When I completed my doctoral degree, I promised myself that those were the last courses I would ever, ever take.  Well, that resolution did not last very long, and I have been engaged in lifelong learning projects ever since.

This past Fall, I had the unique opportunity to attend a semester-long experience hosted by the YWCA entitled "Unlearning Racism: Tools for Action."  The course was led by Paula Penebaker, President & CEO of the YWCA here in Milwaukee and her colleague Dr. Martha Barry, Racial Justice Director.  The course (more of a conversation, actually) was an intensive exploration of the origins and complexities of racism in America as well as the adverse impact that racism has on individuals, on organizations, and on communities as a whole. 

Having grown up in the South when Jim Crow was still alive and well, I thought I perhaps had a better-than-average awareness of the effects of racism.  Plus, I had spent a good deal of my spare reading time focusing on the literature of racism, critical race theory, and the like.  I felt prepared and ready. 

What I encountered in the four-hour long class periods was not a "course" in the way I have always thought of teaching and learning.  Much of the time was spent on listening (with my mouth shut!) to others tell their personal stories and relate their perspectives in a judgment-free zone.  I spent time reflecting on what I heard, what I thought I knew, and what I had learned from the experiences of others.  It was humbling.  I left every Tuesday evening with a commitment to return the next week.

The content was challenging in many ways: the illusion of race at the biological level, the social construct of race, the concept of white privilege, racial micro-aggressions, and the nature of institutionalized racism in America.  This was heady stuff, and it certainly is not for anyone who prefers to live within his/her individual comfort zone.

I left simultaneously enriched and in debt to my classmates who spoke honestly and from the heart.  I also left with a personal action plan on how I can help extend the conversation from our small group to a much wider community.  More on that later...

Sept. 27, 2011

MATC Proud to Welcome Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier to ECAM, HIRE Center

When I welcomed Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, U. S. Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education to Milwaukee on Sept. 8, her first words were "Call me Brenda."

Her visit was part of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's "Education and the Economy" bus tour of several Midwest states. While in Milwaukee, she met with MATC students, instructors, business leaders and representatives of community-based organizations that partner with MATC. Her personal (and personable) approach was disarming and welcoming, but I never doubted for a moment she was absorbing every word said.

At the Oak Creek Campus' Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing (ECAM), students shared that everyone committed to technical education must work to overcome the negative perception manufacturing carries with it. They also candidly told us that we need to do a better job promoting MATC to local high school students. Business leaders spoke about the importance of collaborating with MATC to ensure our students are receiving the education and training for skills employers are looking for right now.

From ECAM, we headed to Milwaukee's HIRE Center, where dislocated workers have access to re-employment and retraining services. Some students shared their stories of being laid off multiple times; others shared how they came to the United States to seek a better life. They eloquently stated that they want to work. Despite the frustration of this recession, they remain undaunted. Our community partners like Journey House, the Workforce Investment Board, the Urban League, and others said unequivocally that their unique willingness to work together is the key to decades of success.

Dr. Dann-Messier was complimentary of our programs, relationships, and certainly of our people. I was struck by the copious notes she took throughout the day and the amazing recall she had for each individual's name. I am confident that our stories of challenges and accomplishments will be shared in Washington, D.C.

The day was an opportunity to showcase many of the positive attributes of MATC – cutting-edge technology education and training, committed business partners, dedicated community allies, innovative teachers, and most importantly, our amazing students.

I was reminded throughout the day of the true reason I have spent my entire career in higher education: the students for whom we are often the last, best hope. I am proud of our students who were forthright about what we do well and how we can improve. Their candor was impressive, especially when they talked about the tough times in their lives. I know Dr. Dann-Messier was equally impressed with their honesty and dedication. I am proud these students call MATC home.

Photos of Dr. Dann-Messier's visits can be viewed at http://marketing.matc.edu/web/photos/090811_assistant_secretary_of_education_visit/index.html

June 3, 2011

As college president, I get to be present at many, many "splendid moments." Perhaps the "splendidest" moments of all are our graduation ceremonies.  Yes, ceremonies, plural.  In the course of a few weeks, I get to be part of the Commencement ceremony for our Spring associate degree, technical diploma, and certificate graduates; the Pinning ceremonies for our nursing, health, and dental program graduates (including our bilingual program graduates); and the GED/HSED graduation ceremony, easily the most emotional one of all (for the graduates and for me), wrapped up our spring celebrations.  

I have always appreciated the "voltage" at the ceremonies - from the graduates, to their families, to faculty members.  From the podium, I see the same faces every year, with the same contagious sense of pride and accomplishment that makes it worthwhile for me to wear the purple-striped, full-length robe, the orange-and-white striped hood (the colors of the University of Texas, of course), and the floppy black hat.

To me, these ceremonies celebrate both achievement and tradition. The years of hard work and dedication by the graduates (and the tolerance of their loved ones!) culminate in these (sometime raucous) celebrations.  And, the ritualized elements of the ceremony - the playing of "Pomp and Circumstance," the parade of the college mace, the colorful gowns and hoods of the faculty and guests, the moving of the tassel from right to left, walking across the stage - are all part of a momentous rite de passage that is centuries old and recognize the enduring power of education. 

At MATC, all of our students - no matter their gender, age, ethnic background, economic status, or work history - are committed to changing their lives for the better through a high-quality, relevant, technical education. As a result, the rising tide lifts all the boats here in southeastern Wisconsin.

Our graduates persevere, and I am proud that they allowed Milwaukee Area Technical College to be their vehicle for a better quality of life. For our many, many graduates, every day is a new day because they have given themselves countless new opportunities through education.

Congratulations to the MATC Classes (plural!) of 2011!

March 30, 2011

I had the pleasure of joining in on the International Ethnic Parade held at the downtown campus on Wednesday, March 30.  The Ethnic Festival is a weeklong event (March 28-April 1), and the highlight for me is the flag parade.  It involves students, faculty, and staff from our English as a Second Language (ESL) program who carry flags and banners through the hallways representing 60+ countries. I had the opportunity to participate in last year's parade (in a pinstriped suit, no less), but this year I joined in wearing a beautifully embroidered shirt from Senegal.

The students carry flags and generally wear the traditional clothing from their home countries.  I was surrounded by beautiful dresses from the Congo, ao dai (the silk tunics and pants) from Vietnam, and folklorico dresses from Mexico.  For a brief hour, we had the United Nations in miniature, gathered together in the foyer of the Student Center for photographs. Historically, the needs of our community have always driven the curriculum at MATC, and ESL has been a critically important part of our service to Milwaukee for decades.

Included in this week's activities was a moving photo exhibit entitled "Here, There, and Elsewhere" which was displayed on the second floor of the Main Building.  The exhibit by John Ruebartsch and Sally Kuzma details the lives of the refugee families who have made Milwaukee their new home.

Events like the International Ethnic Fest showcase the rich diversity of MATC. It also gives us the chance to reflect on our own backgrounds as members of the MATC family. This comes at a time when international relations are tense and the need for camaraderie is great.

 March 9, 2011

On February 24, I had the privilege of serving as the keynote speaker at the United States Conference on Adult Literacy held in downtown Milwaukee. The event was sponsored by the Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services, whose staff members engage in life-changing work throughout the Milwaukee area.

I detailed how MATC works with more than 40 literacy sites in the greater Milwaukee area. I mentioned places like Journey House, the YWCA, the Council for the Spanish Speaking, and the Northcott Neighborhood Center, places that are often below the radar unless you need their services.

I observed that those in need of literacy services are often facing complex challenges.  They are: 

• The working poor;
• Parents, many times single parents;
• English language learners;
• Those with disabling conditions, some of which are visible, many of which are invisible;
• Immigrants from countries we only know about through the headlines;
• Refugees from wars and economic tragedies.

From my first-hand experiences, literacy programs are transformative and are that essential bridge to a better, more rewarding, more fulfilling life for millions of Americans.

I also shared these statistics:

• One million Wisconsin adults qualify for literacy and English language services, but only about 10% actually receive the services.
• 500,000 Wisconsinites lack a high school degree.
• Milwaukee is the fourth-poorest city in the United States.
• This is not a coincidence.

There are two Milwaukees. These worlds are separate and unequal. These worlds are defined by levels of literacy. High literacy skills offer opportunity, options, and paths to personal and professional success. Low literacy skills are predictive of low wages, a lower quality of life, and generational poverty.

While in Washington, D.C. last month, I learned a timely yet troubling fact: federal funds for the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act are under attack. The very programs that can change lives, families, and communities are at risk.

It is our duty, our obligation to be the voice of the voiceless.

 Feb. 14, 2011

One of the best parts of being a college president is the opportunity to meet new students.

Jan. 13, 2011

I am proud to share that Milwaukee Area Technical College is one of just 84 colleges across the nation that is preparing area residents for health information technology careers as part of the federal HITECH Act. MATC is a member of a consortium of Midwest colleges that received funding from a highly competitive U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant for the project.  Our students are currently receiving the education and training needed to implement, support and integrate electronic health care information systems. Once trained, they will be very employable in a variety of health care settings throughout the region.

The planning and execution of this project was on a very fast track.   Funding was announced last April and the first classes began in late September. This unique project is an example of MATC's versatility and ability to meet changing and evolving careers and industries. When this project is completed, 300 new professionals will be ready to enter the workforce, and the positive economic impact on the local economy will be substantial. In addition, we are adapting our curriculum to continue the training of these new health care workers.

The college's relationship with the local health care sector is a long and rich one, and the Health Information Technology project is one more important milestone. I am pleased that Milwaukee Area Technical College is playing an important role in this new phase of health careers, and I am confident our graduates will have a profound impact on the health care industry for years to come.

Interested in a health information techonology career? Apply NOW for classes that begin in March. For more information on the HIT project, please visit http://matc.edu/healthinfotech/  

Dec. 17, 2010

When I first came to MATC, I met Robbie Reddic one brisk spring morning in front of the Student Center on the Downtown Milwaukee campus.  He works in the MATC foundry located on the first floor of the T building. I recently paid a visit, as promised, to Mr. Reddic, who let me try my hand (literally) at forming and casting a set of Gothic chess pieces. On the bright side, no one got hurt.  After my performance, I doubt I will be asked to teach a course in our metallurgical technician certificate program, but I did walk away with a renewed interest in the work that goes on, sometimes below the radar screen, in our technology programs.

It's no secret that MATC has been offering programs that support the technology and manufacturing community in the region for a century (okay, 99 years, but close enough). At the same time, we have showed our flexibility by developing programs for careers that were not even a germ of an idea when the college opened in 1912.  Along the way, we have provided the critically-needed education and training for business, health, protective services, media, creative arts, and green technology careers that all play increasingly important roles in our local economy's vitality.

In many cases, MATC is the only educational institution in the state where people can receive training for certain careers, such as energy engineering, funeral science, cardiovascular technician, water quality technician, carpentry, plumbing, television/video production, baking/pastry arts, computer gaming and simulation, web designer, CNC operator, appliance technician, biomedical electronics, and dozens more.

So, as I visit these special places such as the foundry across the college, my appreciation for the programs, people and the 99 year history of Milwaukee Area Technical College continues to grow.  Enjoy the photos....

Nov. 22, 2010

In my first year here at MATC, I have come to appreciate the college's substantial commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. I am surrounded by countless examples of this commitment in both our curriculum and our operations, all of which convince me that MATC will soon be a national leader in this important effort.

The word about our sustainability initiatives is getting out. Last month I was joined by associate dean Joe Jacobsen, instructor George Stone, and District Board member Lauren Baker at the Association of Community College Trustees Congress where we presented a comprehensive overview of our commitment to sustainability. Our session was well-attended by our colleagues from across the nation, indicative of the momentum developing around sustainability on college campuses. This attention is important because it gives us an opportunity to share our accomplishments to benefit other colleges across the country.

In addition, I attended the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Leadership Summit that was held in Denver in October. As a newly-appointed member of that group's Steering Committee, I will have the opportunity to shape higher education's commitment to sustainability at the national level.

We continue to receive inquiries about the Photovoltaic Educational Laboratory that we have developed here in Milwaukee at Capitol and Humboldt (the site of a reclaimed landfill).  This remarkable site is a clear and visible testament to the vision and innovation that MATC has demonstrated for decades. And, to no one's surprise, interest continues to grow in our sustainability degree, diploma and certificate programs. I am proud to say MATC is front and center among the national leaders of the sustainability movement in higher education.

Oct. 27, 2010

On October 15th, I was invited to visit a special event. While it was a small gathering, it will create big ripples. I drove a few blocks from my office on 6th and State to the Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club, located just north of our Downtown Milwaukee campus. Once I made my way to the gym, I joined students, faculty and staff from our MATC Teacher Education program. They were donating books to the children who participate in after-school and summer programs at the Boys & Girls Club. The books given to the children sitting in the bleachers were actually purchased with profits from the annual MATC Book Fair that is hosted by the college’s exceptional Teacher Education program.

I was struck by why this outreach is so important for Milwaukee and our children: it connects our college students with our community, especially with the children who will benefit daily from the books they received. In addition, it builds strong bonds between the college and the local agencies dedicated to serving the needs of families who have been marginalized in this economic downturn. Finally, and perhaps the biggest ripple, it reinforces a love of reading and inquiry that is critical to a life of the mind.

From my vantage point beside the bleachers, I saw firsthand how excited the children were. Among the hundreds of books were some classics like “Corduroy” and “If You Give a Pig a Party”, as well as some popular series like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” As president of MATC, I was renewed to see how the involvement of our teachers-in- training inspired the children of Pieper-Hillside to read. Few things are as rewarding for an educator (especially a former English instructor like me) to see than a young person devouring a new book. I am convinced that the impact of our visit will ripple through these children for years to come. Although my visit lasted less than an hour, I left understanding that our large and daunting challenges around the education of all the children of Milwaukee will not be solved by the “Grand Idea.” Rather, they will be met and solved by the cumulative effect of many, many such acts as I witnessed at the Boys & Girls Club.

October 11, 2010

MATC plays an essential role

As the new president of Milwaukee Area Technical College, I was struck recently by the convergence of a historic event and a deeply troubling headline. Tuesday marks the first ever White House Summit on Community Colleges, hosted by Dr. Jill Biden, herself a community college faculty member. Last week, unfortunately, marked the announcement that Milwaukee is now the fourth-poorest big city in the United States, with 62,000 of our children living in poverty.

It is no accident that well-deserved attention is being paid to the 1,100 community and technical colleges across the nation. Given the horrific data related to poverty and joblessness, the solution is clear: a workforce with certified, demonstrable skill sets in technologically based, relevant curricula - precisely what we specialize in at MATC.
It is also clear to me that MATC plays an essential role in the health, safety and economic vitality of metro Milwaukee. The recession has been a perfect storm for Milwaukee, driving thousands of people out of the workforce through layoffs. Many of these newly unemployed are now choosing to enhance their skills by coming to MATC in record numbers. The recession also has driven down both property values and state aid, resulting in less revenue for MATC, challenging our ability to serve the very students who need us more than ever. A perfect storm, indeed.

Allow me to give some numbers: More than 200 associate degree, technical diploma, certificate and apprentice programs; over 57,000 students, 4,000 of whom already have baccalaureate degrees (which redefines the traditional concept of "graduate school," perhaps); over 2,300 associate degrees annually; over 1,300 GEDs awarded last year, thanks to our long-term, dedicated faculty and with the help of dozens of community partners such as the YWCA and Journey House; 97% of our graduates living and working (and paying taxes) here in Wisconsin; and $600 million added annually to the local economy through the intellectual capital that additional education and training creates. In total, MATC builds wealth and creates a path from hopelessness to family-sustaining careers in our community. That is the upside.

Now for the downside: Plummeting property values have eroded the revenue the college depends on from the property tax levy; state aid has declined at a rate that, if it continues, will result in MATC soon being state-located but barely state-funded; escalating fixed costs that are challenging every human service organization that depends on well-educated, highly skilled people to accomplish its mission; and tuition that remains low to ensure we are affordable to the very students we were built to serve. As the Public Policy Forum stated in its succinctly titled report, "Growing Demands, Shrinking Resources," MATC is facing a future that will require careful stewardship by all. A challenge? Absolutely. A crisis? Not exactly.

Much attention has been paid recently to MATC's financial health. Embedded in that attention is the acknowledgment that MATC has labored mightily, often just below the radar, to meet the complex workforce needs of the region. The college leadership and the volunteer MATC District Board members have worked diligently in tough times to develop a balanced budget that maintains much-needed instruction and support services to our students. We take our fiscal stewardship seriously. A healthy reserve and a consistently strong (Aa1) bond rating attest to our commitment to financial responsibility.

In 2011, MATC will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Everyone affiliated with the college - students, faculty, staff, business partners, community associates, donors, alumni - is proud of this century-old legacy. We change lives. We build a community.

This op-ed piece appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on October 5, 2010.