IDSL 894 - An Essay on Doctoral Practicum Experiences

Veronica Wilkerson Johnson

March 2, 2014
Through my doctoral studies in the Doctorate in Community College
Leadership (DCCL) program at Ferris State University I am gaining an
increased knowledge and appreciation for the intrinsic value that
community colleges have in our society. This semester our individual
Practicum projects have availed our Cohort of the opportunity to
pursue a variety of experiences in community college culture.
While, as students, we are all pursuing various practicum endeavors, it
is fortunate to note that three of my fellow doctoral Cohort members
and I have been invited to present at the 2014 American Association of
Community Colleges (AACC) Convention in Washington, D.C. The
theme of our talk will be "Challenges to Reinventing the Community
College Model".
The four of us will present, collectively, various aspects of challenges
and opportunities facing community colleges in the 21st century,
particularly developmental education, academic advising, the physical
learning environment, and the funding of higher education. We will
explore these areas as a part of the broader AACC discussion on
innovative ideas that empower community colleges to help them
achieve greater success.
My discussion will embrace the importance of providing students an
engaging and state-of-the-art learning environment. For this role I will

share what the Lansing Community College has undertaken to

transform its teaching and learning environments by creating new
classroom and study settings for the students.

IDSL 894 - An Essay on Doctoral Practicum Experiences

Veronica Wilkerson Johnson
March 2, 2014
Page 2
When we think of reinventing the community college model in the face
of changing realities for community colleges, it is good to consider
physical environment innovations as a part of the new education
paradigm. LCC has invested in innovations from technology rich
classrooms, and laboratories, to student-centered commons that invite
collaboration and a sense of well-being in a number of its campus
buildings. For decades to come, this learning centered focus,
transforming the infrastructure of decades old classroom buildings, will
aid LCCs quest to connect students, faculty, administrators, and the
community in a common bond that insures the fulfillment of best
practices and student success.
It is exciting that my colleagues and I are reaching beyond classroom
borders this semester to partake in conversations with community
college professionals from across the nation. In this adventure we are
learning about the evolving successes and challenges that many face
as we seek to become leaders in the ever-changing landscape of
America's community colleges.

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