Mississippi community college system.
Each year's cohort reflects diversity in delegated roles.
Blockett said the program offered resolute approaches to challenging situations and guided them in dealing with employees and strengthening professional relationships.
The two applied new strategies to current work situations to improve management and supervisory skills through a hybrid format involving in-person and online attendance.
"I was amazed by their openness and receptiveness to different viewpoints. Dr. Ronnie Nettles was very supportive and provided the participants with the resources required to be successful in the program," Willingham noted.
Willingham has 14 years of service with Coahoma Community College. She has an associate degree in nursing from Northwest Mississippi Community College, a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Delta State University, and a master's in nursing education from William Carey University. The nursing program director is certified in basic life support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
"Being a part of the leadership class has allowed me to meet and collaborate with various people within the community college network. I was able to meet current community college presidents, past presidents, and other MCCLA staff," Blockett recounted.
Blockett is CLASS certified in infants, toddlers, and pre-school-aged children. The ECA coordinator has five years of service with the College along with a Bachelor of Science in social science from Delta State University, a Master of Science from Capella University, and a Master of Education as well as an educational specialist degree from Delta State University. She is also a certified mental health therapist with a LETRS certification (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and a Coaching with Powerful Interactions certification.
To learn more about the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy, visit www.mccb.edu/mccla.