CCBO Leadership Academy: The only program of its type in the country

The CCBO Leadership Academy is an unparalleled opportunity for current and aspiring community college business officers to educate themselves on the various intricacies of the chief business officer leadership role. Dr. Ron Rhames, Leadership Academy Dean, has put together an excellent program for the classes of 2014 and 2015.

For those of you who are not familiar with the program, the CCBO Leadership Academy is a yearlong program beginning at one Annual Conference and concluding at the following Annual Conference. CCBO provides an experienced mentor for Academy students, and the participants engage in a project during the course of the year. Second year students then present their findings to their peers.

The knowledge shared in this program is the only educational source geared directly for the leadership role of community college business officers. The faculty is comprised of presidents, chief business officers, and community college leaders from around the nation. There is no other program of this type in the country.

"As a recent graduate of the CCBO Leadership Academy, I continue to reflect on the benefits of the program. Words cannot express the appreciation I have for the valuable relationships I have created as a result of the professional networking, with both class participants as well as the instructors." Just prior to her completion of the Academy, Dr. Mitchell had been promoted to the vice president of administrative services at Joliet Junior College. "My motto is to never stop learning. Professional development is imperative to continued success both personally and professionally."

As she enhances her professional career, she continues to support her colleagues across the country. Adding professional development to her resume has reflected her commitment to continued learning and has helped her achieve success. Dr. Mitchell has served on national and state committees, including the Economic Impact Study committee for the Illinois Community College Board and the Professional Development Committee for CCBO.

Attendance at the Academy includes full registration for two consecutive annual conferences and a yearlong mentorship.