Two administrators with Columbus Technical College just wrapped up specialized training aimed at helping them improve their skills as leaders.

Executive Director of Community & College Relations Cheryl Myers completed a ten-month Executive Leadership Academy through the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Participation in the academy is highly selective and by invitation only. Myers was nominated by Columbus Technical College President Lorette M. Hoover. Representatives from each school in the system plus some administrators at the state level attended monthly sessions from July to May (excluding December) aimed at acquainting participants with the leadership and managerial responsibilities of TCSG executives. The program is geared primarily to the policies and procedures of the TCSG. Sessions focused on areas like student success, accreditation processes, budgeting, human resources, legal rights, community outreach and more. They were also treated to special tours of business partners like the KIA plant in West Point and Gulfstream in Savannah.

Exec. Dir. of Community & College Relations Cheryl Myers (center) poses with President of Coastal Pines Technical College Dr. Glenn Deibert and TCSG Chief Academic Officer Dr. Josephine Reed-Taylor and the ELA graduation ceremony.

“This was a phenomenal experience,” Myers said. “It was so rewarding to get out of our silos and interact with individuals not only from different institutions but from different backgrounds and departments. We all learned so much and I look forward to applying those skills and knowledge in my position here at Columbus Tech.”

Dean of Business Nicole Jackson has been selected as the next ELA participant from Columbus Technical College.

Accounting Manager Cynthia Graves was one of 20 individuals recognized for completing the Administrative Services Executive Academy in May. Attendees are those who work in administrative services departments at technical colleges within the state system.

“Attending the Executive Academy was a wonderful and fulfilling experience,” Graves said. “I appreciated the opportunity  to meet and learn with my peers from other technical colleges different aspects of the Technical College system.

Accounting Manager for Columbus Tech Cynthia Graves poses with TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin (right) and Assistant Commissioner for Administrative Services Lisa Eason.

The Administrative Services Executive Academy was established in 2013 to provide college business officers training in four 8-hour sessions that encompasses all areas involved in the administrative services departments. Training topics included: financial accounting and budget management, human resources, reporting to state and national offices and insurance and business office functions.