Meet Susan Moreland (PLSP-ECMC Foundation fellow)

Meet Susan Moreland, dean of health sciences, nursing & public safety at Colorado Mountain College. Moreland’s interview appears as part of a spotlight series on 2020–21 fellows in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation.

What leadership skills do you hope to develop as part of the Postsecond­ary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation?

As part of the PLSP–ECMC Foundation, I hope to develop leadership skills that will enhance my ability to secure a win-win strategic partnership built on trust, common values, mutual respect, open communication, synergy and a shared vision. As dean for health sciences, nursing & public safety, I oversee 14 collegewide CTE programs. My areas of responsibility continues to grow, necessitating enhanced partnerships with local entities to secure commitment for initiatives that will translate to more relevant career pathways for our students.

How do you anticipate your participation in the program will better equip you to support career and technical edu­cation (CTE) students, particularly underserved groups, toward career success?

My participation will better equip me to effectively collaborate with secondary school CTE programs so they can reap the benefits of partnering with a local community college. Our CTE programs span 12,000 square miles and nine rural counties in mountainous Colorado.

The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation provides the opportunity to learn about ACTE’s Quality CTE Program of Study Framework, and also provides guidance on how to partner with local and state leaders.

It provides the opportunity to examine postsecondary CTE programs across the nation and develop best practices to better serve our rural population.

In your opinion, what are the most important elements of professional development for postsecondary leaders?

In order to have a high-quality postsecondary CTE program, a quality leader must be at the helm. This leader must have the essential skills and knowledge to function effectively in the CTE world. The leader must also possess the people skills for relationship- and consensus-building, and they must display integrity, empathy and humility. The most successful professional development for postsecondary leaders takes into consideration all of the above mentioned areas. It also provides for high-quality training and educational activities along with career growth and developmental opportunities.

Learn more about the PLSP–ECMC Foundation.

The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation presents a yearlong professional development experience. The program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. Applications for the third cohort accepted Oct. 1–Dec. 15.