On September 15, 2022, Advance CTE announced the 2022-23 cohort of the Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship at Advance CTE — Sponsored by ECMC Foundation, which included Dr. Tempestt Adams, assistant professor in the Reich College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
She along with 14 other professionals represent 13 states, including 12 leaders of color, and reflect multiple dimensions of equity and diverse professional backgrounds at secondary and postsecondary institutions at the local, district and state levels. They will participate in the Fellowship’s second cohort, which will launch this month.
“I am honored to be a part of this program and excited to gain skills to become a more equity-minded change-maker,” said Adams. “This program will challenge me to lead change in our state.”
“I am honored to be a part of this program and excited to gain skills to become a more equity-minded change-maker,” said Adams. “This program will challenge me to lead change in our state."
“I also owe many thanks to Shannon Keaton-Baker, a colleague here, who encouraged me to consider it!”
The Fellowship strives to address the growing shortage of state postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) leadership by removing systemic barriers to leadership advancement that contribute to racial representation gaps. A robust, diverse talent pipeline allows for the creation of state CTE policies that dismantle and rebuild inequitable systems so each learner can access and complete the postsecondary CTE program of their choice. The Fellowship is part of ECMC Foundation’s CTE Leadership Collaborative, which brings together diverse perspectives and equips CTE leaders with the tools, resources and skills needed to advance the field.
In addition to participating in networking and leadership development opportunities, each Advance CTE — ECMC Foundation Fellow plans and delivers a real-world fellowship project in their local education institution or community.
“Because we exist as the only comprehensive CTE program in our state, it is imperative that we operate as visionaries who are well versed in issues related to equity and access.”
“I believe this fellowship could help deepen my understanding of unique CTE access/equity issues,” noted Adams. “Because we exist as the only comprehensive CTE program in our state, it is imperative that we operate as visionaries who are well versed in issues related to equity and access.”
“I believe participation in this fellowship will help me build a vision necessary to work with my colleagues here at App State to strengthen, grow and sustain our programs,” she added.
Adams’s research closely examines the educational experiences of Black students and faculty. More broadly, her research interests are college and career readiness, teacher preparation, and urban education. She incorporates nonconventional research methods such as autoethnography and arts-based research. She has published in journals including the Journal of Advanced Academics and the Journal of Urban Learning, Teaching, and Research.
2022-23 Advance CTE — ECMCF Fellows
- Dr. Tempestt Adams, Appalachian State University, North Carolina
- Dr. Kisha Aites, Savannah State University, Georgia
- Shelsi Barber-Carter, Education Consultant, Louisiana
- Kayla Brossett, Wadhwani Foundation, Louisiana
- Jomarie Coloriano, Gateway Technical College, Wisconsin
- Yolanda Flores, Collier County Public Schools, Florida
- Dominique Footes, Southeastern Universities Research Association, Maryland
- Dr. Crystal D. Gardner, Houston Community College, Texas
- Davil Jackson, Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional , California
- Dr. Angela Lawhorne, Virginia Community College System, Virginia
- Nancy Ligus, Pierpont Community & Technical College, West Virginia
- Leisa Mathews, Western Wyoming Community College, Wyoming
- Caleb Perriton, Laramie County Community College, Wyoming
- Dr. Luv’Tesha Robertson, Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Kentucky
- Daniel Sandoval, Pickens Technical College, Colorado
Visit Advance CTE’s Fellowship web page for more information about the program and profiles of each Advance CTE — ECMCF Fellow.
“Advance CTE is grateful to ECMC Foundation for the opportunity to support a second group of diverse professionals who are striving to be state postsecondary CTE leaders. Having state leaders racially and demographically reflect the learners they serve is vital to ensuring our programs and systems are equitable, welcoming and inclusive for each learner who chooses to participate in a CTE program,” stated Dr. Kevin Johnson Sr., Senior Advisor for Advance CTE.
“Evolving our state educational systems to better meet the demands of today’s learners requires committed leaders with a strong foundation in postsecondary CTE,” shared Anna Fontus, program officer, ECMC Foundation. “The Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship helps repair leadership pipelines for underrepresented communities, which is essential to ensuring the future of CTE meets the needs of the communities and industries it serves.”
About Advance CTE
Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality and equitable CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.
About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary education; build the capacity of institutions, systems and organizations; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.
Dr. Tempestt Adams
