The Howard Community College Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) is dedicated to cultivating executives who are poised to effect transformative change within our institution and the higher education industry. Designed for current leaders seeking to advance their careers and embrace expanded responsibilities, the PLA offers a dynamic professional development experience. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their collaborative skills, gain profound insights into the college’s organizational operations, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of leadership both within HCC and beyond. This program is committed to empowering leaders who will drive innovation and excellence in higher education.

 

Applications for the President’s Leadership Academy are now closed!

Meet Our 2024-2025 Cohort for the President’s Leadership Academy:

  • Sepideh Abdollahzadeh, Associate Dean of Health, Science, & Technology

  • Jarrell Anderson, Associate Vice President for Advising and Retention

  • Tyrone Boyd, Director of Information Security

  • Cheryl Campo, Director of Honors and Undergraduate Research

  • Derek Flake, Director of Disability Support Services

  • Nana Owusu-Nkwantabisa, Director of Library & Learning Commons

  • Jessica Peterson, Interim Registrar

  • Sumeeta Raj,  Director of Marketing

  • Mike Smelkinson, Director of Athletics

  • Yang Yu, Associate Dean

     

“Leadership is not defined by grand gestures or personal accolades. Leadership is about guiding your team with an unwavering focus toward a shared vision, inspiring them to excel under pressure, and creating an environment where, together, we achieve our mission and build opportunities for our students. Meeting students where they dream is challenging, but through steadfast leadership and a unified vision, we make the seemingly impossible possible.”

Dr. Daria Willis, Ph.D
President, Howard Community College

Overview

A national survey of community college leaders has highlighted key competencies essential for effective leadership, as outlined in the AACC Competencies for Community College Leaders. The President’s Leadership Institute (PLA) equips the college’s leadership with the critical skills and perspectives hiring committees seek for executive leadership roles.

 

This monthly program includes one overnight session, eleven full-day sessions, and an end-of-year celebration. It is facilitated by HCC leadership along with national, statewide, and local community figures. The agenda features two additional lunch meetings, attendance at a Senior Staff Meeting, participation in a board meeting, and a Day at the Capitol, including involvement in legislative sessions. Participants will also develop a capstone project at the conclusion of the experience, designed to build on collaboration with fellow cohort members and to deliver actionable solutions aligned with the College’s Strategic Plan for the current year.

Eligibility

Admission to the PLA is determined through an application process and is available to all full-time HCC faculty and staff who have the title of Dean, Associate Vice President, Executive Director, or Director, who demonstrate exceptional performance in their roles across various ranks, levels, and departments.

 

Applicants must have completed at least one year of service to HCC to be eligible. Preference will be given to those who have shown a strong commitment to leadership, active involvement in the HCC community, and a readiness to learn, innovate, and collaborate. We aim to select diverse participants representing different perspectives, teaching disciplines, and a range of programs and departments.

 

Chosen participants will be required to attend all sessions and must secure approval from their supervisor to join.

 

For more information, please contact Stephanie Wall at swall@howardcc.edu or (443) 518-3825.

Application Process

Are you an ideal candidate for HCC’s Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA)? If so, we encourage you to secure approval to participate from your supervisor and then to submit the application below.

 

Applications for the President’s Leadership Academy are now closed!

 

Application questions will include:

  1. 1. Please describe why you are interested in participating in the leadership academy
  2. 2. What do you hope to gain from the leadership academy?
  3. 3. Please describe your most successful accomplishment
  4. 4. What is your role in driving student success?
  5. 5. What do you perceive as the role of a leader?
  6. 6. What do you think is one of the most pressing challenges in the current climate of Higher Education?

 

Note: All application materials must be submitted by the deadline, Friday, October 10, 2025. It is your responsibility to follow up with your supervisor as needed. Selected candidates will be chosen from a diverse range of roles 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 2026 to December 2026. The tentative kick off will be:

December 5, 2025: President’s Leadership Summit

 

Session topics will include:
 

  • Introduction to the President’s Leadership Academy and Foundations of Leadership
  • Governance, Government Policy and Advocacy at Local, State and Federal
  • Institutional Transformation Through Leadership Theories and Styles
  • Organizational Strategy, Cultural Awareness, and Change Management
  • Success Through a Strong Team – Leading, Managing and Emotional Intelligence
  • Mid-Program Review and Capstone Introduction
  • Fundamentals of Project Management
  • Finance, Fiscal Planning and Resource Development
  • Capstone Review – Goals, Feedback, and Public Speaking
  • Capstone Review – Practical Application
  • Capstone Presentations


Delivery Methods & Format

Selected participants will be exposed to a learning structure based on 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.

 

The capstone project will include out-of-classroom work team collaboration. Each session will include presentations from executive guest speakers drawn from within the College, the local community, or our higher education partners, who will address relevant issues and emerging trends affecting the College.

 

Full-day sessions will be held on selected days for the entirety of the work day. The Presidential Leadership Academy will admit a new cohort annually, each consisting of 12-15 participants.