BACKGROUND: What motivated you to run for this position, and what unique skills or experience make you the best candidate for the role?

I chose to run for this position because I have always loved Lee College and this position gives me the opportunity to serve another demographic of students. I am the only candidate that has direct access to students across many districts and will use that access to create better communication about programs and opportunities that Lee College has to offer. Watching my mom go through the nursing program as a child also gives me insight on how Lee College also serves older students.

ISSUES: What are the two (2) most critical issues you plan to tackle as a Board Member, and what specific strategies or initiatives will you implement to address them?

The 1st issue is to improve communication between the community and the college. I will use my resources and relationships within the community and across social media to keep all stakeholders informed about opportunities and information about Lee College. The 2nd issue is to provide more transparency about our financial situation and do my best to provide tax payers with a tax decrease when possible. We have to make sure that our financial future is strong for years to come.

FUTURE: What is your vision for the community college system over the next 20 years, and what actions should the Board of Trustees take to achieve it?

My vision for the community college system is create programs and systems that create graduates that are highly qualified and job ready immediately after graduation, or have the requirements to pursue a higher degree of their choice. The board should seek to expand programs that are innovative and futuristic. The board should also capitalize on its relationships with surrounding school districts in an effort to grow the dual enrollment programs.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: How will you engage community stakeholders, students, and staff in the Board's decision-making process?

I will engage them by continuing to be active in the community, sharing information, advocating for video recordings of meetings, and being responsive to emails and inquiries. With regards to students, we have to find ways to meet them where they are. Many of them are not informed on how the college is governed or how decisions directly affect their college experience. I want to educate them to be informed and active citizens in their local government.

COLLEGE: What are the strengths of your community college system, and what do you appreciate most about it?

Our community college is truly about the community! I love that it provides a safe learning environment and offers education that truly helps its students become fully qualified in fields that usually generate great income or prepares them for their next level of education. They have also done an awesome job at supporting students financially from providing low costing classes and even providing the 1st semester for free for many students.