Military Leaders Find New Opportunities at Community Colleges

The Institute for Community College Development (ICCD) at Cornell University announces a new program for executives seeking career changes.

Ithaca, NY (PRWEB) September 25, 2005 -- With presidencies and other positions becoming vacant at a rate of close to 50% over the next 3 years, community colleges are seeking qualified applicants from the military, private sector, and non-profits to fill the gap. New leaders are essential to sustain the vital role community colleges play in workforce training and economic development.

Colonel Stephen Kovacs, Ret., spent 27 years as a career army officer. Assignments in education, administration and intelligence gave him the skills to excel in a second career in community colleges, where he worked his way up to Vice President of Administration and Finance. As a member of the executive team, one has a direct impact on the student learning environment and the financial success of the institution and the local community." Kovacs said. Making the transition is challenging, It requires an understanding of the unique community college environment, a personal dedication to continuous learning and a commitment to teamwork at all levels."

Art Szu-Tu, Chief Information Officer, Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY, made the transition from corporate to community college in 2002. I responded to an ad in the paper for a CIO position at my local community college," says Szu-Tu. I like being able to contribute strongly to the institution due to my experience, the fact that my contributions seem to be appreciated by the campus, working to make peoples lives better rather than to make others rich." Szu-Tu was formerly a Principal/Executive Consultant with IBM Global Services.

In response to this impending crisis, The Institute for Community College Development (ICCD) at Cornell University announces a new program for executives seeking career changes. "New Opportunities for Executives: Making the Move to Community College Leadership," will be offered Sunday, October 23 - Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

The program will feature community college presidents, chief information technology officers, HR directors, and chief administrative and finance officers who have made the transition. Keynoter George Boggs, President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, will describe the unique mission of community colleges. A recent national survey found that community colleges are widely respected by the American public for "quality education, job training and affordability."

Presentations by nationally recognized community college leaders will address the challenges of initiating change in a culture of faculty governance and tenure, establishing productive board and community relations, raising public and private funds, conducting business in open meetings, and negotiating government bureaucracies. The program will also feature applications of branding and accountability measures to community colleges.

Search consultants specializing in higher education will give practical advice on how to write an effective resume and prepare for the search process.

The program is offered in collaboration with the Community College of Allegheny County, with support from Heidrick and Struggles, TIAA CREF, Datatel and Nuventive.

The fee for the program, including materials, is $875. Registration is available on line at www.iccd.cornell.edu. For further information contact Barbara Viniar, Executive Director of The Institute for Community College Development at Cornell University at 607-255-7758.

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