As president of a comprehensive community college, Jesús Roberto Rodríguez leads the transformation of students as they earn college credentials that empower them to fulfill their career goals. At the same time, he has an eye on the future and committed to the ongoing transformation of his own employees with the establishment of the TSC President’s Leadership Academy.
Rodriguez knows where he wants to go and that’s why he developed the year-long training program to build leadership sustainability at the college while cultivating the strengths of employees.
“The TSC Board of Trustees continues to support the growth of our employees,” said Rodríguez. “By helping our employees achieve their professional and personal goals, we are increasing the capacity to accomplish college goals and better serve our community.”
Executive Leadership and Development Consultant, Don Cameron, from North Carolina, led the training. Cameron spent 40 years in higher education and understands how strong leadership helps move a college forward. The 15 inaugural leadership academy participants completed self-assessments, created leadership development plans, and designed the next iteration of the leadership academy.
“I conduct training for community colleges across the country and I’m impressed with the amount of talent at TSC,” said Cameron. “The graduates will continue with their training and are focusing on some key issues pertaining to college enrollment.”
TSC Coordinator of Student Recruitment Dulce Martinez said she was excited and honored to be part of this group. She was most enthusiastic about the competency development plan she completed.
“I have learned how to efficiently set and achieve personal and career goals through this program, and it has allowed me to face new challenges in my job with a broader perspective,” said Martinez. “I’m thankful to Dr. Rodríguez for the opportunity to grow as a professional and a member of our TSC family.”
For TSC Director of Advising and Testing Bervick Simon, the academy honed his ability to provide more opportunities and growth for his team.
“I’ve learned that coaching, active listening and providing opportunities to my team are imperatives for a leader,” he said. “Of the many projects we’ve completed this year, my favorite has been developing a framework for a future leadership academy to continue helping other TSC emerging leaders grow.”
Rodriguez said he is proud of what the inaugural leadership academy participants achieved and looks forward for what is to come.
“I have big plans for the TSC President’s Leadership Academy,” said Rodriguez. “It’s time to take our emerging leaders and what they’ve learned to the next level. Everything we are doing will enhance our campus and areas we serve as a comprehensive community college, especially under the current pandemic we are living through. These emerging leaders are engaged in exploring and focusing on some needs of the college that revolve around retention, recruitment and nontraditional students.”