The application window for the fifth class of Clark State College SOAR participants is now open. The selected SOAR class will begin their mentorship under the guidance of Clark State President Dr. Jo Alice Blondin this fall.
SOAR – Serving Our Own through Leadership and Retention – was developed in order to facilitate mentoring of faculty and staff on campus and assist them in identifying current and future leadership opportunities that will result in personal and professional growth.
“This program has received national recognition and is totally focused on creating a culture of student success at Clark State,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “The benefits of this program accrue every year, as SOAR participants impact their colleagues in positive ways.”
The goal of the SOAR program is to develop and create leaders who are committed to serving Clark State as partners in student success. SOAR is a comprehensive professional development experience for full-time faculty and staff that provides self-assessment, leadership strengths building, mentoring and career development planning, thereby leading to stronger, more prepared leaders who will enhance Clark State’s focus on student success.
Additionally, the program focuses on developing leaders at the individual, team and system levels as well as empowering co-workers of participants to become “implementers of change” at all campus levels.
Selected participants – three faculty members and three staff members - must attend all meetings and events and complete all program requirements. Each will receive a one percent increase in base salary (in addition to any annual salary adjustments) at the successful completion of the program, special recognition at Charter Night, and a well-developed career/mentoring plan.
Paige Huskey, associate professor of English and Professional Development Coordinator for faculty at Clark State, was selected as a SOAR participant in 2020.
“I wanted to participate in the SOAR program because I felt that I’m at a point in my career where I need some new ideas and inspiration, and I knew that the SOAR program was the perfect place to find those,” she said.
Huskey said the SOAR program has been very beneficial to her.
“I have learned so much about the inner workings of Clark State College and community colleges in general,” she said. “The time with Dr. Blondin and my SOAR colleagues has also allowed me to connect with individuals in other areas with whom I rarely work. We know we are one team with the same vision and mission, but this program really allows one to see how all the parts fit together to support each other and promote student success.”
Huskey said with Dr. Blondin’s guidance, she’s articulating her short- and long-term career goals, which involve aligning curriculum to workforce development opportunities in a faculty position and expanding her professional development role within the CTL.
For those considering applying for the SOAR program, Huskey advises them to be intentional about it, and have a good idea about what they want to gain from the experience.
“If anyone is hesitant to apply because they’re worried about whether or not Dr. Blondin will be open to their opinions and ideas, I would tell them not to let that hold them back,” said Huskey. “Dr. Blondin has been very receptive to the concerns and challenges our group members have brought forth. Furthermore, we will be selecting one of these challenges to develop a proposal for a solution that can be implemented at Clark State. How cool is that?”
SOAR applications, a letter of interest, and a letter of recommendation from an appropriate Executive Council are due to the President’s Office in the LRC by Friday, April 9, 2021.