The fourth class of Clark State Community College SOAR participants 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. The SOAR program was featured in the American Association of Community Colleges Community College Daily: https://www.ccdaily.com/2019/05/helping-staff-and-faculty-soar/.
“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.”
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.
Scott Dawson, associate professor of graphic design and new media at Clark State, is a member of the 2019-20 SOAR Class.
“I have experienced tremendous personal and professional growth in the SOAR program,” said Dawson. “The process encourages reflection and self-awareness, which has helped me center and focus my goals for the future. The evaluations done during the program gave me insight into my strengths that will help me be a stronger leader at Clark State.”
Dawson went on to say that SOAR has been the ultimate professional development, and he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this program. “I knew I would learn a lot during the SOAR mentoring process, but I had no idea I would get such unprecedented, inside access to the inner workings of a college presidency, and the leadership it takes to move a college forward,” he said.
Blondin said the 2020-21 SOAR participants represent a diverse and talented group of faculty and staff from across campus, and she looks forward to getting to know them better and encouraging them in their future ambitions.
2020-21 SOAR Participants
Mary Cornell
Associate Professor, Registered Nursing
“Because I know that the SOAR Leadership program is designed to develop and cultivate leaders at Clark State, I am confident that the challenges and opportunities associated with the group will ignite my passion. I believe the SOAR program will provide me with the right combination of challenge and support and provide me the knowledge to develop my leadership skills.”
Paige Huskey
Associate Professor, English
“Having reached a critical point in my career, I know Dr. Blondin and the SOAR Leadership program will be instrumental in shaping my future pursuits and accomplishments. As a first-generation college graduate and in my 12 years teaching developmental reading and writing, I can say from first-hand experience that I know the minority, low-income and single parent groups who are disproportionately represented in what is typically referred to as ‘at-risk’ populations in higher education. In addition to helping me further identify my strengths and areas for improvement, the leadership program will allow me to better understand issues, policies and protocols governing higher education and how and where I might make the most impact to improve student success. I am thrilled and honored to be accepted to the Class of 2021 and look forward to working with Dr. Blondin and my colleagues for the betterment of our college and our community.”
Nicole Johnson
Success Coach
“I hope to improve my leadership skills through the SOAR program to be a more effective team member in committees across campus and a better advocate for students.”
Michael Lander
Instructor, Economics
“SOAR is a great opportunity for me to develop as an educator and gain a more detailed perspective of leadership in the community college environment, more specifically Clark State’s. In the early stages of this new career, I see it as important for me to have a well-rounded understanding and perspective. SOAR provides that, and it will allow me to better serve students, work more effectively with other faculty and staff and enhance my participation in the community college environment.”
Shani Newton
Success Coach
“Through the SOAR program, I hope to continue to contribute to the growth and success of Clark State. I am looking forward to the opportunity to gain layers of knowledge centered around student success, through a leadership lens. I pride myself on the innate ability to relate and effectively communicate with students, therefore I want to learn and engage with my colleagues and leadership to discuss the issues that are impacting community college students. Participating in this program will help me contribute to mitigating these issues on a larger scale.”
John “JR” Riechers
Assistant Technical Director/House Electrician, Clark State Performing Arts Center
“I look forward to continue honing my leadership skills and abilities through SOAR. I have believed in the crucial work that community colleges do and believe that the program will allow me to continue moving those works forward in the Clark State community. I am excited for all of the unique opportunities and challenges that SOAR will provide.