The mission of Leadership HCC Fellows Program at Howard Community College is to advance college visionaries to drive positive change within our institution and community through  a 12-month leadership development program. This program is designed to identify, develop, and prepare the next generation of leaders within the college through innovative curriculum and supportive networks. Leadership HCC will empower our fellows to excel and meaningfully invest in Howard Community College. In support of this mission, this leadership program will cultivate the community of HCC internally and will empower each fellow to build on their organizational perspective.

 

Applications for Leadership HCC are now closed!

Meet Our 2024-2025 Cohort for Leadership HCC:

  • Brooke Abercrombie, Associate Director, Parent Scholars Program
  • Timothy Banks, Department Chair
  • Phillipe DeRosier, Manager of Fitness and Recreation
  • Yessica Flores, Howard P.R.I.D.E. Completion Specialist
  • Marilu Garcia-Yellin, Associate Director of Testing
  • Jennifer Garner, Professor and Co-Chair, English
  • Belinda Green, Environmental Health & Safety Associate
  • Bridget Holmes, Faculty
  • Molly Hong, Executive Assistant to the President
  • Marquita Johl, Basic Skills Academic Specialist & Faculty
  • Hal Kenny, Hospitality Program Coordinator/Instructor
  • Maureen Martin, Instructional Designer
  • Tero Moberg, Art Director
  • Bethany Pautrat, Asst. Director, Honors and Undergraduate Research
  • Michael Popp, Facilities Operations Manager
  • Faith Reed, Foundation Events Manager
  • Melissa Smith, Skills Trades Program Manager
  • Robinson Tlai, Computer Solutions Technician III
  • Ahnica Truong, Chair, Cyber Technology
  • Eric Wright, Grounds Supervisor

 

“Leadership is about guiding your team with unwavering focus toward a shared vision, inspiring
excellence even under pressure, and creating an environment where achievements are celebrated.
Meeting our goals is challenging, but with steadfast leadership and a unified vision, we make the
impossible possible.”

 
Dr. Daria Willis, PhD
President, Howard Community College

Overview

The Leadership HCC program is tailored to mid-career professionals poised to take on more significant leadership roles within the college. Drawing inspiration from the AASCU Emerging Leaders Program, this initiative emphasizes practical application, impactful training, and a supportive network.

 

The curriculum includes hands-on training and real-world applications designed to prepare participants for the complexities of leadership in higher education. Over the year, participants will refine their collaborative skills, deepen their understanding of the college’s dynamics, and contribute to the advancement of HCC.

Eligibility

Admission to Leadership HCC is open to Managers, Coordinators, Chairs, Faculty, and Staff who demonstrate exceptional performance and potential for leadership.

 

Applicants must have completed at least one year of service at HCC. Preference will be given to individuals who have shown a strong commitment to leadership, active involvement in the HCC community, and a willingness to innovate and collaborate.

 

We seek to include diverse participants from various disciplines and departments.

Application Process

To apply for Leadership HCC, please submit the application form below after confirming with your supervisor that the session dates below will be acceptable for you to be out of your office space.

 

Applications for Leadership HCC are now closed!

 

Application questions will include:

  1. 1. Briefly describe your current role at HCC.
  2. 2. Please describe why you are interested in participating in Leadership HCC.
  3. 3. Please describe what you hope to gain from Leadership HCC.
  4. 4. What do you think is one of the most pressing challenges in the current climate of Higher Education?
  5. 5. Please rank these skills in order of your strongest to weakest traits: delegation, communication, conflict resolution, time management, budgeting, organization.
  6. 6. Please describe your most successful accomplishment.


Note: All applications must be submitted by Friday, October 10, 2025. It is your responsibility to follow up with your supervisor as necessary. The selection will be made from a diverse pool of candidates across campus, including classified staff, faculty, departmental deans, directors, and administrative staff.

Session Dates

Dates to be determined, and sessions will take place monthly from January to December 2026. The tentative kick-off will be:

December 5, 2025: President’s Leadership Summit

Session topics will include:

 

  • Introduction to Leadership and Self-Assessment
  • Effective Communication and Cultivating Partnerships
  • Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
  • Leading and Managing Teams
  • Understanding HCC’s Strategic Priorities and Governance
  • Budgeting and Financial Management at HCC
  • Human Resources and Talent Management at HCC
  • Strategic Planning and Change Management at HCC
  • Capstone Project Planning
  • Implementation of Leadership Strategies
  • Reflection and Practical Application
  • Capstone Presentation and Graduation

Delivery Methods & Format

Selected participants will be exposed to a learning structure based on the foundational principles of instruction and administration. Participants will be required to review materials, the selected book, and case studies before each session and be ready to discuss how they apply to HCC. Sessions will feature presentations from expert guest speakers from within HCC and external partners who will address current issues and future trends. The program will be conducted in full-day sessions on scheduled dates. Each annual cohort will consist of 12-15 participants.