Thursday, East Mississippi Community College began accepting applications for the position of Executive Director for Communiversity, its $42-million advanced manufacturing skills training center
It’s been 2 ½ years since construction started on the 134,000 square foot training facility, which will feature 21 manufacturing, technology and engineering education bays — triple the amount currently offered at EMCC — on a 24-acre site near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The project is funded primarily by Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay counties and the state.
According the EMCC’s job description, the executive director will oversee and provide strategic direction to implement and operate The Communiversity. This position will collaborate with business and industry, economic development agencies, policy makers, as well as internal stakeholders. The Executive Director will plan, develop and implement effective programs meeting advanced manufacturing training and technological needs of the region.
Six months ago, EMCC hired a new president, Scott Alsobrooks, but given the investment and what is at stake, this may be the most important position the school will hire.
It’s an awesome responsibility. The success or failure of Communiversity will rely heavily on the leadership of the person who is chosen as executive director.
When the application deadline ends on June 16, there will be just 64 days before fall classes begin so time is of the essence.
The incoming executive director will have just two months to plan, develop and implement Communiversity’s programs. On top of that, the director will need to establish relationships not only within the EMCC community, but also with local industries and the entire Golden Triangle area. The programs are designed to serve both of those groups, after all.
In addition to the official job posting qualifications, we want to remind readers that one of the original goals — and an important one — of the Communiversity was to inspire new generations of students to become trained to support our local industry.
Educator, professional, community leader and someone who can instill inspiration: That’s a diverse set of hats to wear, but each component is critical.
We wish EMCC wise judgment as they make this important and time-sensitive decision, and we encourage all qualified individuals to consider the position. Details on the position can be found online at https://bit.ly/2wd8ASI
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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