Spartanburg Community College Announces the Third Cohort of The President's Leadership Institute

Spartanburg Community College Announces the Third Cohort of The President's Leadership Institute

SPARTANBURG, SC — Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is proud to announce the selection of the third cohort of the President's Leadership Institute, Class of 2027. Thirteen employees have been selected to participate in the College's premier leadership training program, designed to cultivate emerging leaders, foster greater collaboration across divisions, and support the College's continued growth.

Since its debut in 2024, the President's Leadership Institute has become a signature professional development opportunity at SCC, equipping employees with the knowledge, relationships, and leadership skills needed to make a lasting impact across the College. Through interactive leadership training, cross-functional collaboration, networking with previous cohorts, and a capstone project that benefits the institution, participants gain a deeper understanding of SCC's mission and strategic priorities while developing skills to lead with confidence and purpose.

The Class of 2027 will meet monthly from September through April, participating in leadership development experiences designed to foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and serve the College and its communities.

“What excites me most about each new cohort is the opportunity to coach leaders who are curious, compassionate, and committed to growth. My greatest joy is seeing the transformation that takes place as participants put powerful leadership principles into practice, lead from their authentic strengths, build trusted relationships, collaborate across departments, and grow in confidence and influence throughout the program. It has been an incredible privilege to help build and facilitate the President’s Leadership Institute from its inception, and I’m especially excited to welcome this new cohort—and to introduce a new team coaching component this year—as they carry these lessons forward to create even greater success and impact across Spartanburg Community College,” said Christi O. Brown, ACC, Executive Coach, Authentic Leadership Coaching.

"Congratulations to the members of our third President's Leadership Institute cohort," said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. "Each participant has demonstrated leadership potential, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for serving our students and our College community. At Spartanburg Community College, we are committed to fostering an environment that supports our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve. Our focus remains on fulfilling our mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities while maintaining a respectful, professional, and supportive workplace for those we serve and those who serve alongside us. The President's Leadership Institute reflects that commitment by investing in the development of our employees and preparing the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of SCC."

The President's Leadership Institute reflects SCC's ongoing investment in its people by empowering employees to strengthen relationships, embrace innovation, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. As the program enters its third cohort, its graduates continue to make meaningful contributions across the College, reinforcing SCC's commitment to developing leaders who positively influence the institution and the communities it serves.

The President's Leadership Institute Class of 2027 participants are:

• Nikki Burgess
• Toni Cook
• Tykeria Dawkins
• Melissa Hancock
• Lisa Hobbs
• Thomas Kaminski
• April McCollum
• Ansley Roberson
• Sam Rochester
• Sabrina Sims
• Darrell Starnes
• Kristen Timothy
• Juliet Wright

This third cohort represents employees from across the College who were selected for their leadership potential, commitment to Spartanburg Community College's mission, and dedication to serving students and the community.

Pictured are the Spartanburg Community College President's Leadership Institute Class of 2026 participants with SCC President Dr. Michael Mikota, Vice President of Human Resources Phaedra Harris, and Christi O. Brown, ACC, Executive Coach, Authentic Leadership Coaching.