Pictured from left to right:  Suzanne DeBlanc, San Jacinto College director of data management and adjunct computer science professor, and Cristina Cárdenas, speech professor at South campus, recently attended the prestigious LEADERS Institute in Baltimore, Md. and will perform research projects this year on institutional development and student success skills. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing department.

San Jacinto College professors assigned institutional research projects through LEADERS Institute

Jeannie Peng-Armao -- October 8, 2010

HOUSTON  — Suzanne DeBlanc and Cristina Cárdenas of San Jacinto College (SJC) will conduct yearlong research projects on institutional development and student success skills as a result of their recent attendance to the prestigious LEADERS Institute in Baltimore, Md.

An affiliate of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), the LEADERS Institute provides attendees with the chance to network with representatives from 30 community colleges. DeBlanc, SJC director of data management and adjunct computer science professor, and Cárdenas, speech professor at South campus, participated in activities related to policy development, student success, data driven decision making, managing change, budget development and management skill building, conflict management, team building, negotiation skills, and systems/strategic thinking and planning.

"There were women from all over the country," said Cárdenas. "This was such a positive, supportive and nurturing experience for us. The leaders of the institute, Dr. Barbara L. Tower and Sandra Kurtinitis, were wonderful and shared experiences with us about life as administrators and addressed issues that we all deal with while working in higher education."

The two professors also received an assignment to conduct research at San Jacinto College and report their findings to the LEADERS Institute mentor next year. Cárdenas will research competent communicators and student success skills by reviewing speech curriculum and coordinating with college prep courses. DeBlanc will use her background in information technology to map the student genome at San Jacinto College from prospective students to alumni. Both projects could result in data that will assist the implementation of future initiatives.

"The institute really helped open my eyes to the internal workings of community colleges and how I could use my existing skills in a variety of areas of the College," said DeBlanc. “Hopefully, with our projects, we can measure what we're doing and see if it's working and how we can better serve our students."

About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for nearly 50 years. We are committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of more than 29,000 students in over 140 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career-track choices. Students also benefit from the College’s workforce training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of ever-changing industry in the region. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.
            
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