iCollege Talks To Dr. Charlene Dukes, President of Prince George's Community College

Forest Of The Rain Productions has an exclusive interview with Dr. Charlene Dukes, President of Prince George's Community College can be heard on The Journey Begins Internet Radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator.


BIO

Dr. Charlene M. Dukes is the eighth and first female president of Prince George’s Community College and has twenty-eight years of progressive leadership experience and administrative responsibility in higher education. With more than 40,000 students, Prince George’s Community College offers more than 200 credit and workforce development programs. She holds membership in a variety of professional organizations, including serving as a founder and lead faculty member for the Community College Student Development Leadership Institute under the auspices of the National Council on Student Development, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges; the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators through which she served on the National Academy Board; the Council of Law in Higher Education; and the Maryland Network, an affiliate of the Office of Women in Higher Education/American Council on Education. Additionally she serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council of the American Association of Community Colleges, the Lifelong Learning Commission of the American Council on Education, and the Presidents’ Round Table, an affiliate of the National Council on Black American Affairs.

From 2002 through 2006, she served on the Appointed Board of Education of Prince George’s County and chaired the Student Support, Student Appeals, and Personnel Committees. In May 2007, she accepted an appointment from Governor Martin O’Malley to serve a three-year term on the Maryland State Board of Education and was elected in July 2009 as vice-president of the Board. In October 2007, the African-American Alumni Council of the University of Pittsburgh recognized Dr. Dukes as an Outstanding Alumnus, and in 2008, she received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 2009, she received the “1St Ladies Award” given by Radio One and My Sister’s Keeper Organization and the “Luminary Award” from the Prince George’s County Black Chamber of Commerce.

She has participated in the Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the League for Innovation, Women in Leadership sponsored by the Office of Women in Higher Education/American Council on Education, and the National Leadership Academy sponsored the Association of Community College Trustees. She has also served as adjunct faculty at the Community College of Allegheny County in the English Department, at Prince George's Community College in Developmental Studies, and at Morgan State University in the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program.

She is a member of the board of directors of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, the Business Round Table, the Harlem Renaissance Foundation, College Summit, and a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Dukes has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an English concentration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s and Doctorate in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She resides in Glenn Dale, Maryland with her son, Maurice Dukes, a student at Howard University.

An exclusive interview with Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Maryland's State Superintendent of Schools

An exclusive interview with Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Maryland's State Superintendent of Schools can be heard on The Journey Begins Internet Radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator.

For the second straight year, Maryland’s public education system received number one rankings in 2010 from Education Week; the College Board for Advanced Placement performance; and, once again, Newsweek for the highest percentage of rigorous high schools in America. We should all be truly proud for these consistent and remarkable accomplishments.

BIO

First Lady of Education A woman of courage who dared to make a difference. A tireless advocate for education These are just a few of the phrases Maryland’s media and civic leaders have used to describe Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, Maryland’s first female state superintendent and the U.S.’s longest serving appointed schools chief. Dr. Grasmick is known for her strong focus on student achievement, teacher quality, parent involvement, public school funding, and early childhood education.

Under Dr. Grasmick’s leadership, Maryland is nationally recognized for its many achievements. In January 2008, Education Week—the U.S.’s leading education newspaper—ranked Maryland’s public school system 3rd–best in the nation and said that Maryland is the country’s most consistently high–performing state.

The ranking is based on more than 150 indicators, including scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP); high school graduation rates; Advanced Placement performance (an indicator on which Maryland ranks #2 nationwide); and the alignment of preK–12 education with early learning, college, and work place expectations. Many of the pioneering policies enacted over Dr. Grasmick’s 17–year tenure—instituting an explicit preK–12 curriculum; developing statewide assessments and holding schools and school systems accountable for their results; desegregating performance data by race, poverty, disability, and English fluency—have become commonplace in American classrooms.

Dr. Grasmick’s career in education began as a teacher of deaf children at the William S. Baer School in Baltimore City. She subsequently served as a classroom and resource teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent, and associate superintendent in the Baltimore County Public Schools. In 1989, Governor William Donald Schaeffer appointed her Special Secretary for Children, Youth, and Families and, in 1991, the Maryland State Board of Education appointed her State Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Grasmick received her doctorate from the Johns Hopkins University, her master’s degree from Gallaudet University, and her bachelor’s degree from Towson University. Her numerous board and commission appointments include the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education, the U.S. Army War College Board of Visitors, the Towson University Board of Visitors, and the Maryland Business Round Table for Education. In 2005, she was appointed to the National Academy of Sciences committee responsible for Rising Above the Gathering Storm, the landmark report on U.S. economic competitiveness.

Dr. Grasmick has received many awards for her visionary leadership, including the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. In 2007, Loyola College in Maryland awarded Dr. Grasmick its President’s Medal in honor of her professional accomplishments and service to the community. She was also named a 2007 Influential Marylander by The Daily Record.

Dr. Grasmick is the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Education Commission of the States’ James Bryant Conant Award for her outstanding contributions to American education. In 2005, Maryland’s education head quarters was renamed the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building. In 2004, Dr. Grasmick was inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. She also received the Johns Hopkins Woodrow Wilson Award for Government Service. In 2003, the Education Commission of the States gave Maryland its State Innovation Award for excellence in education policy development.

That same year, Dr. Grasmick was inducted into The Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence, an honor bestowed only on those named to the newspaper’s Top 100 Women list more than three times. In 2001, Dr. Grasmick was presented the Ronald McDonald Foundation’s Spirit of Children Award for her advocacy and support of young children. Dr. Grasmick is a frequent guest columnist in such journals as Education Week, Educational Leadership, and School Administrator. Her innovative ideas and proven successes have been featured in such media outlets as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and the BBC.

Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies

Furrer & Skinner (2002) acknowledged parental engagement has an important role in the motivation of student academic performance and relationship with their teachers. According to researchers parental involvement “is a common vehicle for bringing teachers and parents together in schools” (Pushor, 2007, p.2). To that end, Forest Of The Rain Productions is hosting a one day parental engagement conference The purpose of the 2010 “Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies” is to support the efforts of parents, communities and schools to create partnerships to impact children learning and academic achievement.

During this remarkable one day conference, seminal researchers and experts in community outreach, public education, and family involvement will present best practices, strategies and evidence based method for developing and improving parental engagement programs. Conference topics are: (a) Effective Strategies to Engage Hispanic Families; (b) National Parental Engagement Policies and Best Practices; (c) How to Effectively Engage Military Families; (d) Parental Engagement: A Superintendent’s Perspective; (e) The Importance of Parent, Community and School Partnerships; (f) Parental Engagement at The High School Level; and (g) The Benefits of Parental Engagement.

Please make plans to attend!

Name: “Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies”

Date: October 8, 2010

Time: 8am-4:30pm

Location: Comfort Suites Hotel, Laurel, Maryland

Registration Deadline: September 27, 2010

Cost: $65.00 per person

Who Should Attend: School Administrators, Parents, Teachers, Community Stakeholders, PTA members and all who support the partnership between homes and schools.

Register online at "Creating Diversity In Our Parental Engagement Strategies"

Contact Information: Forest Of The Rain Productions
P.O. Box 326
Savage, Maryland 20763
240.593.3813
www.forestoftherain.net
forestoftherain@gmail.com

An exclusive interview with Mr. Michael Jackson candidate for County Executive in Prince George's County, Maryland

An exclusive interview with Mr. Michael Jackson is a candidate for County Executive in Prince George's County, Maryland can heard at on Parents and PGCPS: An EduSocial Network for the engaged parent and dedicated educator. Mr. Michael Jackson will appear on the eCommunity Affairs. The show will air on August 2, 2010. To join the conversation visit Parents and PGCPS

Michael Jackson is currently serving his second consecutive four-year term as Sheriff of Prince George’s County.A former marine reservist, grounded in his religious faith as a life-long member of Mount Calvary Catholic Church, a leader who is determined to use his skills and executive leadership in service to the people, Michael Jackson, 45, is the man to take Prince George’s County from potential to abundant prosperity for all.

Michael Jackson started life on a farm in Upper Marlboro, moved to Maryland Gardens as a youngster, went to Marlboro Elementary School, and then top-tested into rigorous, academically-recognized Crossland High School.

At each stage of his career and motivated by purpose before self, he added to his educational credentials, graduating from The Johns Hopkins University with a Masters Degree in Management Science. Michael Jackson both possesses and demonstrates the management and leadership skills needed to serve Prince George’s County.

Michael knows that great work is not a solo activity. And, change begins with the “Man in the Mirror.”With your vote, Michael Jackson will make a change in Prince George’s County so that it can be all that it can be.

Michael resides in Brandywine, Maryland with his wife Kim, and they have one adult son, Aaron, and two grandchildren.

Ms. Patricia J. Fletcher of the Prince George's County Board of Education Talks About The Importance Of Parental Engagement

An exclusive interview with Ms. Patricia J. Fletcher of the Prince George's County Board Education can heard on The Journey Begins Internet Radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator. Ms. Fletcher will appear on the Educational Gateway, a weekly broadcast hosted by Michael Robinson. The show will air on July 21, 2o1o. To join the conversation, follow the link below.

The Journey Begins, Internet Radio for the Engage Parent and Dedicated Educator!

BIO

A 30-year resident of Prince George's County, Patricia J. Fletcher was elected on November 7, 2006, to a four-year term on the Prince George's County Board of Education to represent the residents of School Board District 3. She has two adult children who were educated in the Prince George's County Public Schools; one is a teacher in the public school system, and the other is a Cosmetology Instructor at a private school. Ms. Fletcher also has four grandchildren who are enrolled in the Prince George's County Public Schools.

A community activist for many years, Ms. Fletcher is President of the Kentland/Columbia Park Boy's and Girl's Club; Vice President of the G. James Gholson Middle School PTA; Past President of the Forestville High School and John Carroll Elementary School PTAs; Past-President of AFSCME Local 2095 and Village Green Mutual Homes, Inc.; Member of the Prince George's Multicultural Alliance; and serves on Youth and Political Committees.

Ms. Fletcher has worked for 26 years as a District of Columbia Mental Health Counselor and Forensic Psych Technician. She worked for 5 years as Staff Representative and Chief Negotiator for Arbitration, Mediation, and Grievances with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees - Council 67.

Ms. Fletcher currently serves as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Coordinator with the Prince George's County Department of Family Services (LTGF).

Prince George's County Administrators Focus on Student Achievement

Administrators from Prince George’s County Public Schools will gather together June 28-30, 2010 at Northwestern High School for the annual Summer Leadership Conference. Focusing on the message of this year’s conference – Framing the Future: Committing to Results – principals and assistant principals will attend workshops on instructional strategies, interventions, and system initiatives.

The three-day conference will open on June 28 with greetings from the Board of Education Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq., and remarks from School Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite, Jr. who will unveil the school district’s five new goals for the upcoming school year. Charlotte Danielson will serve as this year’s guest speaker.

Danielson is the creator of the Framework for Teaching model which PGCPS currently uses for its work with teacher effectiveness.

An Interview with Dr. Ernest McNealy, President of Stillman College

The Journey Begins, Internet Radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator will air an exclusive interview with Dr. Ernest McNealy, President of Stillman College. Dr. McNealy sat down with Ms. Michel S. Davis-Robinson on the set of the iCollege Tour Series to discuss the role of small colleges and how they are remaining vital in the competitive world of postsecondary education.

Dr. Ernest McNealey, Stillman College’s fifth president, is an educational leader, artist, and advocate for the common good. Dr. McNealey’s academic appointments have been marked by increasing levels of responsibility. He began as an instructor of art at a four-year college and, prior to assuming the Stillman presidency, had advanced to a Deanship at a Carnegie I research institution.

Dr. McNealey has been at the forefront of educational initiatives, serving in key leadership roles. Among his professional activities has been the following: Member, APCURM Board of Directors (Presently); Member, NCAA D-II Presidents Council (Presently); Member, Board for the HBCU Capital Financing Program (2006 - 2009); Member, Southern Education Foundation HBCU Advisory Board (Presently); President, Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities (2003-2004); Treasurer, Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities (2004- 2005); Member, Educational Testing Service – HBCUs Advisory Board (2002 – Present); Chairman (Presently), Member of the Board, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (2002-2008); Member, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Program Advisory Committee (Presently); Member, Paul R. Jones Collection Advisory Board (Presently); Member of the Board, United Negro College Fund (2002-2004); Commissioner, Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (2001-2006); Executive Council, SACS/COC (2005 - 2006); Director, National Bank of Commerce, Tuscaloosa, Al. (1997-2005); Member, Board of Directors, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra (1998-2003); Member, Governor’s Office of Employee Relations, SUNY Management Negotiating Team with the United University Professions Union (1995-97); and Executive Editor, The Journal of Undergraduate Research, The State University of New York at Stony Brook (1994-97). Presently, he is active in the areas of planning, assessment, and accreditation.

Dr. McNealey was also an award-winning artist, having garnered honors in juried exhibitions, including an award from Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. He has completed commissions from major corporations, including Anheuser-Busch and R.J. Reynolds, and rendered numerous designs for a variety of civic and social associations.

Dr. McNealey holds a Ph.D. from Ohio State University, a master’s from Indiana University, a Bachelor’s from Alabama State University, and a certificate on the Academic Presidency from Harvard University. He is a member and elder at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and a founding member of 100 Black Men of West Alabama.

An Exclusive Interview With Dr. Terrance E. Suarez, president of Mountain Empire Community College

Dr. Terrance E. Suarez will appear on The Journey Begins Internet Radio for the engaged parent and dedicated educator to discuss the issue of Remedial Education and some of the innovative approaches Mountain Empire Community College has taken to support the academic achievement of students enrolled in remedial education courses.

Dr. Terrance E. Suarez became president of Mountain Empire Community College on January 2, 2002.

Dr. Suarez has 37 years of experience in the Virginia Community College System, beginning as a founding faculty member at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where he taught chemistry. In 1979, Dr. Suarez moved to Wytheville Community College and served as Division Chair of Allied Health and Science Programs. Later he served as Dean of Instruction and Student Services. He also served as Acting President during the fall term of 1999.

Dr. Suarez holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree from Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd College) in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Since moving to Big Stone Gap, Virginia and Mountain Empire Community College, he has been active in economic development efforts and civic groups in the region. In addition to serving on the Board of the Virginia Economic Bridge, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Wise County Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Workforce Network, the Cove Ridge Center Foundation, Pro-Art, Lonesome Pine Arts & Crafts, the Southwest Virginia MTC, Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Southwest Virginia Workforce Investment Board and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

He is also active in the Kiwanis Club of Big Stone Gap, the Lee County Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Coalfield Coalition, and many other local and regional organizations. Dr. Suarez was also presented the Distinguished Service Award from the Wytheville Kiwanis Club.

As president of Mountain Empire Community College, one of Dr. Suarez’s priorities has been to work with area school systems to improve existing partnerships and develop joint projects that address the changing needs of students in the region.

He plans to retire on June 30, 2010.

Budget Woes Impact Higher Education

America’s financial climate has resulted in many community colleges exploring new ways to perform the business of education. The fiscal challenges confronting 2-year colleges have required them to examine their financial structure. As a result of their assessment, community colleges have discovered revenue challenges exist. These challenges are significant areas of concern for community college leadership. For many these fiscal challenges’ represent a threat to the quality of services to students. To prevent major service reductions and changes, institutions have considered implementing cost saving strategies aimed at sustaining high level programs designed to continue student engagement while offering affordable services.

Many of the actions and recommendations suggested by community colleges to reduce expenditures have met with support from State legislature, primarily because states are expecting a serve budget shortfall (Gregg 2009). For example, according to Dulper (2009) the Washington State policymakers will cut the education budget by $500 million, a $158 million over the first proposal released in December. The revised budget has caused community colleges to scramble in an effort to find ways to make reductions and ensuring access.