Theresa Felder, vice president of student affairs and Greene Center operations for Clark State Community College, has been accepted into the competitive-entry Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). The ELI is part of the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment.
“The Executive Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for potential community college presidents to analyze their abilities, reflect on their interests, refine their skills and engage in leadership discussions,” said Felder, who is currently attending the event through December 15 in Arizona.
Felder said just 34 attendees from across the United State were accepted into the ELI. “It is an extremely competitive process,” she said. “I had to complete an application and write an essay on my qualifications for the presidency by articulating my understanding of the dynamics of leadership in a community college.”
Felder also submitted recommendation letters from Clark State President Dr. Jo Alice Blondin and Clark State Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Sharon Evans. Felder said her short-term goals include using the tools and information from this experience to continue to develop professionally as a leader at Clark State. In the long term, the experience will prepare her to be a future president when the opportunity arises.
“It is great preparation for the opportunity to be a college president in the future,” said Felder. “It is also a great networking opportunity, and I’m looking forward to meeting other community college leaders from several states.”
Founded in 1968, the League for Innovation in the Community College has served community college institutions for almost five decades. The League has sponsored more than 200 conferences, institutes, seminars and workshops; published over 200 reports, monographs, periodicals and books; led approximately 140 research and demonstration projects; and provided numerous other resources and services to the community college field.