Greetings,
This is an exciting time in the history of community colleges as our nation’s legislators, corporations, and philanthropic entities have recognized, in word and deed, the role community colleges can play in preparing an educated, globally competitive, workforce. The NCBAA is committed to being a key player and resource in advancing this national agenda through providing beneficial professional development and networking opportunities for those interested.
Our commitment to this goal is referenced in the theme for this year’s Northeast Regional Conference, “From Theory to Practice: Meeting the Challenges of the Completion Agenda”. We hope that you will join us March 22 and 23 at Springfield College, in Wilmington, Delaware as we welcome the American Association of Community Colleges, national president, Dr. Walter Bumphus. Dr. Bumphus will share his views on the opportunities and challenges facing community colleges in 2012 and the role AACC will play in addressing them. The program will also feature a host of engaging presentations centering on completion agenda best practices, an interactive success coaching workshop with community college presidents and senior administrators, time for networking and fellowship, and host of other activities.
One of the goals we have as an organization this year, is to grow membership through sharing the NCBAA ROI Story (Return on Investment). I’ve been a member of this group since 2005 and have found my affiliation with NCBAA to have been a transformative component of my professional development. I’ve participated in the Leadership Development Institute, served on various committees, presented at NCBAA conferences and, perhaps most importantly, made a host of new professional colleagues and personal friends. Through my affiliation with NCBAA, I have been able to develop a professional network I can rely on from Virginia to Boston. I have been able to consult with these individuals on everything from FERPA compliance to the key components in building retention programs for minority male students. My investment in, and affiliation with, NCBAA has yielded immeasurable “dividends” over time. If you have any questions about NCBAA, or are interested in learning more about the NCBAA ROI, feel free to email me or any of our board members. We’d be glad to have you join us.
Hope to see you in March,
G. Duncan Harris, Ed. D.
Northeast Region President
National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA)
gharris@mcc.commnet.edu