As We See It

The American Community College movement has become an international movement. Why would other nations want to replicate this movement, this institution of higher education? The answer can be simple or complex depending upon your perspective, but the foundation is the same . . . people helping people to develop personally and professionally. The American public has learned throughout history that the success of our organizations, both public and private, is truly dependent upon the people comprising them. Now, enter the global environment where boundaries have been erased, or at least blurred, and the continued success of our organizations will, again, depend upon the people doing the work to compete in this new, expanded arena. And, it will be the community college that, again, acts to develop in our citizens' new personal and employment skills, as well as the preparation to excel in universities at home and abroad. Additionally, the community college must continue to strengthen its evolving role in economic development as well as its expanding partnership with the nation's K-12 system. This is a comprehensive and ambitious mission, but it is also the reason that the American Community College is an essential ingredient to this country's success, and it is why other countries want to emulate the American system. Thus, we need visionary leaders in our community colleges. It is the passion of past and current leaders that has defined our success to this point, and it will be your passion that defines a future that no other sector of higher education shall match. In the spirit of the community college approach to personal and professional development, we bring the teachings and advice of our experts to you. The three authors of AS WE SEE IT are such experts. I am personally and professionally acquainted with each of them and the wisdom they have shared is fundamental to success in an education system that has become a world leader on many fronts. The lessons they have learned in their careers are illustrated for you as a guide, a primer, for your community college administrative career. Take to heart their teachings and use their book as a reference as you progress in your own career and carry the "people's college" to new heights. Keith Miller, Ph. D. President, Greenville Technical College Chairman of the Board, American Association of Community Colleges