May 4, 2007

Two from Wallace State Graduate from Community College Leadership
Academy



HANCEVILLE, Ala.-Kelly Blackwood, Adult Education Director at Wallace
State Community College in Hanceville, and Kristen Holmes, Director of
Communications and Marketing at Wallace State, are among the 2007
graduating class of the University of Alabama's Community College
Leadership Academy.



Established in 2000, the Leadership Academy is a one-year program for
administrators and faculty members of two-year colleges co-sponsored by
the University of Alabama College of Education and College of Continuing
Studies, the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, the Alabama
College System, and the University of Alabama System.



This year's class of 22 participants from 16 institutions is the seventh
class to graduate. Alumni of the academy now number approximately 160,
and include Melinda Edwards, Dean of Institutional Advancement at
Wallace State; Dr. Tomesa Smith, Dean of Students; Dr. Mell Johnson,
Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning; Jennifer Hill, Director of
Recruiting and Student Activities; and Dr. Lance Boyd, math instructor.




"The Alabama Community College Leadership Academy is truly a positive
experience," said Blackwood. "The network of support is second to none.
The yearlong venture was a fun leadership development experience in
which I gained a great deal of insight."



She added, "I truly appreciated the leaders who shared the 'real life'
experiences with us. They kept it real for those of us in the trenches
trying to figure out which path to take and if we really want to follow
the same path, create a new path, or repave the old path."



The academy is designed to prepare professionals to take advantage of
senior-level leadership and management opportunities in postsecondary
education. It features a core curriculum, which covers foundations of
leadership, policy and governance, administration, the learning college,
and leadership for change. As part of the academy, participants learn
from nationally renowned guest speakers and professionals, take part in
campus visits, and conduct a team activity to address "real-world"
educational issues.



"The Leadership Academy was an invaluable learning experience," said
Holmes. "With each session, my understanding of our system and its
integral parts and partnerships grew. The connections I made at the
University of Alabama, with Academy presenters, and with colleagues at
sister institutions across the state will be a continuing source of
inspiration and support. I know that I will benefit from the lessons
learned there throughout my career."



Blackwood has been employed at Wallace State for 13 years, where she
previously served as an electronics instructor. A native of Holly Pond,
Blackwood has two daughters, Samantha and Sierra. Holmes has been
employed at Wallace State for seven years. She and her husband Paul
reside in Hanceville.



University of Alabama Community College Leadership
Academy graduates:

     
Kelley Blackwood, Adult Education Director           Kristen Holmes, Director of Communications and Marketing

  Kristen Holmes
  Director, Communications and Marketing
  Wallace State Community College
  P.O. Box 2000
  Hanceville, AL 35077
  256/352-8118
  E-mail: Kristen.Holmes@WallaceState.edu