Professional Development
Our signature Professional Development programs help you develop a foundation for long-term professional success.
NCCCLAG
Professional Development Calendar
We are kicking off the 2022-2023 professional development series! See below for a detailed description of the events this season and register today.
All Professional Development Events are free to our Lifetime Alumni Members. These webinars are held in conjunction with the OLÉ sessions.
Professional Development & OLÉ Webinar Sessions
December 1, 2022 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Unlock your Leadership Potential
Presenters: Dr. Pat Akers
Description: Participants will be challenged to explore their leadership potential. Dr. Akers will suggest four critical skills needed for successful leaders. This session will include a leadership self awareness activity and well as resources and strategies to pursue or enhance leadership skills.
December 8, 2022 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Serving Students with Radical Hospitality
Presenters: Dr. Kim Sepich & Dr. Robert Shackleford
Description: In this interactive session Dr. Bob Shackleford, President Emeritus of Randolph Community College will share what it means to serve students with radical hospitality, and Dr. Kim Sepich will facilitate conversation about how this approach can be implemented in the student experience at any college.
January 24, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Ethics: The Heart of Leadership
Presenters: Dr. Robert Shackleford
Description: Why is integrity the single most indisputably essential trait of a good leader? Why is it so challenging to maintain integrity in all that we do? What are some practical guidelines for making ethical decisions? Dr. Shackleford will present a fresh look at the role of integrity in great leadership.
February 1, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Becoming a Champion of Change
Presenters: President Melissa Singler
Description: The higher Education community, along with the rest of the world, has been forced to embrace change. We may call it the “new” normal but really what we are saying is that our world is different now than it was before the pandemic, hurricane or whatever major life crisis has happened in the past 3-5 years. President Singler will seek to include the audience in discussions about these changes (both common and unique) and the strategies needed to align the institution and all stakeholders affected by change in a shared vision.
February 15, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Imagining Without Boundaries: Challenging the Status Quo and Leading Forward
Presenters: Dr. Janet Spriggs
Description: The most dangerous phrase in the human language is arguably, “the way we have always done it.” While change for the sake of change is never a good strategy, twenty-first century leaders must develop teams capable of seeing possibilities that are not confined by boundaries of the past. In this session, you will be challenged to imagine without boundaries and challenge the status quo in order to lead high-performing teams to success in a global, ever-evolving world.
February 23, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Using Data to Effect Institutional Change
Presenters: Dr. Yolanda Wilson & Dr. Michael Wingler
Description: Data sensemaking builds a culture of inquiry by asking the right questions about student success and challenging assumptions based on anecdotes versus evidence. As community college leaders, it is important to not only understand student success data as it relates to enrollment, retention, completion, and placement, but to also socialize data at every level of the organization for collective reflection and strategic action. This session will provide ways to build data analytic capacity among faculty and staff with the intent to continuously improve services and programs for students that lead to stronger, measurable outcomes.
March 8, 2023 | 3:00pm – 4:15pm
Topic: Quiet Quitting–How Should Leaders Respond
Presenters: Dr. Lisa Chapman
Description: "Quiet quitting" refers to doing the minimum requirements of one’s job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary. Dr. Chapman will discuss how leaders respond to this attitude.
March 21, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Performance Evaluation - Tips & Tools
Presenters: Dr. Pat Akers
Description: Do you, like most, dread performance reviews? Dr. Pat Akers will guide us through the performance review process from a holistic point of view. Learn how to develop an employee performance plan for which the employee is accountable.
April 13, 2023 | 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Topic: Generations Working Together
Presenters: Dr. Pamela Senegal
Description: Embracing Generational Differences—In every setting, we interact with a range of generations, from Baby Boomers to Generation Z. Participants will gain insights about what makes each generation unique along with practical strategies we can use as leaders to leverage this diversity to create an engaging and dynamic workplace.
Pre-Recorded Career Advancement Webinars. These session begin in January 2023 and you can choose to watch them anytime.
Topic: Writing Your Cover Letter to Apply for a Job
Presenters: Dr. Kim Sepich
Description: One of the most important aspects of applying for a job is the cover letter that addresses you ability to do the job. This webinar will provide helpful hints on what to say and what not to say and how to write a smashing letter.
Topic: Interview Skills - Do's and Don'ts
Presenters: Dr. John Enamait, Dr. Robert Shackleford, & Dr. Murray Williams
Description: Three presidents will give advice on preparing for an interview, performing in the interview, and following up after the interview.

Join us for three 90 minute book review sessions between February 2023—April 2023. Exact dates and times of these book club meetings will be announced soon—STAY TUNED!
Please pre-register for these events and purchase the book at the link below. Different chapters will be discussed at each of the three sessions.


Become a great boss through the straightforward, deeply human lessons of Radical Candor. These techniques maintain high employee satisfaction and drive stellar results that you’d never be able to accomplish otherwise. With the two guiding principles of radical candor—caring personally and challenging directly—you’ll build stronger relationships within your team and create a culture of sincere and helpful guidance, inspiring your team members to bring their best and most motivated selves to their work and their collaborations, every day.

Throughout the year, we offer innovative programs to enrich your personal and professional experience.

We want to hear YOUR ideas!
Would you like to be a presenter for NCCCLAG?
What sessions have you attended in the past that you would recommend?
Do you have Professional Development Ideas for NCCCLAG's future events?
Contact The NCCCLAG Management Team
North Carolina Community College Leadership Alumni Group (NCCCLAG)
North Carolina Community College Leadership Program, Founder
336.886.6983
pakers@nccclp.com
Sandhills
Community College
3395 Airport Road
Pinehurst, NC 28326
910.246.4128
mbridschge@nccclp.com
Catawba Valley
Community College
2550 Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828.327.7000 x4525
swilson@nccclp.com
Catawba Valley
Community College
828.327.7000 x4537
mboone@nccclp.com
Sandhills
Community College
910.695.3749
johnwilliamson@nccclp.com