(L to R): Brittany Coomes and Gigi Minter have graduated as fellows of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges’ Leadership Academy for Student Success.
Two Clark State College employees - Brittany Coomes, arts and sciences instructor, and Gigi Minter, financial aid director - have graduated as fellows of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges’ Leadership Academy for Student Success. This year-long, highly-regarded program brings together faculty and staff from across the state to deepen leadership skills, exchange ideas and strengthen strategies that drive student achievement.
“It’s an honor to recognize Brittany and Gigi for their commitment to leadership and student success,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president of Clark State College. “Creating a seamless educational experience that places student success at the center is the mission of Clark State. Their leadership will be instrumental in helping us deliver on that promise.”
Launched in 2019, the Ohio Leadership Academy was designed to strengthen internal leadership pipelines within Ohio’s 22 community colleges. The program has since gained national recognition and inspired similar initiatives in Michigan, New York and Texas, demonstrating Ohio’s forward-thinking approach to faculty and staff development.
Each year, college presidents nominate outstanding employees to join the academy. Over the course of the program, participants attend six leadership forums and collaborate on team projects. The curriculum, developed in part with the Washington, D.C.-based Aspen Institute, focuses on student-centered leadership and includes elements of a presidential leadership track tailored to the higher education landscape. Thanks to support from national philanthropic partners, colleges can participate in the program with minimal financial burden.
“The academy provides college leaders with tools to implement high-impact changes that support student achievement,” said Laura Rittner, vice president of operations and student success at OACC. “Supporting leaders like Brittany and Gigi helps colleges stay responsive to the evolving needs of their students, institutions and communities. As Ohio’s economy continues to expand with new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, aviation, cloud computing and clean energy, Clark State plays a key role in preparing a skilled, workforce-ready student body. Leadership development efforts like the academy are critical to maintaining that momentum.
“College leaders are instrumental in building environments where students thrive,” Rittner added. “This program invests in their professional growth so they can continue to drive meaningful, student-focused change.”