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The North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP)

About

A six-month, cohort-based program that provides professional learning opportunities for mid-career community college professionals. Cohort leaders are identified and selected by their presidents as aspiring leaders. Annually, approximately 35 participants in each cohort attend four multi-day, in-person retreats filled with learning experiences, networking activities, and opportunities to discover and apply best practices aligned with pressing needs and issues facing North Carolina’s community colleges.

Our Evolution

The program began in 1989 when former governor and then-president of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), Bob Scott, requested a program to develop leadership skills for the state’s community college employees. Scott was also passionate about increasing the leadership skills of women and minorities who served in leadership roles across the state and requested the assistance of the American Association of Women in Junior and Community Colleges (NC Chapter) to help develop this ground-breaking program. Funding for this new program came from the state community college system. After just a few years, the program directors realized that it must become self-sustaining to survive.

With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Pat Akers and the leadership team are continuously evolving NCCCLP by implementing new, innovative strategies that will propel the next generation of leaders. The program curriculum was established by Dr. Pat Akers to enhance the leadership skills of employees at all levels of a college.

In 2022 the Belk Center became the new home of the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP) further bridging the Belk Center’s commitment to convening leaders, creating tools, and catalyzing change.

Outcomes

Program graduates are equipped with leadership skills to become exceptional leaders and navigate the educational arena as presidents, executive vice presidents, vice presidents, executive directors, directors, deans, and department chairs of community colleges across North Carolina and around the nation.

NCCCLP OLÉ

Hands typing on a laptop computer

NCCCLP OLÉ was an online professional development program co-sponsored by the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP) and the North Carolina Leadership Alumni Group (NCCCLAG). OLÉ is an acronym for “Online Leadership Experiences”. From December 2022 until April 2024 OLÉ provided virtual webinars that expanded the professional development opportunities available to all faculty and staff from colleges that purchased a license, and all lifetime alumni.

NCCCLP Leadership Team

Robin Ross

Robin Ross

Vice President of K-64 & Talent Development

Catawba Valley Community College
828.327.7000 ext. 4462
rross@nccclp.com