Local college administrator selected to attend prestigious institute

Amanda L. Booren -- September 19, 2012

PASADENA, Texas – Dr. Barbara M. Hanson, vice president for learning at San Jacinto College Central, has been selected by a national review panel as one of only 24 community college leaders to attend the prestigious Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College. The 24 participants hold senior-level leadership positions in community colleges throughout the United States.

Gerardo E. de los Santos, president and CEO of the League for Innovation, said, “The review panel was extremely impressed with the quality of the applicants, which speaks well for the future vitality of the community college.”

When Dr. Hanson joined San Jacinto College in September 2009 she brought with her more than 25 years of experience, including 17 years in community college administration. She has served in such roles as chief academic officer, executive director for strategic program development, dean of instruction, division chair for modern languages, and has been a full-time faculty member teaching English as a Second Language and German.

In her role as vice president for learning, she has cultivated a relationship with Texas Chiropractic College that has resulted in experiential educational learning opportunities for San Jacinto College anatomy and physiology students, as well as massage therapy students. Dr. Hanson has organized, led, facilitated, and evaluated the operation of instructional programs and activities; facilitated the establishment of goals for programs and activities; and engaged staff, students, and the community in this shared vision.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to have been selected for this opportunity,” said Dr. Hanson. “I look forward to engaging with community college leaders from across the country. I would also like to thank Dr. Brenda Hellyer (San Jacinto College Chancellor) for supporting my application to this prestigious institute.”

Dr. Hanson holds a doctorate in educational leadership, with a specialization in language and culture, from Northern Arizona University; a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language from the University of Arizona; a Master of Arts in German and German Literature from the University of Arizona; and a Bachelor of Arts in German and Music from the University of Arizona.

“Barbara is passionate about students,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor, who recommended Dr. Hanson for the Institute. “Her experience and commitment to the mission of community colleges shows every day in her work, and I am excited for her to receive this esteemed opportunity.”

The Institute, to be held in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 2 – 7, 2012, provides an opportunity for potential community college presidents or those in transition to review their abilities and interests, to refine their skills, and to participate in discussions on leadership with an outstanding array of faculty drawn from among nationally and internationally recognized community college leaders. These include community college chief executive officers, experts in leadership development, community college trustees, presidential search consultants, members of the League for Innovation board of directors, and other prominent figures.

This is the Executive Leadership Institute’s 25^th year preparing senior-level community college administrators to successfully fill the presidential role.

About the League for Innovation in the Community College

The League is an international association dedicated since 1968 to catalyzing the community college movement. The League hosts conferences and institutes, develops web resources, conducts research, produces publications, provides services, and leads projects and initiatives with member colleges, corporate partners, and other agencies in a continuing effort to make a positive difference for students and communities.

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 more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.