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MCC’s ELC class learns about growing an engaged team

Kassi Rushing speaks to ELC members about leadership.

Developing leaders doesn’t happen overnight, and conversely, in this post-COVID world, leadership development is quickly changing. 

“I’m seeing organizations start with their first and second-year hires starting leadership development. It’s a huge investment, but it’s the No. 1 place companies are investing in addition to technology right now,” said Kassi Rushing, APR, director of organizational strategy and employee experience with the Blue Hen company. 

Rushing, led the discussion, Behaviors of Inclusive Leadership and Growing an Engaged Team, during her presentation to a Meridian Community College Eagle Leadership Convocation (ELC) Class session.  

ELC is an academic year-long professional development and leadership program comprising 10 MCC faculty and staff members: Shaquita Hopson Alfonso, associate director of veterans and military services and C2C coach; Laureta Chislom, executive assistant to the president; Tim Cole, director of custodial and support services; Jamila Brown Coleman, adult basic education instructor; Eric Griffin, Commercial Truck Driving program instructor; Christopher Haralson, athletic trainer and sports information director; Jeanette Howell, support services coordinator; Angie Pickard, human resources director; Erin Richardson, instructional design specialist; and Terrell Taylor, art instructor and Casteel Gallery director.   

Eric Griffin shares his thoughts about leadership during the recent ELC session. In talking about what it takes to grow and engage a team, leaders and employers should learn what and how to get the best from people, she said, noting that the skill sets that it takes leading into the future is vastly different than those of the past. 

ELC member Griffin said his takeaway from the session: “make sure you set expectations and also that you get clear expectations. As a leader, it’s your job to set the expectations. But as an employee, it’s your job to ask what the expectations are.” 

The next ELC session is on March 5, where Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki P. Karolewics will speak on Crisis and Meeting Management. Wallace State, located in Hanceville, Alabama, is the fourth largest community college in the Alabama community college system. 

For more information about the MCC Eagle Leadership Convocation, contact Dr. Leia Hill at lhill@meridiancc.edu or 601.484.8612.