Clark State to host multiple college presidents to share expertise in new series

The president of Clark State Community College will welcome the first of three special guests to campus as a part of a new series.

Clark State Catalysts is a leadership series with three sitting college presidents for the purpose of sharing their expertise with the wider college communities.

“The purpose is to highlight different leadership styles and show the diversity and excellence of leadership at community college across the country,” Clark State Community College President Jo Alice Blondin said. “They are meeting with internal audiences, such as the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and SOAR (Serving Our Own through Leadership) members.”

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The theme of this year’s event will be Leadership for Student Success.

Merrill Irving Jr., president of Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, will be on campus Monday, Nov. 18 and Tuesday, Nov. 19 to discuss equity in student outcomes and diversity and inclusively for the Board of Trustees and employees.

Blondin said he was selected for his peerless leadership on equity and diversity.

President and CEO of Jackson College, in Jackson, Michigan, Dan Phelan will be on campus on Tuesday, Jan. 21 to discuss leading change and innovation for student success.

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Blondin said she invited Phelan to visit because his book, “Unrelenting Change”, was the Clark State Book Club selection last year.

“We were impressed by the probity of his thoughts regarding innovation in higher education,” Blondin said.

Beverly Walker-Griffea, president of Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, will be on campus Wednesday, April 15 for the college’s Town Hall meeting to discuss critical leadership competencies in crisis situations.

“Dr. Walker-Griffea demonstrates her strengths as a leader who has overcome a significant crisis during her tenure, the Flint Water Crisis, and how she has led change on both her campus and in the community,” Blondin said.

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