CCAC Administrators Participate in National CEO Mentoring Institute

Pittsburgh

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has announced the participation of three of the college's administrators in the Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership. Juel Smith, Dr. Tiffany Evans and Dr. Vladimir St. Surin recently participated in the institute's 2022 gathering held Oct. 2-7 in Pittsburgh.

Sponsored by the Presidents' Round Table of African American CEOs of Community Colleges, the Lakin Leadership Mentoring Program is a national professional development activity designed with the intent of preparing senior-level executives for roles as community college chief executive officers. The intensive program provides a personal and professional development experience for selected individuals who have demonstrated a potential for expanded leadership roles in their current or future responsibilities within community colleges.

Ms. Smith, a resident of the city's East Liberty area, is a research scientist. As CCAC dean of sciences, she responsible for oversight of collegewide science programming and curriculum. She also serves as director of the CCAC Healthcare Careers Academy. Previously a tenured professor of sciences and an academic advisor at CCAC's Boyce Campus, Ms. Smith has held various administrative positions at the college, including associate dean of allied health & sciences and interim associate dean of academic affairs, Boyce Campus. Ms. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Carlow University and earned a master's in biology from Duquesne University. She is currently in the final stages of completing her doctoral degree in instructional technology and leadership at Duquesne University.

Dr. Tiffany Evans, a resident of Cranberry Township, is CCAC dean of students responsible for student success. Previously, she was the assistant dean of the Braddock Hills Center and CCAC director of registration and advisement. Dr. Evans holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Duquesne University and an MBA from DeVry University. She earned her doctoral degree in instructional management and leadership at Robert Morris University.

Dr. Vladimir St. Surin, a resident of Imperial, is CCAC dean of students responsible for student life and engagement, athletics, and workforce and job readiness. He also serves as Director of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program and adjunct faculty within the Computer Information Technology & Student First Year Experience programs. Previously, he was assistant dean for the Homewood-Brushton Center. He has also served in various administrative positions at CCAC. Dr. St. Surin attended Robert Morris University where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications/media productions, a master's degree in information systems and a doctoral degree in communication & information systems.

Held annually, the Lakin Leadership Mentoring Program is open to African American participants whose experience and credentials indicate they are ready to attain the highest leadership positions. The program is an opportunity for open dialogue with chancellors, presidents and CEOs and covers all aspects of academic leadership.

 

About the Lakin Leadership Mentoring Program

Since its inception in 1994, the Lakin Leadership Mentoring Program, named in honor of Dr. Thomas Lakin, former chancellor of the Ventura County (CA) Community College District, has had nearly 200 participants and is known for having the highest graduate placement rate of any leadership institute for placement of African Americans in CEO positions in the United States. One of three participants have become a college chancellor, president or CEO. The Presidents' Round Table is an affiliate organization of the National Council on Black American Affairs and the American Association of Community Colleges. The Council is designed to provide Black community college presidents with an operational network including mentoring and internship opportunities and professional development and advancement.