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Featured Photo: The 2024-2025 Western Community College Leadership Program class stands together after their program graduation ceremony. (Photo provided courtesy of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.)
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This year, six current and rising leaders at Blue Ridge Community College graduated from leadership development programs designed to prepare the next generation of community college leadership. Selected by the College’s president and leadership team, these accomplished employees gained skills and knowledge designed to propel them toward greater impact and influence in their work.
“Congratulations to our six outstanding Blue Ridge employees for completing these respected leadership programs,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. “Their dedication to personal growth – ultimately in service to our students – reflects the very heart of Blue Ridge Community College’s mission, and we are proud to support them in their continued leadership journeys.”
The Western Community College Leadership Academy
The Western Community College Leadership Academy (WCCLA), established in 2021, is a collaborative leadership development initiative among four regional institutions: Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, Haywood Community College, and Southwestern Community College. Each year, up to five employees from each college are selected by their presidents and senior leadership teams to participate.
The academy is designed to cultivate high-performing, values-driven leaders who think strategically and collaborate effectively within and across institutions. Over a nine-month period, participants engage in monthly sessions focused on key leadership topics such as emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, core values, leadership styles, and professional growth. The program emphasizes innovation, agility, and regional collaboration, equipping participants with the skills to navigate and shape the evolving landscape of higher education.
This year’s 2024-2025 participants from Blue Ridge Community College included Courtney Edney, director of finance; Lynde Mickey, nursing instructor; Marcus Roberson, career coach; Daniel Wesley, emergency medical sciences program director; and Amy Williford, director of information technology.
The program’s graduation ceremony took place on April 28, 2025, at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
The North Carolina Community College Leadership Program
The North Carolina Community College Leadership Program (NCCCLP) is a six-month, cohort-based initiative designed to develop and support emerging leaders within the North Carolina Community College System. Each year, approximately 35 mid-career professionals are selected by their college presidents to participate in a series of in-person retreats focused on leadership development, networking, and best practices tailored to current challenges in higher education.
Established in 1989, the program is now housed at the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, equipping its graduates with the skills needed to serve as presidents, vice presidents, deans, and other key leaders throughout the state’s 58 community colleges and beyond.
This year, Blue Ridge Community College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences Debbie Dewitt, Ph.D., attended and graduated from the NCCCLP. She said the program was an excellent opportunity to make meaningful connections with peers across the state for the purpose of strengthening our institutions of higher education.
“The Leadership Academy had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally,” said Dr. Dewitt. “It provided a space for deep reflection on my leadership style, clarified my core values, and helped me better understand my strengths and areas for growth. Through interactive workshops, peer discussions, and mentorship, I gained practical tools to lead with more confidence, empathy, and strategic thinking.”
The 2024-2025 NCCLP program celebrated its Spring Class of 2025 graduates on May 14, 2025.
Blue Ridge Community College also offers several leadership development pathways and opportunities for students, business leaders, and community members through the Blue Ridge Leadership Institute. More information is available at www.blueridge.edu/leadership.