Success is what counts. 1 Committed Leadership Is More than Lip Service: How Administrative Leaders Can Support Interventions from the Ground Up Larry Durrence, Ph.D. Pam Millsap, Ph.D. College of the Mainland Millicent Valek, Ph.D. Lynda Villanueva, Ph.D. Brazosport College March 1, 2012 DREAM – Dallas, Texas

Success is what counts. 2 Culture of Evidence Systemic Institutional Improvement Committed Leadership Broad Engagement Committed Leadership is critical to the success of ATD interventions

Success is what counts. 3 It is essential for administrators to become active advocates of student success interventions.

Success is what counts. 4 But what does committed leadership really look like?

Success is what counts. 5 First, a brief profile of our institutions and our involvement with ATD…

COM is a learning-centered, comprehensive community college dedicated to student success and the intellectual and economic prosperity of the diverse communities we serve. Student Body Characteristics  4,168 students (fall 2011) *24% Hispanic students *18% African-American students * 6% other minority students *52% Caucasian students

Enrollment: Fall 2011 Workforce 50% Academic 50% Total Student Enrollment 4,168

Serves the communities located in Southern Brazoria county Major Regional Employers Dow Chemical BASF Corporation ConocoPhillips STP Nuclear Operating Company Brazosport ISD Brazosport Regional Health Systems Angleton/Danbury Medical Center

Enrollment (Credit) Technical 33% Academic 32% Undecided 35% Total Student Enrollment 10,591

One of 3 community colleges in Texas authorized to offer baccalaureate degree programs Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT)

Success is what counts. 13 Both colleges: Are Round Three ATD institutions… Have included a first-year-experience course as one of their key student success interventions… Have incorporated professional development as a key intervention…

Success is what counts. 14 Both colleges are ATD Leader Colleges!

Success is what counts. 15 But the continuity of Presidential leadership has differed at the two institutions, as Brazosport has enjoyed the leadership of the same President since 1996, while COM has been under the leadership of four different Presidencies during its ATD involvement!

Success is what counts. 16 So how have these two colleges, despite their different leadership situations, manifested their commitment to student success? Again… What does committed leadership really look like?

Success is what counts. 17 Essential elements of committed leadership…

Success is what counts. 18 Communication between top levels of leadership and those implementing the interventions!

Success is what counts. 19 Active relationships with the ATD coaches!

Success is what counts. 20 Active participation in the ATD Strategy Institutes!

Success is what counts. 21 Active participation in the interventions themselves!

Success is what counts. 22 Active commitment to the institutionalization of student success interventions!

Success is what counts. 23 What are the challenges facing administrators in their efforts to support success interventions?

Success is what counts. 24 How does administrative support of student success interventions lead to the development of a comprehensive student success agenda?

Success is what counts. 25 Questions?

Success is what counts. 26 Contact Information College of the Mainland Larry Durrence, Ph.D. Pam Millsap, Ph.D. Brazosport College Millicent Valek, Ph.D. Lynda Villanueva, Ph.D.