Leading the Educational Revolution!
DearReaders,
Intoday'srapidlychangingeducationallandscape,theroleofvisionaryleadershasnever beenmorecrucial.Theeducationindustryisundergoingsignificanttransformation, influencedbytechnologicaladvancements,evolvingteachingmethodologies,andshifting societalexpectations.Aseducatorsandinstitutionsadapttomeetthedemandsofadigital ageandpreparestudentsforanuncertainfuture,theleadershipprovidedbyeducation leadersbecomesparamount.Theseleadersarenotonlytaskedwithnavigatingcomplex challengesbutalsowithinspiringinnovation,fosteringinclusivity,anddrivingexcellence inteachingandlearning.
InthiseditionofTheEducationMagazine,wespotlight “The 10 Inspiring Education Leaders, 2024,” recognizingindividualswhoaremakingaprofoundimpactonthefield ofeducationthroughtheirvisionaryleadership,dedication,andcommitmenttostudent success.
Theseleadershailfromdiverseeducationalbackgroundsandinstitutions,yettheysharea commongoal:toshapethefutureofeducationandempowerstudentstoachievetheirfull potential.Fromchampioningequityanddiversitytoimplementinginnovativeteaching strategiesandleveragingtechnologyforenhancedlearningexperiences,theseeducation leadersareattheforefrontofdrivingpositivechangeintheeducationsector
OurcoverstoryfeaturesDr.RyanRuda,PresidentandCEOofGardenCity CommunityCollege,whosetransformativeleadershiphaspropelledtheinstitutionto newheightsofexcellenceandimpact.UnderDr.Ruda'sguidance,GardenCity CommunityCollegehasbecomeabeaconofeducationalinnovation,providingstudents withaccesstohigh-qualityacademicprograms,careerpathways,andsupportservices.Dr. Ruda'svisionaryapproachtoleadershipandhisunwaveringcommitmenttostudent successserveasamodelforeducatorsandinstitutionsacrossthenation.
Inadditiontoourcoverstory,thiseditionshowcasesprofilesofotherinspiringeducation leaders,includingDr.SandyKiddoo,Dr.MautraJones,Dr.EricJones,andMirta Martin.Eachprofileoffersinsightsintotheirleadershipphilosophies,accomplishments, andcontributionstothefieldofeducation,highlightingthediversetalentsand perspectivesdrivingpositivechangeintheeducationallandscape.
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C O N T E N
Christopher R Boyer www.nau.edu
www.lonestar.edu
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson www.pennwest.edu
Dr. Evan D. Du www.ncwu.edu Dr. Eric Jones www.machias.edu
Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. www.troy.edu
Dr. Ryan Ruda www.gcccks.edu
Dr. Mautra Jones www.occc.edu
Dr. Sandy Kiddoo www.northlandcollege.edu
Mirta Martin www.ferrum.edu
Dr. Ryan J. Ruda GCCC's
Keypoints:
●Dr.RyanJ.Ruda, PresidentandCEOofGarden CityCommunityCollege(GCCC),envisionscreating pathwaysforstudentsandstakeholdersinpursuitof educationandtraining.
●UnderDr.Ruda’sleadership,GCCCaddresses challengesinhighereducation,implementinga StrategicEnrollmentManagementplanand collaboratingwithindustrypartnersforupskillingand workforcedevelopment.
●Inanidealscenariowithlimitlessresources,Dr. Rudawouldaimforamoreseamlesstransitionand transferofcreditsinhighereducation,aswellas increasedaccesstofederalfundstomakeeducationa rightforall.
“Creatingpathwaysforstudentsandstakeholders.”
That’sthevisionDr.RyanJ.Ruda hasforGarden CityCommunityCollege(GCCC),whereheservesas thePresidentandCEO.GCCCisthelongest consecutiveservingcommunitycollegeinKansas,with ahistoryofprovidingqualityeducationandtraining since1919.
Dr.RyanRudaneverplannedtobeacommunity collegepresident.Hehadadifferentcareerpathin mindwhenhegraduatedwithabachelor’sdegreein criminaljustice.HewantedtobeaHighwayPatrol officer
Butlifehadotherplansforhim.Hefoundhispassion inhelpingstudentsachievetheiracademicandpersonal goals,andheneverlookedback.
UnderDr.Ruda’sleadership,GCCChasbeenadapting tothechanginglandscapeofhighereducation, especiallyinthewakeoftheCOVID-19pandemic. Oneofthesignificanttrendsisthedecreaseincollegegoingrateandtheprojecteddeclineinthenumberof highschoolgraduatesoverthenext3-5years.
Toaddressthischallenge,Dr.Rudahasimplementeda StrategicEnrollmentManagementplanatGCCCthat focusesonintentionalrecruitmentandstrategiesfor retention,studentsuccess,andgraduation.Thecollege hasalsobeenbuildingshort-termcompletion opportunitiesandworkingwithindustrypartnersto createupskillingandworkforcedevelopment opportunitiesforstudentsandthecommunity.
TheEducationMagazinerecentlyspokewithDr.Ruda, whosharedhisinsightsontheopportunitiesand challengesfacingcommunitycollegestoday.He emphasizedtheimportanceofinnovation, collaboration,andcommunicationinleadinga successfulinstitution.Healsohighlightedthe achievementsandinitiativesofGCCC,suchasthe expansionofonlineandhybridcourses,the developmentofnewprogramsandcertificates,andthe enhancementofstudentsupportservices.
TEM:YouhavebeenleadingGardenCity CommunityCollegeasthePresidentandCEOsince 2019.Whatinspiredyoutopursueacareerin highereducationandcommunitycollegeleadership?
Dr.Ruda:Well,itwasnotsomethingIplanned fromthebeginning.Myundergraduatedegreeisin criminaljustice,andIwantedtobeaHighway Patrolofficer.However,lifehadotherplansforme. WhenIfinishedmybachelor’sdegree,mywifewas workingonhermaster’sdegreeatFortHaysState University.So,Idecidedtojoinherandenrollina graduateprogramaswell.IchoseCounselingwith anemphasisonHigherEducation,andthat’showI becameinterestedinthefieldofeducation.
Aftercompletingmymaster’sdegree,Iappliedfora positionasaProfessionalMentalHealthCounselor andAcademicAdvisoratGardenCityCommunity College.Iwasfortunatetogetthejobandstartmy careerthere.Ienjoyedworkingwithstudentsand helpingthemachievetheiracademicandpersonal goals.
IworkedasaCounselorandAdvisorfortenyears, andthenIbecametheDirectorofCounseling.After that,IwasappointedastheVicePresidentof
“Youmustseek
firsttounderstand beforebeing understood.
-StephenCovey
“Beanactive listenerand seekinputand engagement.”
StudentServicesandalsotookontherolesofAthletic DirectorandVicePresidentforInstructionforsevenyears.
Duringthistime,IdecidedtopursuemyDoctoratein CommunityCollegeLeadership.Ienrolledintheprogram offeredbytheNationalAmericanUniversitywithDr.John Roueche,whoisarenownedexpertandleaderinthefield. Theprogramwasgreatandprovidedmewithmentoring, connections,andbackgroundthatledmetotheroleof President.In2018,IwasnamedinterimPresidentbefore beingnamedPresidentandCEOin2019.
TEM:BriefusabouttheestablishmentoftheGarden CityCommunityCollege.Whataretheacademic programs/coursesofferedbytheinstitute?
Dr.Ruda:GardenCityCommunityCollegehasalong andrichhistory.ItwasfoundedinApril1919asabranch ofthepublicschoolsystem.In1965,thestatelegislature passedtheCommunityCollegeAct,whichgavecounty votersthepowertoelecttheirownboardoftrusteesand establishaseparatecommunitycollegedistrict.Thatsame year,constructionbeganonthecurrentcampus,which spanssixty-threeacresandhasfourteenbuildings.
Ourmissionistoproducepositivecontributorstothe economicandsocialwell-beingofsociety Wedothisby offeringqualityeducationandtrainingtoourstudentsand community
Wehaveawiderangeofprogramsandcoursestosuitthe diverseneedsandinterestsofourstudents.Weofferover fortyassociatedegreeprograms,bothacademicand technical,andtwelvecertificateprograms.Someofour popularprogramsinclude:
●Agriculture&AnimalScience
●Business,Management&Marketing
●FineArts&Humanities
●Nursing&AlliedHealthProfessions
●PublicSafety(CriminalJustice,EMS,FireScience)
●Science&Mathematics
●Trades(Automotive,Carpentry,IndustrialMaintenance, Robotics,Welding)
TEM:AstheleaderofGardenCityCommunity College,youmustbeawareofthevariouschallenges thatstudentsfaceinpursuinghighereducation.How doesGCCChelpthemovercomethesechallengesand achievetheirgoals?
Dr.Ruda:AtGCCC,wearecommittedtoprovidingquality educationandsupporttoourstudentsandcommunity.We understandthattherearemanyobstaclesthatstudentsface, suchasaccess,affordability,distance,andpersonalandmental healthissues.Wehavetakenseveralstepstoaddressthese challengesandmakeeducationmoreaccessible,affordable, andrelevantforourstudentswhilemaintainingastudent-first customerserviceapproach.
Oneofthewayswehaveenhancedaccessisbysecuring federalfundingtoimplementZoom-enabledclassrooms throughoutourregionforeachhighschoolinourservicearea. Theseclassroomsallowustoexpandourdualcreditand programofferingstooutreachlocationsandlinkthemtorealtimeclassinstructiononcampus.Thisway,studentscan accessavarietyofcoursesandprogramswithouthavingto travellongdistancesorcompromiseonquality.
Affordabilityisanotherkeyfactorthatweconsider.Wehave notincreasedourtuitionforthepastthreeyears,andwehave madeitaninstitutionalprioritytogrowourendowed scholarshipsforstudents.Wehaveembarkedonascholarship initiativewithagoalofincreasingfiftynewendowed scholarships.Wehavealsoidentifiedandworkedwith individualsanddonorswhoshareourvisionandmissionand arewillingtosupportourstudentsfinancially.
TEM:Howdoyouhelpyourstudentspursuetheirfouryeardegreeopportunities,especiallywhentheclosest bachelor’sdegree-grantinginstitutionisovertwohours awayfromGardenCity?
Dr.Ruda:Weknowthatmanyofourstudentswantto continuetheireducationaftercompletingtheirassociate degree,buttheymayfacebarrierssuchasdistance,cost,or familyobligations.That’swhywehavedeveloped partnershipswithuniversitiestoofferbachelor’sdegree programsin-personinGardenCity
WehaveforgedtwonewpartnershipswithNewman Universitytoofferbusinessandnursingdegreecompletionin GardenCity,aswellaswithFortHaysStateUniversityto offerSocialWorkdegreesinGardenCity.
Thesepartnershipsallowourstudentstocompletetheir bachelor’sdegreeintheirowncommunitywhilebenefiting fromtheresourcesandexpertiseofbothGCCCandthe university.Thisalsoallowsthetalentpipelinetoremaininour communitywhilecompletingeducationratherthanhavingto recruitthembackfromuniversitiesupondegreecompletion.
TEM:Finally,howdoyouaddress thepersonalandmentalhealth needsofyourstudents,whichare oftenoverlookedorneglectedin highereducation?
Dr.Ruda:Werecognizethatpersonal andmentalhealthareessentialfor studentsuccessandwell-being.We havecreatedpartnershipsandmade servicesavailableindifferentaspects tomeettheneedsofourstudents.We havepartneredwithlocalmental healthproviderstoprovidein-person counselingoncampus,whichisfree ofchargetostudents.
WehavealsoworkedwithourStudent GovernmentAssociationtoimplement online,personal,andmentalhealth counselingservicesavailableto students.
Thistelehealthserviceisfreeof chargetostudents,andavailable24/7, 365.Thisservicehelpscreateunique andpersonalizedservicesforstudents, whichseparatesGCCCfromother institutionswhilealsoprovidingthe servicesthathelpdrivestudent success.
TEM:YouhavebeenthePresident andCEOofGCCCsince2019. Whataretheprimaryrolesand responsibilitiesthatcomewiththis position?
Dr.Ruda:BeingthePresidentand CEOofGardenCityCommunity Collegeisadynamicandrewarding role.Mymainresponsibilitiesareto advocatefortheinstitution,toensure transparencyandaccountability,and toleadthecollegeinfulfillingits mission.Ourmissionistobestudentcentered,community-mindedand focusedonproducingpositive contributorstotheeconomicand socialwell-beingofsociety
“Leadership isachoice, nota position.Use leadershipto influence positive change.”
Toachievethismission,weareinthe peoplebusiness.Weconstantlystrive tocreatepartnerships,build relationships,andtakecareofpeople.I believesuccessisaccomplisheddueto thepeoplewithinyourorganization.At GCCC,wefollowthemindsetofbeing Hungry,Humble,andSmartinhowwe approachourwork.Thismindsetisat thecoreofbest-servingstudentsand thecommunitywhilemeetingour mission.
TEM:Thatsoundsveryimpressive. Canyoutellusaboutsomeofthe accomplishmentsthatyouandyour teamhaveachievedduringyour tenureasPresidentandCEO?
Dr.Ruda:Sure.Therearemany accomplishmentsthatIamproudof, butIwillmentionafew.First,wehave securedafederalSTEMgrantto expandandenhanceourdegree offeringsforstudentsinscience, technology,engineering,and mathematics.
WehavealsobuiltanewSTEM SuccessCenteroncampus,which
providesstate-of-the-artfacilities andresourcesforourstudentsand faculty.Second,wehaveincreased ourprogramofferingsonthe technicalside,suchaswelding, automotive,industrialmachine mechanic,andcarpentry,tobe responsivetotheindustry’sneeds anddemands.
Third,wehavebeenrecognizedas oneofthe“MostPromisingPlaces toWork”in2019,2021,and2023by NISODandDiverseMagazine, whichreflectsourcommitmentto diversity,equity,andinclusion.
Fourth,wehavebeenrankedasthe #1transferinstitutioninKansasfor communitycolleges,whichshows oursuccessinpreparingourstudents fortheirfour-yeardegree opportunities.
TEM:Communitycollegesplaya crucialroleinprovidingaccessible education.Howdoyouensurethat theGCCCremainsaccessibleand inclusivefordiverselearnersfrom differentbackgroundsand socioeconomiclevels?
Dr.Ruda:Accessandaffordability arethecorevaluesofcommunity colleges.GCCCisaHispanicservinginstitution,withover50%of ourstudentdemographics identifyingasHispanic.
Additionally,nearly80%ofour studentbodyisfirst-generation.With ourdemographicsinmind,muchof ourStrategicEnrollment Managementplanfocusesonhow weunderstand,identify,and implementsolutionstowardsvarious equitygapswhilealsokeepingopen linesofcommunicationwithall studentpopulationstoensurethatwe areresponsivetostudentneeds.
Wecontinuallyseekwaystoengageandreceive feedbackfromstudentsandstakeholdersto addressaccessandinclusivity.GCCCholdsa varietyofpublicforumsandlisteningsessions toprovideavenuesandopportunitiesforthe publictogivefeedbackandinquiries.
TEM:Manyparentsfacechallengeslike limitedresourcesorcompetingpriorities. Whatareyourtopthreepiecesofadvicefor parentstosupporttheirchildren's educationaljourney,fromearlyyears throughhighereducation?
Dr.Ruda:Highereducationcreatesopportunity Degrees,certificates,andworkforcetrainingcan opendoorsforemployabilityandupward mobilityintheworkforce.Forexample,based onarecenteconomicimpactstudyatGCCC, ourcollegegraduatesearnanadditional$17,500 annuallycomparedtostudentswithahigh schooldiploma.Thisincreaseinearning potentialonlycompoundsovertime.Therefore, Iwouldadviseparentstoencouragetheir childrentopursuehighereducationandlifelong learning.
Anotherpieceofadviceistoutilizeandtake advantageoftheresourcesandservices availablethroughyourlocalcommunitycollege. Communitycollegesofferavarietyofprograms andsupportforstudentsofallagesand backgrounds.Whetheryouneedassistancewith scholarshipapplicationorFAFSA,helpwith careerguidance/counseling,oropportunitiesto advanceinyourcurrentcareer,community collegeshaveavastarrayofservicesandstand readytobearesourcetothecommunity
TEM:Imagineyouhavelimitlessresources. Whatarethethingsthatyouwouldliketo changeabouttheeducationsystem?
Dr.Ruda:OneofthethingsIwouldliketo changeistheeaseofaccesstohighereducation. Highereducationcanbedauntingand challengingtonavigateformanystudents, especiallythosewhocomefromunderprivileged backgroundsorfaceotherbarriers. Havingamoreseamlesstransitionandtransfer
ofcreditsbetweendifferentinstitutionsis criticalforensuringthatstudentscanpursue theireducationalgoalswithoutlosingtimeor money.Creatingmoreseamlesspathwaysand navigationintohighereducationaswellasease ofsecureddatasharing,wouldbeadvantageous forbothstudentsandeducators.
AnotherthingIwouldliketochangeistheease ofaccesstofederalfunds,suchasgrants,loans, andscholarships,whichwouldhelpoffsetthe costofhighereducationandmakeitmore accessibleandinclusiveforeveryone.Ibelieve thathighereducationshouldnotbeaprivilege, butarightforallwhoseekit.
TEM:Howdoyouensureyourwork-life balance?Whatareyourhobbies/interests beyondthecabin?
Dr.Ruda:Maintainingabalanceisextremely importanttome.Familyiseverything. Throughoutmycareer,myfamilyhasbeena strongsupporterandencourager Asmy daughtersgrewup,weembracedcollege activitiesandeventsasameansofspending timetogether.
Everythingfromparadestofineartseventsto athleticeventsandstudentactivitieshasbeena waytospendqualitytimewhilemaintaininga connectiontocollegeandfamily.Fromthis,our familyenjoysoutdooractivities.Wespendtime togethercampingaswellastraveling.
TRANSFORMING BOTANY EDUCATION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Dr
.EricJonesisaremarkableeducator transformingthelearningexperienceforbotany studentsandthecommunity AsanAssociate ProfessorofBotanyandFacultyPresidentatthe UniversityofMaineatMachias,Dr.Jonesiscommitted torevolutionizingeducation.Hisuniqueapproach empowersstudents,andtheeducationcommunityhighly regardshiscontributions.
With11yearsofexperienceasaprofessor,Dr.Joneshas gatheredknowledgefrominfluentialleadershehas encounteredthroughouthiscareer.Inhisview,educational leadersfaceachallengingtask:assistingstudentsin achievingtheirgoalswhilefosteringacultureofshared governancewiththefacultyresponsiblefordesigningand sustainingacademicprograms.
AccordingtoDr.Jones,influentialeducationalleaders possessessentialqualitiessuchashonesty,integrity, empathy,andawillingnesstoprioritizethegreatergood overpersonalinterests.Hefirmlybelievesthatleaders shouldapproachtheirroleasaserviceratherthana positionofpower.Withhispositiveoutlookonleadership, Dr.Jonesconfidentlyasserts, “I have been in leadership roles for most of my life and I’ve learned that a good leader sees their position as one of service rather than one of power.”
Let’sdelveintohisimpressivejourneyandexplorehis commitmenttotheeducationindustry.
EmbarkingonanEducationalJourney
FromhisearlydaysasamemberoftheBoyScoutsof America,Dr.Jonesdiscoveredhistruecalling:tomakea meaningfulimpactontheworld.Motivatedbyan unwaveringdetermination,hedevelopedanatural inclinationtopositivelyinfluencethelivesofothers throughactiveparticipationincommunityservice initiatives.Asafirst-generation,non-traditionalcollege studentatTallahasseeCommunityCollege(TCC),Dr Jones’scommitmenttoexcellencepropelledhimforward, ultimatelyleadingtohisbachelor’sandPh.D.inbiology fromtheprestigiousFloridaStateUniversity(FSU).
Whenitcametimetochooseaprofessionalpath,Dr Jones’sintuitiondrewhimtowardteaching,recognizingthe immensesatisfactionitbrings.Helpingindividualsand nurturingtheirintellectualgrowthbecamehissourceof profoundjoy,fueledbydeepcuriosity.Moreover,ashe delveddeeperintohisstudies,biologycapturedhis attentionwiththedeepcomplexityofDNAandthediverse ecosystemssurroundingus.
ShortlyaftercompletinghisPh.D.,Dr.Jonesembracedthe prominentroleofbotanyprofessorattheUniversityof MaineatMachias.Alongsidehisacademic accomplishments,heexcelledasateachingassistantacross disciplines,rangingfrommathematicstobiology,atboth TCCandFSU.Whilehisinitialresearchexploredplant matingsystems,hiscurrentpassionliesintransforming educationalpractices.
Motivatedtoengagestudentsactively,Dr.Jonesstandsat theforefrontofdevelopinggamifiedflippedclasses.This innovativeapproachignitesasenseofwonderinlearners insideandoutsidethetraditionalclassroomsetting. Simultaneously,heencouragesstudentinvolvementin conductingnaturalresourceinventoriesforaregionalland trust.Thiscollaborativeeffortspansvariouscourses,with studentsmeticulouslyplanningandexecutingthese inventories.Insupport,studentworkersintheherbarium diligentlycurateplantcollections,servingasaccompanying vouchersfortheproject.
EvolutionoftheUniversity
TheUniversityofMaineatMachias(UMM)hasarich historyrootedineducation.Initiallyestablishedin1952as theWashingtonStateTeachers’College,itevolvedfromthe WashingtonStateNormalSchool,foundedin1911.After joiningtheUniversityofMaineSystem(UMS)in1968,it becametheUniversityofMaineatMachiasin1970. Recognizingitsuniquelocationamongdiversenatural communitiesUMMexpandeditsfocustoincludescience andbiologyin1973.Today,UMMproudlyservesasthe regionalcampusoftheUniversityofMaine,collaborating withitscounterparttodefineamutuallybeneficial relationship.
DR. ERIC JONES
Associate Professor of Botany and Faculty President
University of Maine at Machias
PHOTOCREDITS - DR. ERIC H. JONES
ArrayofAcademicPrograms
TheUniversityofMaineatMachias (UMM)offersextensiveacademic programs,includingIntegrativeBiology, MarineBiology,Psychologyand CommunityStudies,Education,Small BusinessManagement,Recreationand OutdoorLeadership,andtheCreative Arts.Theseprogramsactivelycontribute tostudents’growthanddevelopment, equippingthemwithessentialskillsand fosteringadeepsenseofcommunity service.
Theinstitution’semphasisonservice learningdrivesstudentstoapplytheir classroomknowledgetopractical situations,establishinginvaluable connectionswithprospectiveemployers. Byengaginginhands-onexperiences, studentsgainaprofoundunderstandingof translatingtheoryintoaction,preparing themtoexcelintheirchosenfields.
“When it came time to choose a career path, education made the most sense to me because I nd it a rewarding experience.
PHOTOCREDITS -
DR. ERIC H. JONES
Beyondtechnicalproficiency,UMM recognizestheimportanceof cultivatingsoftskillscrucialfor professionalsuccess.Effective communication,collaborative teamwork,andadaptabilityare nurtured;ensuringgraduatespossessa well-roundedskillsetthatempowers themtothriveindiversework environments.
AdvocacyforAcademic Empowerment
Dr.Jonesisaleaderforfacultyrights athisinstitutionandacrossthe universityaspresidentofthefaculty assembly.Hebridgesthegapbetween educatorsandadministratorsand diligentlyhearsallsides.Dr.Jonesalso promotesstudentempowermentby ensuringstudentparticipationat facultymeetingswheretheyarefreeto voicetheirownconcerns.
Inresponsetochangesinonlinecourse deliveryduringthepandemic,Dr.Jones hadtomodifyhisteachingmethods, notablytheflippedclassroomstrategy Heworkedtocreategamifiedcourse structuresthatutilizetheLearning ManagementSystem(LMS)topresent informationengagingly.Drawingfrom hisexperienceasalifelongplayerof role-playinggames,hecreatedafictional universewherestudentsutilizetheir knowledgetorespondtoinquiriesabout uniquespecies.Thisnarrative-based approachrecognizesandchallenges students’achievements.Theindividuals associatedwiththeCenterforInnovation inTeachingandLearningathis universityhavesupportedhimandhis colleaguesintheseefforts.
DiversityandInclusionontheCampus
Everysuccessfulinstitutefollowsa diversesystemofadministration.UMM’s visionofdiversityis “a resource that strengthens the learning process and energizes the campus community, being mindful that it can be a source of misunderstandings and wasted potential,” statesChristopherRichards, DirectorofEnrollment.Furthermore,Dr. Jonesaddsacouplemorestatements justifyingwhattheirperspective describesasdiversity
●Consideringthediversityandreflecting onandstrengtheningindividualand institutionalvaluesisessential.
●Researchhasshownthatdiversity initiativesaremoreeffectivein environmentswithsharedvalues suchasacademicexcellence,civic responsibility,self-respect,and goodwilltowardsthecampus community.
●UMMwarmlywelcomesinternational studentsandhighlyvaluestheir contributionstothecampus community.ExceptforCanadians,
“ Diversity is the tie that binds, linking together the curricular and the extracurricular, the individual and the collective, and one group to another.
– Christopher Richards, Director of Enrollment
whopayin-statetuitionfees, internationalstudentspaythesame tuitionasdomesticout-of-state students.
QuestforHolisticEducation
Achangeintheeducationsystemafter everyspecifiedtenureisessential. Whenaskedaboutpotentialchanges andintegration,Dr.Jonesresponded subtly
Heseekstoredefineeducationby bridgingcareerpreparednesswitha deepappreciationforliberalarts. Recognizingthevalueof interdisciplinarylearning,headvocates foraholisticframeworkthatfosters personalgrowthandenriches professionalendeavors.Drivenby genuineconcernoverthe commercializationofhighereducation, heaimstoshiftthefocusbacktoa comprehensiveeducationalmindset.
Withthepowertoeffecttransformative change,Dr.Jonesenvisionsafuture wherestudentspossesspracticalskills forsuccesswhileembracingabreadth ofdisciplinesthatnurturecritical thinkingandempathy.Throughhis visionaryleadership,hestrivesto
empowerstudentsasintellectually curious,sociallyaware,andadaptable individualsreadytonavigatea complexworld.Hence,hestates, “If I had the power to change one aspect of higher education, I would shift the focus to one of a deeper appreciation for a holistic educational mindset.”
WiseWordsofAdvice
Dr.Jonessuggeststhateducation leadersenactthefollowingpointsfor ahealthyeducationsystem.
●Iadvisethoseinacademiatopay closeattentiontoindividuals.We educateindividuals.Itisindividuals whocreateandmaintainprograms ofstudy.
●Appreciatingdiversitygoesbeyond justlookingatdemographicdata.It meansvaluingwhateachindividual contributestooursharedgoals.
●Tobeeffective,wemustcultivate empathy,humility,andcuriosity andbeopentolearningfromour students.
HOW AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY
is the Key to Sustainable and Resilient Farming Practices
Whatifyoucouldgrowmorefoodwith lesswater,energy,andland?Whatif youcouldreducetheenvironmental impactofagricultureandimprovethequalityand safetyoffood?Also,whatifyoucoulduse agriculturetechnologytomakefarmingmore sustainableandresilient?
ThesearesomeofthequestionsthatAgriculture Technology,orAgTech,aimstoanswer.
AgTechistheuseofinnovativetechnologiesto enhancetheefficiency,productivity,and sustainabilityoffarmingpractices.Itcanhelp farmerscopewiththechallengesfacingmodern agriculture,suchasclimatechange,resource scarcity,populationgrowth,andothers. Additionally,AgTechcanalsohelpensurefood securityforfuturegenerationsbycreatingmore sustainableandresilientfoodsystems.
Inthisblogpost,wewillexploresomeofthemost excitingandpromisingexamplesofAgTechthatare transformingthewaywegrow,process,and consumefood.Wewillalsodiscusssomeofthe challengesandopportunitiesthatAgTechpresents forfarmers,consumers,andtheplanet.
JoinusaswediscoverhowAgriculture Technologycanhelpuscreateamoresustainable andresilientfutureforfood.
1.TheRiseofAgricultureTechnology
AgricultureTechnology,orAgTech,istheuseof innovativetoolsandsolutionstoenhancethe efficiencyandproductivityoffarming.AgTechalso encompassesvariousaspectsofagriculture,suchas precisionagriculture,robotics,drones,sensors,data analytics,andmore.Thesetechnologiesenable farmerstomonitor,manage,andoptimizetheir cropsandlivestockmoresmartlyandsustainably
AgTechisnotanewconcept,butithasevolved significantlyovertime.ThehistoryofAgTechcan betracedbacktotheearlyinventionsofirrigation systems,plows,andfertilizers,whichtransformed theagriculturallandscape.
Inthe20thcentury,AgTechwitnessedfurther advancements,suchasthedevelopmentoftractors,
pesticides,hybridseeds,andbiotechnology However,theseinnovationsincreasedtheyield andqualityofagriculturalproductsbutalso raisedsomeenvironmentalandsocialconcerns.
Inthe21stcentury,AgTechisenteringanewera ofdigitalizationandautomation,drivenbythe rapidgrowthofinformationandcommunication technologies.SomeofthemodernAgTech innovationsindifferentareasare:
Crop monitoring drones
Theseareunmannedaerialvehiclesthatcan capturehigh-resolutionimagesanddataof crops,suchasplanthealth,soilmoisture,and pestinfestation.Dronescanhelpfarmers identifyandaddressissuesinreal-time,and reducetheneedformanualinspection.
AI-powered irrigation systems
Thesearesmartsystemsthatcananalyze weather,soil,andcropdata,andautomatically adjustthewatersupplytoeachplant.AIpoweredirrigationsystemscanhelpfarmers savewater,energy,andlaborcosts,andimprove cropqualityandyield.
Vertical farming technologies
Theseareindoorfarmingmethodsthatuse controlledenvironments,suchashydroponics, aeroponics,oraquaponics,togrowcrops vertically Verticalfarmingtechnologiescanhelp farmersovercomethelimitationsofland, climate,andseasonality,andproducefreshand nutritiousfoodallyearround.
ThesearejustsomeexamplesofhowAgTechis revolutionizingtheagriculturesector.By adoptingthesetechnologies,farmerscannot onlyincreasetheirprofitabilityand competitivenessbutalsocontributetoimproved sustainabilityandresilience.
AgricultureTechnologycanhelpreducethe environmentalimpactofagriculture,suchas waterconsumption,greenhousegasemissions, andchemicalusage,andenhancefoodsecurity andsafetyforthegrowingpopulation.
2.SustainabilityBenefitsofAgTech
AgricultureTechnology(AgTech)makesfarmingmoresustainableand resilient.Itusesmanytechnologiestoimprovesustainability.Theyalsoinclude resourceefficiency,soilhealth,reducedemissions,wastemanagement,and conservation&biodiversity.
AgTechsavesresources.Sensors,drones,anddataanalyticshelpfarmersuse water,energy,andchemicalswisely Thisalsolowerscosts,boostscropquality andyield,andpreservesnaturalresources.
Itimprovessoilhealth.Precisionagriculture,robotics,andbiotechnology enhancesoilfertility,preventerosion,andincreasebiodiversity.Thismakes thelandmoreproductiveandresilient.
AgricultureTechnologylowersemissions.Renewableenergy,electricvehicles, andcarboncapturereducegreenhousegasemissionsandfightclimatechange. Moreover,thisshrinkstheenvironmentalimpactofagricultureandsupports globalaction.
AgTechmanageswaste.Biodegradablepackaging,composting,andanaerobic digestionhandleandrecyclewasteonfarms.Thiscutspollution,createsvalue fromwaste,andbuildscirculareconomymodels.
Itprotectsconservation&biodiversity.Satelliteimagery,blockchain,and artificialintelligencemonitorandsafeguardwildlife,habitats,andecosystems. ThiskeepsthenaturalheritageanddiversityoflifeonEarth.
AgTechisasourceofinnovationandefficiencyandadriverofsustainability andresilience.AgricultureTechnologychangeshowwefarmandcareforour planet.
3.ResilienceBenefitsofAgTech
AgTechboostsresilienceandadaptation.Ithelpsfarmswithchallengeslike climatechange,disease,andmarketchanges.Itbenefitsfarmersand consumers.
AgTechimprovesclimateresilience.Ithelpsfarmerswithclimaterisksand opportunities.Moreover,technologieslikeforecasting,irrigation,insurance, andpestmanagementhelpfarmersreducelosses,increaseyields,anddiversify crops.
AgTechenhancesdiseaseandpestcontrol.Ithelpsfarmerswithpest anddiseasepractices.Also,technologieslikemonitoring,biocontrol, andagriculturebiotechnologyhelpfarmersdetectandpreventdiseases andpests,lowerpesticideandantibioticuse,andimprovecropand animalhealthandquality.
Moreover,AgTechenablesdata-drivendecisions.Ithelpsfarmerswith resourceandriskmanagement.Technologieslikeanalytics,AI,and blockchainhelpfarmerscollectandanalyzedatafromsoil,crops, animals,markets,andconsumers,andoptimizetheirplansand operations.
Furthermore,AgTechtacklesmarketfluctuations.Ithelpsfarmerswith changingmarketandconsumerneeds.Technologieslikee-commerce, traceability,andsmartcontractshelpfarmersaccessnewmarkets, increasetransparencyandtrust,andgetfairpricesandpayments.
Inaddition,AgTechisasourceofinnovationandefficiencyanda driverofresilienceandadaptation.Ithelpsfarmscopewithandthrive inchallengesandcreatespositiveimpacts.Forinstance,AgTechcan helpfarmersloweremissions,savewater,andenhancefoodsecurity.
However,AgTechalsofacessomechallengesandlimitations.Some farmersmaylacktheskills,resources,orinfrastructureforAgTech. SomeconsumersmayhaveconcernsorpreferencesaboutAgTech products.Also,AgTechneedstoaddresstheseissuesandbalancethe interestsofstakeholders.
4.ChallengesandConsiderationsforAgTechAdoption
AgricultureTechnologyisapromisingandexcitingfield.Itoffers manybenefitsforfarmers,consumers,andtheenvironment.However, AgTechalsofacessomechallengesandconcerns.Theseincludecost, access,digitaldivide,andethicalconsiderations.
CostisoneofthemainbarrierstoAgTechadoption.AgTechcanbe expensivetoacquire,install,andmaintain.Manyfarmers,especially smallholders,maynothavethefinancialresourcesorincentivesto investinAgTech.Therefore,thereisaneedformoreaffordableand accessibleAgTechsolutions,aswellassupportivepoliciesand financingmechanisms.
However,AgTechalsofacessomechallenges andlimitations.Somefarmersmaylackthe skills,resources,orinfrastructureforAgTech. Someconsumersmayhaveconcernsor preferencesaboutAgTechproducts.Also, AgTechneedstoaddresstheseissuesand balancetheinterestsofstakeholders.
4.ChallengesandConsiderationsforAgTech Adoption
AgricultureTechnologyisapromisingand excitingfield.Itoffersmanybenefitsfor farmers,consumers,andtheenvironment. However,AgTechalsofacessomechallenges andconcerns.Theseincludecost,access,digital divide,andethicalconsiderations.
CostisoneofthemainbarrierstoAgTech adoption.AgTechcanbeexpensivetoacquire, install,andmaintain.Manyfarmers,especially smallholders,maynothavethefinancial resourcesorincentivestoinvestinAgTech. Therefore,thereisaneedformoreaffordable andaccessibleAgTechsolutions,aswellas supportivepoliciesandfinancingmechanisms.
AccessisanotherchallengeforAgTech adoption.AgTechrequiresreliableandfast internetconnectivity,whichmaynotbe availableinremoteorruralareas.Moreover, AgTechmaynotbecompatiblewithlocal infrastructure,culture,orregulations.Therefore, thereisaneedformoreinclusiveandadaptable AgTechsolutions,aswellascapacitybuilding andawarenessraising.
Thedigitaldivideisarelatedconcernfor AgTechadoption.However,AgTechmaycreate orwidenthegapbetweenthosewhohave accesstoandbenefitfromdigitaltechnologies, andthosewhodonot.Thismayleadtosocial andeconomicinequalitiesandmarginalization.
Therefore,thereisaneedformore equitableandparticipatoryAgTech solutions,aswellasdigitalliteracyand empowerment.
Ethicalconsiderationsarealsoimportantfor AgTechadoption.AgTechmayraiseethical questionsaboutdataprivacy,security, ownership,andgovernance.Moreover, AgTechmayhaveunintendedornegative impactsonhuman,animal,and environmentalwelfare.Therefore,thereisa needformoreresponsibleandtransparent AgTechsolutions,aswellasethical standardsandoversight.
AgTechisnotwithoutchallengesand concerns.However,thesecanbeovercome withongoingeffortsandcollaboration. AgricultureTechnologycanbeaforcefor goodifitisdevelopedandadopted responsiblyandinclusively
5.TheFutureofAgTech:ASustainable PathwayforAgriculture
AgricultureTechnology,orAgTech,hasa brightfutureahead.Ithasthepotentialto shapeamoresustainableandresilientfood systemfortheworld.
AgTechisalsoconstantlyevolvingand innovating.Someoftheemergingtrends andinnovationsonthehorizonare:
Gene editing
Thisisatechnologythatallowspreciseand targetedmodificationsofthegenetic materialofplantsandanimals.Itcanalso helpcreatenewvarietiesandbreedsthatare moreresistant,productive,andnutritious.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnologyisatechnologythat manipulatesmatteratthenanoscale,orone billionthofameter.Itcanhelpcreatenew materialsanddevicesthatcanenhancethe qualityandsafetyoffood,suchasnanosensors, nanofertilizers,andnanopesticides.
Blockchain
Thisisatechnologythatcreatesasecureand transparentrecordoftransactionsanddata. Additionally,itcanhelpimprovethetraceability andaccountabilityofthefoodsupplychain, fromfarmtofork.
Thesearejustsomeexamplesoftheexciting andimpactfulAgTechinnovationsthatare comingsoon.However,theseinnovations requirecontinuedinvestmentandcollaboration inAgTechresearchanddevelopment.Thisis essentialtoensurethatAgTechisaccessible, affordable,andadaptabletotheneedsand preferencesoffarmersandconsumers.
Weareoptimisticaboutthefutureofagriculture empoweredbytechnology.AgTechcanalso helpusachievethegoalsoffeedingthegrowing population,protectingtheenvironment,and improvingthelivelihoodsoffarmers. AgricultureTechnologyisthekeytoamore sustainableandresilientfoodsystemforthe world.
Conclusion
Inthisblogpost,wehavediscussedthe importanceofAgricultureTechnology,or AgTech,forsustainableandresilientfarming. WehaveexploredhowAgTechcanenhance variousaspectsofsustainabilityandresilience.
AgTechisafascinatingandexcitingfieldthat offersmanyopportunitiesandbenefitsfor farmers,consumers,andtheenvironment. However,AgTechalsorequirescontinued investmentandcollaborationinresearchand development,aswellasresponsibleandinclusive adoption.
Therefore,weencourageyoutolearnmore, exploreAgricultureTechnologysolutions,or supportitsdevelopment.Together,wecanmake agriculturemoresustainableandresilientforthe world.
OCCC's
Dr. Mautra Staley Jones
On Educational Leadership, Innovation, and Student Success
KeyPoints:
●Dr.MautraStaleyJones,appointedasOklahomaCityCommunityCollege’spresidentinMarch2022,isthefirst AfricanAmericanfemalepresidentofanyinstitutionofhighereducationinOklahomathatisnotanHBCU.
●Ledbyher,OCCCprioritizes“StudentSuccess,CommunityEnrichment,”with87+degreeandcertificate programsforover18,000students,emphasizingpracticalskillsandcriticalthinking.
●AsOklahoma’stopmicro-credentialprovider,OCCCprepares13,000+yearlyforleadership,withitsonline psychologydegreerankedtoptennationallybyForbesAdvisor.
InOklahoma’score,Dr.MautraStaleyJones,the newlyappointedPresidentofOklahomaCity CommunityCollege(OCCC),istransforminghigher education.Herhistoricpresidencybreaksbarriersand createsempowering,inclusivepaths.Herinitiativesshineas innovativebeacons,aligningacademicprogramswith practicalapplications.
Dr.JonespropelsOCCCforwardwithtop-tierprogramslike theGrayFredericksonDigitalCinemaProgram,acelebrated cybersecuritycurriculum,andexpandingfacultyworkinAI, topreparestudentsforadynamicglobaljobmarket.
Guidedbyhervision,OCCCisameltingpotofdiversity, reflectingOklahoma’svibrantcommunitiesandfulfillingits mission:“StudentSuccess,CommunityEnrichment.”
InarecentinterviewwithTheEducationMagazine,Dr Jonessharedherperspective:thestridesmadetocrossthe finishlinewilldefineyourjourney Thestartingpointisa
moment;thefinishlineiswherehistoryismade,she said. “How we finish the race is more critical than how the race began. Run steadfastly, extending assistance to as many as possible throughout the journey.”
TEM:Dr.Jones,couldyouenlightenusonthe genesisofOklahomaCityCommunityCollege andthebreadthofacademicofferingsavailable?
Dr.Jones:Sinceitsfoundingin1972,OCCChas becomeessentialtothenation’seducational landscape,servingover18,000studentsannually. Ourmission,“StudentSuccess,Community Enrichment,”reflectsourdedicationtofostering individualaspirationsandcontributingtocommunity prosperity Weofferanextensiveselectionofmore than87academicdegreeandcertificateprograms, preparingstudentsforfurthereducationand immediatecareerentry.
City Community College PRESIDENT
Oklahoma
AtOCCC,we'recommittedtoacademicrigorwithrealworldapplications,spanningdisciplinessuchasArts, English,Humanities,Business,InformationTechnology, HealthProfessions,Science,Engineering,Mathematics, andSocialSciences.Ourfocusisonnurturingpractical skillsandcriticalthinkingtoalignwiththedynamic demandsofthejobmarket.Westriveforaccessibilityand affordability,maintainingahighstandardofeducation. We’reheretoeducateandempower,andweinviteyour readerstoexploreOCCC,wheretheirfutureisourpurpose.
TEM:Pleaseshareinsightsintoyoureducationaland professionalbackgroundandwhatdroveyoutopursue acareerineducationalleadership.
Dr.Jones:InMarch2022,Ihadthedistincthonorofbeing appointedasthepresidentofOCCC,markingahistoric momentasthefirstwomanandpersonofcolorinthisrole inthecollege’shistory Thisalsorepresentedamilestone forOklahoma,asIbecamethefirstAfricanAmerican femaletoserveaspresidentofanyinstitutionofhigher educationinthestatethatisnotaHistoricallyBlack CollegeandUniversity(HBCU).
Mypassionforeducationalleadershipstemsfromadeep beliefineducationasacatalystforpersonalempowerment, socialequity,andeconomicprosperity.Theopportunityto guideaninstitutionthatsignificantlyinfluencescountless students’futures,equippingthemwiththetoolstorealize theiraspirations,wasacompellingdrawforme.
AspresidentofOklahoma’sfourth-largesteducational institution,Iactivelyengagewithvariousbusiness, community,andphilanthropicorganizations.These engagementsprovidevaluableinsightsandavenuesto championeducationalpoliciesandinitiativesthatbolster
“How we nish the race is more critical than how the race began. Run steadfastly, extending assistance to as many as possible throughout the journey.”
communitygrowth.Additionally,theyenablemeto establishpartnershipsthatserveourstudentsandthe broadercommunity,furthersolidifyingthecollege’s integralroleintheeducationalandeconomicspheresof Oklahoma.
TEM:Inanerawhereeducationalinstitutionsare numerousanddiverse,whatuniquevaluedoesOCCC offerthattrulysetsitapartfromtherest?
Dr.Jones:OklahomaCityCommunityCollege(OCCC) standsoutnotonlyforitsaccoladesbutalsoforits innovativeprograms.We’reattheforefrontof cybersecurityeducation,designatedasaNationalCenter forAcademicExcellenceinCyberDefense.OCCCrecently hostedtheResponsibleAIinHigherEducation Symposium,incollaborationwithPOIETO,toprovideover 300highereducationprofessionalswithamicro-credential togrowtheirawarenessofhowAIcanbeincorporatedinto collegecourseworkandstudentsupportservicestopromote ourstudents’success.
Intoday’sdigitalage,wearegivingourstudentsthetools tosafeguardinformation—askillmorevaluablethanever. Ournursingprogramisranked6thregionally,reflectingour commitmenttorigorousacademicsandpreparinggraduates foressentialroles,particularlyinthepost-pandemicera.
Today,weareOklahoma’slargestproviderofmicrocredentials,helpingover13,000individualslastyearalone, andweareaddingnewmicro-credentialsandforging industrypartnershipstoensureourstudentsarereadyto leadintheirfields.ForbesAdvisorhasrecognizedour onlineassociatedegreeinpsychologyamongthenation’s topten.
Furthermore,OCCCisanemergingHispanic-Serving Institution(HSI),evolvingwithOklahoma’sgrowing
Hispaniccommunityandcreatinga supportive,inclusiveenvironment. Westrivetobemorethanan educationalinstitution;weaimtobe apartnerinreal-worldpreparedness andacommunityadvocate.
TEM:Astheleaderofthe institution,couldyououtlineyour keyresponsibilitiesandhowthey impactthecollegeanditsstudents?
Dr.Jones:Atthecoreofmyroleis guidingOCCCnotjusttofulfillbut toforeseetheeducationaldemandsof ourvariedstudentpopulation.Ihold afirmbeliefthateducationisnot one-size-fits-all.
OCCCthereforeoffersprograms tailoredtomeettheuniqueneedsof everystudent,irrespectiveofage, background,oracademicambition. Inaddition,wehaveestablished seamlesstransferagreementswith numerousfour-yearinstitutionsto ensureourstudentscancontinuetheir educationalpursuitssmoothly
Moreover,ourfacultyandStudent SuccessAdvisorsareinstrumentalin offeringtailoredacademicandcareer guidance.Ourdedicationisrootedin engagingwithstudentswherethey areandequippingthemforwhere theywanttobe.
TEM:Asyoureflectonthe mentorswhohaveilluminatedyour path,couldyoudiscusstheir enduringimpactonyour philosophyandapproachto leadership?
Dr.Jones:Igrewupandwas nurturedinArdmore’sclose-knit community,wheremygrandmother, thematriarchofourfamily,raised me.Herwisdomhasalwaysguided me.Shetaughtmetodreamwithout limits.
Shealwayssaid, “Mautra, dream big dreams. Whatever you want in this life, you can have—and do not forget to honor God. You give Him the glory in all that you pursue.”
Alongsideher,myhusband,The HonorableBernardM.JonesII,and ourthreebeautifulchildrenhavebeen myrock.Theyremindmeofwhat trulymatterswhenthenoiseoflife becomestooloud.Theirlove, support,andencouragementenable metokeeppushingtheboundaries andblazingnewtrailsineducational leadership.
TEM:Astimeprogresses,howdo theneedsofstudentsevolve,and whatmeasuresareyourinstitution takingtoaddressthesechanges?
Dr.Jones:Wearecommittedto empoweringandinvestinginour diversecommunityofstudents, faculty,andstaffwiththenecessary resourcestoexcelandprosper
Innovationiskeyinourapproachto education,ensuringweoffer programsthatcatertoawiderangeof aspirations,fromcertificationto degreecompletionandbeyond.Our campusisaglobalvillage,hometo studentsfromover40countries, enrichingourcommunitywitha multitudeofperspectives.
Moreover,westrivetomeetstudents ateverypointoftheireducational path,offeringavarietyofclassesand transferoptionsthatalignwiththeir goals.Ourmissionistobemorethan acollege—wearealaunchpadforour students'aspirations,helpingthem soartonewheights.
TEM:Inlightofthecurrent educationallandscape,what challengesarebeingaddressedby OCCCtofosterpositivechange?
Dr.Jones:Formany,affordabilityis asignificantbarriertohigher education,andOCCCtacklesthis challengehead-on.Asthemostcosteffectiveinstitutioninthestate,we haveheldourtuitionandfeessteady forthepastsixyears.
Beyondmaintainingaffordablerates, we’vealsoestablisheda comprehensivescholarshipprogram andarobustfinancialaidsystemto easeourstudents’financialburdens. Wehaveincreasedourfundraising worktoexpandsupportservicesfor ourstudents’needsinmentalhealth, foodinsecurity,andaccessto technologyandeducationalresources thatallowthemtosucceed.
Ourcourseschedulingisflexible, encompassingbothonlineandoncampusoptions,andourpartnerships withlocalentitiesarestrong—both stepstowardsaneducationthat’s relevantnowandadaptableforthe future.AtOCCC,we’reactively craftingsolutionsfortheeducational challengesoftodayandtomorrow
TEM:Balancingprofessionaland personallifecanbechallenging. Howdoyoumanagethis,andwhat doyouenjoydoinginyourfree time?
Dr.Jones:Balancingmyroleas presidentofOCCCwithmypersonal lifeisadelicatedance.It’sanhonor toleadthecollege,butI’malsoa wife,mother,friend,mentor,and communityservanttothoseIam appointedtobyGod.
IknowthatIamnotalonein shoulderingsuchresponsibilities. Manyinspiringwomendancethis delicatedance.Forme,prayerand self-careduringdowntimeiskey.Of course,jazzmusicandpraiseand worshiparepersonalindulgences.
KeyTakeaways
Graphenebatteriesoffersignificantadvantagesoverconventionalbatteries,includingfastercharging,longer lifespan,andhigherenergydensity.
Theyaresuitableforvariousapplications,suchaselectricvehicles,laptops,andsmartphones.
Themajorchallengesoftheseenergystoragebatteriesarethehighcostofproductionandthelackofstandardization andregulation.
Severalindustriesareactivelyexperimentingwiththesebatteries,includingtheautomotive,consumerelectronics, aerospaceanddefense,andmedicalindustries.
LeadingmanufacturersincludeGrapheneManufacturingGroup,SamsungElectronics,Huawei,andothers.
Whatifyoucouldpoweryourdeviceswitha batterythatlastslonger,chargesfaster,andis moreeco-friendlythanconventionalbatteries? Thisisnotafantasy,butarealitywithgraphenebatteries.
Grapheneisathinlayerofcarbonatomsthathas remarkableproperties,suchashighconductivity,large surfacearea,andmechanicalflexibility Thesebatteriesuse grapheneasacomponentintheelectrodes,whichenhances theperformanceandlifespanofthebattery.
Importantly,theseenergystoragecellsaresuitablefor variousapplications,suchaselectricvehicles,laptops,and smartphones.Notably,thesebatteriesarethenext generationofenergystorage,andtheyarereadytochange theworld.
Inthisblogpost,youwilllearneverythingyouneedto knowaboutgraphenebatteries.Youwilllearnaboutthe industryoverviewofthegraphenebatterymarket,themajor sectorsexperimentingwiththisbatterytechnology,the benefitsandchallengesofusingthesebatteries,andsome well-knowncompaniesthatmanufacturethesebatteries. Let’sstart!
1.IndustryOverviewofTheGrapheneBatteryMarket
Theincreasingdemandforgraphenebatteriesinconsumer electronics,automotive,industrial,andpowersectorsis drivingthegrowthofitsglobalmarket.In2024,the marketwasvaluedatUSD167million,anditis projectedtoreachUSD711.96millionby2030,growing ataCAGRof23%.
Theautomotivesectorisexpectedtodominatethe market,fueledbytherisingadoptionofelectric vehiclesandfavorablegovernmentpolicies.Themajor challengesofthemarketarethehighcostofgraphene productionandthelackofstandardizationandregulation.
2.IndustriesExperimentingwiththeUseofGraphene Battery
Severalindustriesareactivelyexperimentingwiththese energystoragecells,eachwithdistinctmotivationsand applications:
AutomotiveIndustry
Usinggraphene,athinlayerofcarbonatoms,asa componentintheelectrodes,thesebatteriescanstoreand deliverenergymoreefficiently.Graphene’sremarkable propertiesenablethesebatteriestochargefaster,last longer,andreduceenvironmentalimpactcomparedto conventionalbatteries.EVspoweredbygraphenebatteries canbenefitfromfasterchargingtimes,higherenergy density,andlongerlifespan.Thesebatteriescanalsolower theweightandincreasetheefficiencyofelectricvehicles.
ConsumerElectronics
Graphenebatteriesarethenextbigthingintheconsumer electronicssector.Theyoffermanyadvantagessuchas fastercharging,highercapacity,longerlifespan,andlower weight.Grapheneisathinlayerofcarbonatomsthathas amazingproperties,suchashighconductivity,strength, andflexibility
Byusinggrapheneinthebatterycomponents,suchas electrodesandseparators,theperformanceandefficiency ofthebatterycanbeimprovedsignificantly.Many smartphonemanufacturersareexperimentingwiththese batteriestopowertheirdevicesandprovideabetteruser experience.
AerospaceandDefense
Theaerospaceanddefensesectorfacesmanychallengesin electrification.Theseincludehighcosts,safetyissues,and weightlimitations.Graphenebatteriesareapromising solutiontoovercomethesechallenges.Theyarelighter, cheaper,andmoredurablethanconventionalbatteries.
Moreover,theyhavehighenergydensityandfastcharging capabilities.Therefore,thesebatteriescanenhancethe performanceandefficiencyofelectricaircraftandvehicles.
MedicalIndustry
Graphenebatterieshavemanyadvantagesover conventionalmaterials.Thesepropertiesmakesuch batteriessuitableforvariousmedicalapplications,suchas implantabledevices,biosensors,drugdeliverysystems, andwearabledevices.
Thesebatteriescanofferhigherperformance,longer lifespan,andlowertoxicity.Furthermore,integratingthese batterieswithothernanomaterialscanenhancetheir functionalityandversatility
3.AdvantagesofGrapheneBatteries
Nowthatyouknowwhatgraphenebatteriesare,andwhat istheindustryoverviewofitsmarket.Letusproceedtothe advantagesofusingthesebatteries.
Preventsbatteryfires
Graphenebatteriesstopfiresbycoatingthecathodein graphene.Thecathodeisusuallylithiumcobaltoxide, whichreleasesoxygenwhenitbreaksdown.Thiscanlead tocombustioniftheoxygenmixeswithotherflammable materialsinthebattery.
Grapheneisathincarbonlayerthatblocksoxygenand conductselectricity.So,itkeepsoxygeninsidethecathode andlowersthechanceofshortcircuitsandfires.Graphene alsocoolsdownthebattery,whichpreventsoverheating andthermalrunaway.
Canbeusedassupercapacitors
Theseenergystoragebatteriesareatypeofsupercapacitors thatstoreenergyonthesurfaceofgraphenesheets.They havemanyadvantagesoverconventionalbatteries.These batterieshavediverseapplicationsinelectricvehicles, portableelectronics,andrenewableenergysystems.
Despitechallenges,researchersareinnovatingsynthesisand assemblymethods,integratinggraphenewithelectrolytes, electrodes,andseparators.Optimizingthesebatteries’ structureandperformancepresentsapromisingpathfor next-genenergystorage.
Longlifespan
Graphenebatteriesboastanextendedlifespanduetohigh stability.Graphene,adurableandchemicallyinertmaterial, resistscorrosionanddegradation.
Additionally,itssuperiorcapacityretentionoutperforms graphite,enhancingenergydensityandefficiencyovermore charge-dischargecycles,thusextendingthebattery’s lifespan.
Highconductivity
Graphenebatteriesimproveelectrodeconductivitywitha thinlayerofcarbonatoms,enablingfreeelectronmovement withinasinglelayer Weakforcesbetweenlayersoffer flexibilityandstability.
Moreover,grapheneactsasatemplateforuniformmetal oxidenanoparticlesynthesis,preventingaggregationand enhancingelectrodecapacity.Experimentalfindingsshow thatthesebatteriessurpasspuremetaloxideelectrodes, promisingasuperiorenergystoragesolutionwithfewer drawbacksthanlithium-ionbatteries.
4.DisadvantagesofGrapheneBatteries
Eventhoughgraphenebatterieshavemanyadvantagesthey alsohavecertaindisadvantages.Theyareasfollows:
Highcostofproduction
Grapheneisathincarbonlayerthatformsahexagonal pattern.Manufacturersuseittoproducetheseenergy storagebatteries.However,grapheneishardandexpensive toproduce.Thismakestheseenergystoragecellscostly comparedtolithium-ionbatteries.
Lithium-ionbatteriesusematerialslikelithiumcobalt oxide,lithiumironphosphate,andgraphite.Thesematerials arecheaperandeasiertofind.
Limitedscalability
Graphenebatteriesareexpensivebecauseofthehighcost ofgrapheneproduction.GraphenepreparedthroughCVDis themostsuitableforbatteries,butitrequiresexpensive equipmentandmaterials.
Othermethods,suchasmechanicalandchemical exfoliationofgraphite,arecheaperbutproducelowerqualitygraphene.Theseenergystoragecells,comparedto lithium-ionbatteries,currentlylackcommercialviability duetolowerproductioncostsandhigherenergydensityof thelatter.
Integrationchallenges
Graphenebatteriesarenotwidelyavailableyet,because theyarehardtomanufacture.Creatinglargesheetsof graphenerequiressophisticatedequipmentandhigh temperatures.
Scientistsarelookingforwaystomakegraphenemore affordableandaccessible,sothatitcanbeusedinvarious applications,suchaselectricvehicles,smartphones,and laptops.Thesecarbonbatteriesarethenextbig breakthroughinbatterytechnology,andtheycouldchange theworldofenergy.
Environmentalimpact
Theseenergystoragebatteriescouldalsoharmthe environmentinsomeways.Duringproductionordisposal, grapheneparticlescouldbereleasedintotheair,water,or soil.Theseparticlescouldchangetheirstructureand propertiesduetoenvironmentalfactors,suchas temperature,pH,orbacteria.
Thiscouldaffecttheecosystemsandorganismsthatcome incontactwiththem.Tominimizetheirenvironmental impact,itisnecessarytocarefullymonitorandregulate thesebatteries.
5.LeadingCompaniesWhoManufactureGraphene Batteries
Hereare10companiesintheworldthatmanufacturethese batteries:
GrapheneManufacturingGroup:ThisAustralian companyisdevelopinggraphenealuminium-ion batterieswithhighpowerdensityandfastcharging.
SamsungElectronics:TheSouthKoreangianthas patentedamethodtoproducegrapheneballsfor lithium-ionbatteries.
Huawei:ThisChinesetelecomcompanyhas launchedagraphene-assistedlithium-ionbatterythat canwithstandhightemperatures.
Log9Materials:TheIndianstartupiscreating graphene-basedmetal-airbatteriesthatcanpower electricvehicles.
CabotCorporation:ThisUS-basedcompanyis producinggrapheneadditivesforlithium-ionbatteries andsupercapacitors.
Graphenano:TheSpanishcompanyismaking graphenepolymerbatteriesthatcanofferhigher energydensityandlongerlifespan.
NanotechEnergy:ThisUS-basedcompanyis creatinggraphene-basedbatteriesandsupercapacitors thatcanchargefasterandlastlonger.
XGSciences:TheUS-basedcompanysupplies graphenenanoplateletsandsilicon-grapheneanodes forlithium-ionbatteries.
ZENGrapheneSolutions:ThisCanadiancompany isdevelopinggraphene-basedcathodesandanodes forlithium-ionandsodium-ionbatteries.
GrapheneCA:TheUS-basedcompanyproduces grapheneoxideandreducedgrapheneoxidefor variousbatteryapplications.
Conclusion
Inconclusion,thefutureappearspromisingfor graphenebatteries,giventheirpotentialto revolutionizevariousindustries.
Thisblogpresentsanindustryoverview,explores sectorsexperimentingwiththeseenergystorage batteries,outlinestheadvantagesanddisadvantages, andhighlightsthekeyplayersmanufacturingthese batteries.
Dr. Sandy Kiddoo
Dr.SandyKiddooisanaccomplished educationalleaderandthePresidentof NorthlandCommunity&TechnicalCollege. Shehasawealthofexperience,havingservedasChief AcademicOfficeratHazardCommunityandTechnical College,wheresheshowedhercommitmenttostrategic planning,facilitydevelopment,andgrantfunding.She comesfromcentralWisconsinandholdsdegreesfromthe UniversityofWisconsin-GreenBay,CapellaUniversity, andtheUniversityofWisconsin-Madison.
Dr.Kiddoo’sjourneyincludesrolessuchasVicePresident ofAcademicsatMid-StateTechnicalCollegeandleaderin theWisconsinTechnicalCollegeSystem.Shereturnedto herhomeregionasthefourthPresidentofNorthland, wheresheleadsover4,000studentsacross80programson twocampusesandanaerospacesite.Shecontinuesher dedicationtothetransformativepowerofeducation.
LeadershipandImpactatNorthland
AsthePresidentofNorthland,Dr.SandyKiddoo shouldersmanyresponsibilitiestoensuretheinstitution’s success.Shesetsstrategicvisionsanddirections, emphasizesstudentsuccess,andengageswithregional employersandstakeholderstoincludetheirinputin Northland’sinitiatives.
Dr.Kiddooalsoadvocatesatlocal,state,andnational levels,seekingresourcestosustainhigh-qualityservices andprogramsforNorthland’sstudents.Sheisdeeply involvedinthebroadereducationallandscape,whereshe championstheinstitution'sneedsandobjectives.
Dr.Kiddoo’sproudestmomentsaretiedtotheimpactshe makesonindividuallives.Shewitnessesstudentsshe supportedwalkingacrossthegraduationstageandenjoys whenindividualsproudlytellhertheyarealumni.These momentsshowherdedicationandthetransformative powerofeducationunderherleadershipatNorthland.
EvolutionthroughMerger:Northland’sFoundation andGrowth
NorthlandCommunity&TechnicalCollegeisadynamic educationalinstitutionthatresultedfromthe2003merger ofthreecolleges:theThiefRiverFallsAreaVocational Institution,theThiefRiverFallsStateJuniorCollege,and theEastGrandForksTechnicalInstitute.Thismerger establishedthecomprehensiveofferingsthatdefine Northlandtoday.
Northlandoffersadiverseeducation,withprogramsin LiberalArtsTransfer,HealthServices(includingNursing), ConstructionTrades,Manufacturing,Business,IT, Transportation,Aviation,Agriculture,andProtective Services.ThiscurriculumreflectsNorthland’scommitment tomeetingthevariedneedsofitsstudents.
NorthlandhascampusesinThiefRiverFallsandEast GrandForksandservesasahubforacademicexcellence.It fostersalearningenvironmentthatpreparesstudentsfor successinvariousfields.Northland’srichhistoryand dedicationtoabroadspectrumofdisciplinesmakeitavital institutioninnorthwestMinnesota,cateringtothe educationalandprofessionalgrowthofitscommunity
AccessibleAdmissionandHolisticSupport
Northlandhasanethosofaccessibility,shownbyitsopenaccesspolicythatdoesnotrequireaspecificGPAfor admission.Northlandunderstandsthediversechallenges studentsface,suchasworkingandmanagingbusylives, withthemainobstaclebeingthebalancebetweenwork, academics,andfamily
Northlandhasaddressedtheevolvingneedsofitsstudents, whostrugglewithbasicneeds.Northlandhasestablished foodpantriesonbothcampuses,showingitscommitmentto supportingstudentsinmeetingessentialrequirementsfor academicsuccess.Northlandhasalsostrengthenedits communityconnections,creatinganetworktoensure studentsreceivetheresourcesandassistancetheyneedto overcomeobstaclesandthriveintheiracademics.By addressingthesechallenges,Northlandisacompassionate andinclusiveinstitution,dedicatedtofosteringan environmentwhereallstudentscansucceeddespitetheir complexlives.
AHolisticApproachtoAccess,Affordability,and Support
Dr.Kiddoopromotesaccessibilityandinclusivitythrougha multifacetedapproach.Shecreatesawelcoming atmosphere,fosteringasenseofbelongingforevery student.Shemeetslearnerswheretheyareandensuresa tailorededucationalexperiencethataccommodatesdiverse backgroundsandcircumstances.
Affordabilityisakeyfocus,withsupportfromthe foundationandvariousprograms,alongwithlowtuition fees.Dr.Kiddoorecognizesthechallengesofstudentparents,acauseclosetoherheart,andspearheads
initiativeslikeparentstudyrooms.Shedraws fromherownexperienceasasingleparent balancingeducation,work,andparenting,and ensuresthatNorthlandmeetstheneedsofdiverse learners.Shefostersanenvironmentwhere everyone,regardlessofbackgroundor socioeconomicstatus,canthriveintheirpursuit ofeducation.
SymphonyofLeadership,Gardening,and Grandmotherhood
Dr.Kiddoobalancesherdemandingroleasthe PresidentofNorthlandCommunity&Technical Collegewithawell-roundedpersonallife.Asan emptynester,shehasmoretimeforher professionalresponsibilities.Outsideofwork,Dr. Kiddooenjoysgardeningandbeekeeping.She relaxesbyreadingandsolvingpuzzlesinthe wintermonths.
Dr.Kiddoocherishesherroleasagrandmother andspendsqualitytimewithhergrandson whenevershecan.Thisblendofprofessionaland personalinterestsshowsherabilitytoachievea fulfillingwork-lifebalance.Shedemonstratesthe importanceofpersonalpursuitsalongsideher dedicatedleadershipatNorthland.
NurturingIndependence:Empowering ChildrenwithEssentialLifeSkills
Dr.Kiddooadvocatesteachingchildrenessential lifeskillsearly,fosteringindependenceandselfadvocacy.Sheadvisesparentstoempowertheir childrenwithpracticalabilitiesastheysupport theireducationaljourney.Sheencourages childrentoaskforhelpandteachesthem effectivecommunicationskillstonavigate challengesconfidently
Moreover,Dr.Kiddoostressestheimportanceof impartingindependentskillsearly,emphasizing budgetingandpracticaltaskslikecookingona budget.Sheinstillsthesecapabilitiesinchildren, contributingtotheirlong-termsuccess,both academicallyandinlife.Throughthisholistic approach,Dr.Kiddooencouragesparentsto nurturewell-roundedindividualswhocanthrive intheireducationalpursuitsandadult responsibilities.
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I advocate locally, at a state and national level, for resources to ensure we can continue to offer high-quality services and programming for our students
Mirt Mar n
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders through Accessible Education
MirtaM.Martin,Ph.D.,hasalifestorythat demonstratesresilience,determination,anda strongcommitmenttoeducation.Shecamefrom communistCuba,whereshelefteverything behindwithhergrandmotherandsisterin pursuitoffreedom.TheyarrivedintheUnited Stateswhenshewas14yearsold.Facingthe challengesofanewcountryandlanguage,Mirta workedtirelessly,jugglingafull-timejob,high school,andCollegetosupportherfamily.
Sheachievedhighereducationthroughhard work,sacrifice,andscholarships.This transformativeexperiencefueledherdedication topromotingopportunitiesforanyonewiththe ambitiontopursueapost-secondarydegree.
Afterasuccessfulbankingcareer,Mirta switchedtoeducation,drivenbyadesirefor flexibilitytoinstillfamilyvaluesandadeep understandingoftheneedforincreaseddiversity andaccessibilityinhighereducation.
Mirtahasadiversecorporatebackground, rangingfromabranchmanagertraineetoa seniorvicepresidentinoneofthelargestU.S. banks.Shetransitionedseamlesslyinto academia,whereshehasheldpivotalrolesasa facultymember,executivevicepresident, foundationexecutivedirector,dean,andtrustee foraCommunityCollegesystem.Her leadershipjourneyencompassesthree presidenciesatdifferentcollegesand universities.
DynamicLeadershipinHigherEducation
AstheCollegePresidentandChiefExecutiveOfficerof FerrumCollege,Mirtahasamultifacetedrolewitha centralfocusonservantleadership.Sheistheforemost advocatefortheinstitution’smission,students,alumni, faculty,andstaff.ShecollaboratescloselywiththeBoardof TrusteestospearheadthestrategicdirectionoftheCollege andoverseetheimplementationofkeyprogramsandthe institution’soverallstrategicplan.
Mirtaalsoensuresthefiscalaccountabilityandstabilityof theCollege,avitalresponsibilityfortheinstitution’s sustainedsuccess.Shecultivatesrelationshipsand partnershipswithdiversestakeholders,includingbusiness, academic,andgovernmententities.Asa“friends-raiser”and fundraiser,sheactivelyseekssupportfortheCollegeandits students,contributingtothefinancialwell-beingandgrowth oftheinstitution.
Additionally,Mirtaisactivelyengagedinstudent recruitmentandretentionefforts.Sheservesasthechief cheerleaderforstudents,supportingtheiracademicpursuits, athleticendeavors,artisticexpressions,andservice initiatives.Herleadershipembodiesaholisticapproachthat goesbeyondadministrativeduties.Sheemphasizesa commitmenttothewell-beingandsuccessoftheCollege communityacrossvariousdomains.
EvolutionofFerrumCollege
FerrumCollege,foundedin1913bytheMethodist Women’sMissionarySociety,standsasatestamenttotheir
Find a place to call “home;” a place with like minds that share your dreams, your hopes, and your vision “
visionaryefforts.TheyestablisheditasaChristiantraining school.TheCollegeevolvedfromagradedelementarysecondaryinstitutioninitsearlydaystoaJuniorCollegein 1940andthentoafour-yearbaccalaureateinstitutionin 1974.Rootedinamissiontoprovideeducational opportunitiesfortheyouthofSouthwestVirginia,Ferrum Collegehascontinuallyuphelditscommitmenttobeinga beaconoflearningforthosewithlimitedaccesstoformal education.
Today,FerrumCollegeproudlymaintainsitsidentityas Virginia’sCollegeofOpportunity.Ithasoneofthemost diversestudentbodiesinthenation,comprisingindividuals fromVirginia,theUnitedStates,andover40countries. FerrumCollegeoffersabroadspectrumofover80 programsofstudy,certificates,minors,andfourmaster’s degrees,ensuringacomprehensiveeducationalexperience.
VisionforCommunityEngagementandEducational Excellence
MirtaplaysapivotalroleintakingFerrumCollege’s missionandvisiontothecommunity.Shefostersastrong connectionbetweentheinstitutionandthebroaderpublic. Mirtashowcasestheincredibletalentsandsuccessesof students,faculty,andstaff.Shenotonlyhighlightsthe achievementswithintheCollegebutalsostrengthensties withthesurroundingcommunity
Moreover,Mirtaemphasizescultivatingacultureof innovationandexcellence.Shealignsthiswithprovidinga superbeducationatanaffordableprice.Herstrategic leadershipfocusesoncreatinganenvironmentrichin hands-onopportunities,comprehensiveacademicsupport, andthedevelopmentofin-demandjobskills.Thisapproach
Ask bold questions, be innovative, always do the right thing – especially when no one is looking - and dream big! “
enhancestheeducationalexperienceforstudents.It alsoensuresthatFerrumCollegeremainsrelevantand responsivetotheneedsofbothitsstudentsandthe evolvingjobmarket.
CraftingaUniqueSupportEcosystem
Mirtahasimplementedacomprehensiveapproachat FerrumCollegetoprovideextensivesupportservices. Sherecognizestheevolvingneedsoftoday’sdiverse studentbody.Mirtaalsoacknowledgestheamplified challengesresultingfromthepandemic.Shehas strategicallyaddressedbothacademicandemotional preparednessthrougharangeofresources.
TheCollege’scommitmenttoholisticsupportis evidentinthediverseservicesitoffers.Theyspan tutoring,writing,math,careerguidance,andmental healthandwellnesscenters.Mirtahasfosteredarobust mentorshipprogramthatenhancestheoverallstudent experience.Itprovidesguidanceandsupportbeyond theacademicrealm.Additionally,theCollege integratesserviceopportunitiesandinternshipsintothe Collegeexperience.Theyofferstudentsacompetitive advantageastheytransitionintotheprofessionalworld.
TransformativeInitiativesforAccessibleEducation, Affordability,andWorkforceReadiness
Mirtarecognizesthepressingissuesinthecurrent educationsystem,especiallyCollegepreparedness, cost,andvalue.Shehasimplementedtransformative initiativesatFerrumCollegetoaddresstheseconcerns directly,acknowledgingthegrowingquestionsabout theaffordabilityofaCollegedegree.
ShelaunchedthePANTHERPROMISE,atangible efforttomakeeducationaccessible.Itprovidesfree tuitionforqualifyingVirginiaresidents.Thisinitiative, alongwithadditionalout-of-stategrants,reflectsa commitmenttowelcomingstudentsfromdiverse backgroundsandaddressingfinancialneeds.
Moreover,inastrategicmovetobetteralignwiththe evolvingneedsofindustryandtheaspirationsoftoday’s students,FerrumCollegeexpandeditsacademic frameworkfromthreetosixdistinctschools,each offeringspecializedprogramsforadiversestudentbody: SchoolofArtsandHumanities,SchoolofBusinessand Technology,SchoolofNursingandAlliedHealth, SchoolofScienceandAgriculture,SchoolofEducation andBehavioralSciences,andSchoolofGraduateand OnlineStudies.
Mirtaalsotookaboldsteptoconfrontthecostandvalue challengebylowering2024tuitionby$10,000.This strategicmovealignswithFerrumCollege’smissionas the“CollegeofOpportunity.”Itemphasizesa commitmenttoprovidingasuperbeducationthatisboth proudandaffordable.
Toensuregraduatesarewell-equippedfortheevolving demandsoftheworkforce,Mirtaisactivelyexpanding andredesigningthecurriculum.Sheaimstoprovide studentswithnotonlyknowledgebutalsopracticalskills andexperiencessoughtbyindustries.Additionally,she introducedstackableworkforcecertificatesfornontraditionalstudents.TheyawardCollegecreditupon completionandfurtheralignwiththeCollege’s commitmenttomeetingthediverseneedsofitsstudent
population.
BalancingPassionandPurpose
Mirtabalancesherworkandlifebyembracingher genuinepassionforherroleasaCollegepresident. Sheacknowledgesthedemandsofthejob,butshe findsfulfillmentinexpandingopportunitiesfor studentsandadvocatingforthetransformative powerofaCollegeeducation.Theadage “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life” ringstrueforher.Italleviatesthechallenges associatedwiththeoften24/7natureoftherole.
Mirtaactivelyengagesinotherintereststoinfuse joyandvarietyintoherlife.Shecherishesmoments spentaroundstudents,attendingtheiragricultural fairs,posterpresentations,theaterandmusic performances,andsportsevents.Sheistheloudest voiceinthecrowdwhencheeringthemon.This reflectsnotonlyherdedicationtotheinstitutionbut alsohergenuineconnectionwiththestudent community.
Mirtaprioritizespersonalinterestssuchastraveling tolearnaboutdifferentcultures,indulginginher loveforlanguages,music,andart,spendingquality timewithfamilyandfriends,enjoyingthecompany ofanimals,andbaskinginthebeautyoftheocean. Hermultifacetedinterestsserveasoutletsfor relaxationandrejuvenation.Theycontributetoa well-roundedandbalancedlifestyle.
