Lone Star College and Ferris State University announced an alliance that allows students the ability to earn a doctorate in Community College Leadership at the LSC-University Center at The Woodlands.

“Today is an example of creative partnership,” said Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, LSC executive vice chancellor, Academic & Student Success during a ribbon cutting ceremony. “We’re really pleased that the first cohort has started to develop future community college leaders.”

The FSU Community College Leadership program is for leaders of mission-driven, 21st-century community colleges. Courses are taught by experienced college leaders, including current and recent community college presidents, vice presidents and deans. FSU is located in Big Rapids, Michigan.

“This is an absolutely fantastic day,” said Dr. Paul Blake, Ferris State University, Academic Affairs provost and vice president. “We are incredibly grateful for this partnership.”

Courses generally run 7 ½ weeks each and include face-to-face and online components. The program, designed to prepare leaders for the changing environments in education, uses an inquiry-based, problem-solving, action-oriented approach to help develop essential skills that will lead to success, regardless of the level from which the graduates will lead.

Topics include finance, technology, resource development, marketing, teaching and learning, policy, and leadership.

“I am so enthused every time I see an opportunity for the community to better itself,” said Dr. Alton Smith, LSC Board chair who spoke at the event.

Also in attendance were; Ken Lloyd, LSC Board secretary; along with Dr. Katherine Persson, LSC-Kingwood president; Dr. Rebecca Riley, LSC-Montgomery president; Dr. Gerald Napoles, LSC-North Harris president; Dr. Lee Ann Nutt, LSC-Tomball president and Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park president. The first cohort of class members, consisting of 23 students, and other FSU officials were also present at the ceremony.

In addition to offering the Community College Leadership program, LSC has agreements to create seamless transition from a LSC associate degree to bachelor’s degrees with many other universities in Texas and nationwide. For more information go to LoneStar.edu/academic-programs-transfer.htm.

Lone Star College and Ferris State University have partnered to offer courses that can lead to a doctorate in Community College Leadership. Pictured (left to right) are Dr. Harvey Smith, LSC executive vice chancellor, Academic & Student Success; Dr. Roberta Teahen, FSU, Doctorate in Community College Leadership director; Dr. Paul Blake, FSU, Academic Affairs provost and vice president; Dr. Alton Smith, LSC Board chair; Helen Clougherty, LSC vice chancellor, Chief of Staff and board liaison; and Ken Lloyd, LSC Board secretary.

Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 99,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.