Where are they now? Featuring: Bonny Copenhaver

where are they NOW? BONNY COPENHAVER

Educational Leadership, Ed.D. Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis ETSU, 2002

Why did you choose ETSU for your education?

What is your current position and/ or research?

I was fortunate to attend ETSU not only for my doctoral degree, but also my MA and BS in English. My grandmother graduated from what was then East Tennessee Normal School in 1922, and my mother attended East Tennessee State College in the early 1950s. I was proud to carry on their legacy and tradition.

President of New River Community and Technical College; I am the fourth president of the College and the first female president.

What does your current position/ research entail? How did your time at ETSU prepare you for your career? What advice would you offer current or future graduate students?

I have the honor to work with a great staff and faculty that are dedicated to bringing student-focused higher education and training to the people of southeastern West Virginia. New River CTC has a nine-county service area, which was hit by the reduction in coal mining. In order to reverse the economic downturn associated with the decline in mining, a well-trained and educated workforce is needed so that business and industries will want to locate in this part of the state. As President, a large part of my job is to advocate for my College and for the efficacy of community colleges as an economic driver. I represent my College at a variety of functions, and I never get tired of talking about my College to anyone who will listen.

I decided that I wanted to be a community college president when I was a faculty member. I knew that returning to school for an advanced degree would help me prepare, because I needed an understanding of leadership theory and other related topics. My Ed. D. gave me a great foundation that I could layer with experience.

What professors/advisors were instrumental in helping you get to this point?

Without question, Dr. Hal Knight has been, and continues to be a part of my professional journey. He was my program advisor and later my dissertation chair. He encouraged me and supported my research ideas. He has been a professional reference for me for the majority of my jobs along the way, and I am truly grateful for his support and encouragement over the years.

First, I would say that you have to be open to the process of education. Many times, an advanced degree is seen merely an obstacle to be crossed in order to get whatever is desired, but then we miss out on so much of what an advanced degree has to offer. To engage with the material, the professor, and other classmates make the process more meaningful. Second, find one person in your life that will hold you accountable to finish the degree. Finding that trusted friend, co-worker, or family member who will push you when you need it and applaud you when you complete a milestone can make the difference between dropping out and graduating.