Provides an overview of campus search committee roles, responsibilities, and selection processes. Discusses the benefits of utilizing a professional search firm and outlines the qualities of an efficient and successful search process, such as establishing realistic expectations, a clear timeline, a disciplined recruiting strategy, and an organized…

Highlights the importance of developing community college leaders capable of demonstrating strategic leadership and responding to the global forces that influence community college education. Discusses the Consortium for Community College Development's Strategic Leadership Forum and its principles, format, content, and early results. (RC)

Examines perspectives on the role of college presidents in shaping public policy. Reports on a national survey of presidents regarding civic engagement, which highlights diverse strategies of engagement (examples include writing editorials and political candidate endorsements), along with common barriers (such as time dedicated to fund raising).…

Introduces "shtick" leadership (effective leadership characterized by profound ideas that have an enormous impact on the educational world) and illustrates this leadership style by exploring the contributions of four exemplary educational leaders. Asserts that "shtick" (defined as utilizing a special talent) leadership is needed to ensure that…

Concerned with the impending community college leadership deficit, the author articulates a vision for reinventing leadership development programs that balance the collective wisdom of experience with the innovation essential for addressing the cultural and technological challenges of the future. Presents three model leadership programs that…

Utilizes Robert Kegan's model of cognitive development to explain the challenges of achieving substantive institutional change. Asserts that effective leaders must create learning environments that support the reflective practice of "surfacing, sharing, and testing" new mental models (e.g., images and assumptions) in order to sustain institutional…

Outlines the process for establishing a community college leadership development doctoral program at Morgan State University (Maryland). Describes obstacles experienced in the creation phase and explains the program's philosophy, model, and student perceptions. Makes recommendations for the future, which include establishing coalitions to support…

Presents an overview of exemplary community college graduate leadership programs. Discusses general trends in graduate curriculum (e.g., cohort-based programs with course work in leadership development, organizational change, diversity, and institutional development) and outlines 10 graduate programs that offer a focus in community college…

In an effort to gather insights that will help prepare future community college leaders, this article presents six community college CEOs' perspectives on leadership. Consists of questions and brief responses regarding such topics as leadership legacies, words of wisdom for the next generation of leaders, and painful leadership lessons. (RC)

Argues that, despite doubts created by the "dot-com" crash, the field of information technology (IT) is still crucial. Credentialing and certification are in demand by adults in the transitional workforce who require tangible results in a short time frame. Suggests that even non-IT companies are dependent on those in IT to run the nerve-centers of…

Examines the current state of technological access to campus resources in light of tighter community college budgets across the country. Focuses on the objective measurement of technology costs that can be used efficiently in this new era of accountability. Describes the Technology Costing Methodology (TCM), which is available for downloading. (NB)

Offers advice for colleges intending to undergo software conversions, asserting that sufficient resources are key to a smooth process. Describes the conversion process at Palomar College (California) in 1997, when Palomar purchased PeopleSoft enterprise-wide software in response to Y2K compliance issues. Stresses the ongoing need for training and…

Offers a comprehensive view of the information technology (IT) workforce in the U.S., based on a report by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). The report quantifies the size and scope of the IT workforce, its geographical distribution, skills preferences, future demand, and predicted shortfalls. (AUTH/NB)

Argues that students in two-year technical programs need courses that train them in job and job-hunting skills. The transition from school to work can be difficult, and a job-skills class can prepare them for some of the changes inherent in the process. Itemizes job search strategies. (NB)

Discusses a number of community college-based training concepts for the construction trades. These programs integrate classroom, lab, and work experience, and some offer credits toward applied sciences or other degrees. Describes the Florida Construction Institute at Florida Community College, Jacksonville, and other construction education…