ELLISVILLE –Three members of Jones College’s administration were part of the 16th class of the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy. Jones College’s Assistant Vice President of Business Affairs and Controller, Lynn Grillo, CPA, Executive Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Christy Holifield, CTP, JM, and Athletic Director, Chris Robinson graduated with about 30 additional members of the MCCLA recently. The MCCLA program provides an internal look at how the Community College system in Mississippi has developed into a world-class educational system. These graduates are the state’s answer to preparing for the leadership needs of the community colleges.
Besides the knowledge gained during the last year from the state’s educational leaders, JC’s graduates said they also appreciate the new network of friendships and discovered this program is an invaluable opportunity for everyone working in the community college system.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the MCCLA program. It was great to see how administrative decisions are made and discussed. This program will help me become a better athletic director as it helps me with decision making, networking and managing personnel,” said Robinson.
All 15 of the state’s community colleges and several universities send at least two candidates to the year-long program where leaders meet for three, two day-long sessions. Participants are also required to read seven books and work with a group on a research project. College presidents offer their insight, experiences and advice in an open forum to prepare these future educational leaders. The professional development training for leadership roles ensures the continuity of competent leaders for Mississippi’s higher education needs.
Graduates of MCCLA’s professional and leadership training can earn up to nine-college graduate credits in the Education Leadership program at Mississippi State University, which is also a sponsor of the MCCLA. Other colleges and universities also accept these credits in their doctoral programs. The Academy was designed and implemented by the Mississippi Community College Foundation with support from the Stennis Institute of Government at MSU as a method of addressing the need for a leadership succession plan.
