On Thursday, Midland College held a special luncheon to recognize and celebrate employees who completed the college’s first leadership professional development series.
The luncheon was held at the Scharbauer Student Center Carrasco Room on the main MC campus at 3600 N. Garfield, Midland.
Developed by Dr. Lee Grimes, MC Dean of Instructional Support Services and Dr. Will Torres, Director of the MC Teaching & Learning Center, the 16-week training is based on the book The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. increase. Employees who attended the class attended sessions on Thursday afternoons every other week. Grimes and Torres will lead sessions to guide participants through learning the neuroscience of leadership, applying positive psychology, discovering behavioral styles, setting goals, improving productivity, managing time, and giving and receiving critical feedback. I was.
Participant requirements included full involvement in the Academy through completion of a series of challenges and exercises designed to foster reflection and application of leadership practices and strategies. These included mandatory leadership coaching sessions with the Academy’s facilitators, goal setting, group presentations, and completion of assessments designed to increase self-awareness and see things from the perspective of others. .
Staff at MC’s Teaching & Learning Center coordinate all aspects of the Leadership Academy, and MC employees who participate in the program include faculty and staff in various academic/transfer programs, student services, libraries, and continuing education/community services. staff included.
MC’s Dr. Steve Thomas said in a press release: “Since then, the Center staff has worked hard to provide employees with the tools and support they need to serve our students. , because it is important to develop leadership potential.”
Midland College also encourages employee growth through a tuition reimbursement program that enables employees to pursue advanced degrees by providing course tuition through the Midland College Foundation Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund. .