"Ethnic minorities are going to be the majority, so the opportunities are going to be there," she says. "Mentoring faculty and upper managers is highly important. Even undergrads need to be targeted so we can move them on up and get them prepared."
Sharing Ideas Around The Presidents' Table
In 1983, an affiliate organization of the Council on Black American Affairs was established to promote the professional development Of African American community college presidents and to provide mentoring, networking, and internship opportunities for Blacks to have practical administrative experiences and presidential aspirations.
That organization is the Presidents' Roundtable, and convener Dr. Belle Wheelan says its members are dedicated to changing the demographics of the nation's community college leadership.
"We [African Americans] are underrepresented when you look at fall the] community colleges across the country," Wheelan says.
The Roundtable not only gives presidents an opportunity to guide others, but it allows them to share ideas and, Mien necessary, to commiserate.
"All of us belong to other organizations but when we get together, it's our opportunity to he us," Wheelan says. "We don't have to worry about who's watching."
"We are good for each other's mental health," adds Dr. Dori Phelps, another member of the group.
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