Keynotes
The Extraordinary 58: Paving the Way for Economic Mobility & Successful Futures
Oct. 13, 2024
5 -5:45 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Jeff Cox, President, NC Community College System
Join us for the opening general session, where Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the NC Community College System, will challenge us to embark on a new era of transformative change. Guided by our vision to be the national standard in workforce development and higher education, this session will explore how the Propel NC business model will drive economic mobility and foster generational transformation across North Carolina. Discover how our innovative business model will propel our colleges to lead the nation in providing accessible, high-quality education to prepare our students for a rapidly changing labor market. This is more than a moment—it’s a movement toward a brighter future for all North Carolinians.
Impact of AI on Workplace and Society — Growing Opportunities for Community Colleges
Oct. 14, 2024
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
Speaker: Bill Daggett, Ed.D.
Bill Daggett is the founder of both the Successful Practices Network and the International Center for Leadership in Education. He recently co-chaired the AASA LEARNING 2025: National Commission for Student-Centered, Equity-Focused, Future-Driven Education and is now leading the National Demonstration Network for AASA.
Dr. Daggett is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move preK-12 education systems towards more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. For 30 years, he has crisscrossed our nation, as well as the industrialized world, to lead school reform efforts to prepare students for their future effectively.
While an avid supporter of public education, he also challenges all of us to be more focused on our children’s future than on maintaining the schools of our youth. His insights and leadership have caused nearly every major education association in the country, hundreds of school districts, numerous political and business leaders, publishers, and others to seek out his advice and guidance.
Dr. Daggett began his career as a teacher, local administrator, and then director with the New York State Education Department. He spends much of his time providing leadership and guidance to the National Dropout Prevention Center and the Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Center, which are part of the Successful Practices Network.
He is the creator of the Rigor/Relevance Framework and the Future-Focused Success Framework which has recently become the cornerstone of much of the nation’s school reform efforts. He is also the author of 26 books about learning and education, textbooks, research reports, and journal articles.
Dr. Daggett has been recognized as a distinguished alumnus by both Temple University and the State
University at Albany.
Dr. Daggett has a special commitment to individuals with disabilities. He and his wife, Bonnie, volunteer their time and lend their support to Wildwood Programs in upstate New York. Wildwood serves the needs of people of all ages who, like their daughter Audrey, have neurological impairments/learning disabilities or autism, by enabling them to become the best that they can be.
Building Lifelong Learning Pathways and Regional Workforce Ecosystems
Oct. 15, 2024
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Session Speakers:
Dr. Kassandra McGhee, Director, Jobs for the Future
Dr. David Shockley, President, Surry Community College
Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Surry County Schools Superintendent
Crystal R. Folger-Hawks, Surry-Yadkin Works Executive Director
Facilitated by Dr. Andrea J. Crowley, Executive Director, NC Student Success Center
In today’s rapidly evolving world of work, community colleges have a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating sustainable, lifelong learning pathways that more closely connect education to employment and career mobility. This session showcases how to build strong partnerships between colleges, employers, and communities, empowering learners and driving economic growth.
Representing both national and North Carolina perspectives, our panelists will paint a clear picture of how colleges can create thriving workforce ecosystems by aligning education with industry needs, while ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate in the future economy.