Members

The Strategic Horizon Network has made a significant impact on MVCC - from the Colloqiua experiences to the insights and emerging practices gained from interactions with network colleagues, the Network can be felt in many visible ways. A few artifacts that would not exist today if not for our SHN membership include:

• updated strategic planning process
• development of the Fablab connected to the MIT international fablab network
• use of Gallup Strengthsfinder for all students and 70% of full-time employees
• development and support of self-directed teams
• use of appreciative inquiry
• creation of HawkVision (futures council)
• participation in the Achieving the Dream Network

In addition to these tangible elements at the College, perhaps the biggest benefit has been the participation of more than 40 faculty and staff in SHN experiences that have increased connections, collective thinking, creativity, and future-focus mindset that surfaces in unexpected places during meetings and conversations.

Areas of expertise: Strategic planning, organizational change and organizational culture

• For additional information on Dr. VanWagoner
• For MVCC Impact Statement

During my tenure at MVCC, I've had the wonderful opportunity to participate in several SHN colloquia. As an employee participating in the process, these bi-annual gatherings generate a great deal of excitement. The anticipation of being invited to such an extraordinary learning opportunity surpasses any other professional development experience I've encountered. And once you've attended, you really understand just how powerful this unique experience is for network participants. Now, as a co-facilitator, I'm equally thrilled to begin to participate in the design discussions, while also helping facilitate exceptional experiences for future participants from our network colleges.

Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart serves as the ninth Chancellor for Austin Community College District. Russell's leadership is centered around the concept of LOVE, with a dedicated focus on enhancing student success through systemic and cultural transformation. At SHN, I leverage my futuristic vision and collaborative leadership style to build bridges between what is and what could be. I bring a strong background in transformation, student success, and operational effectiveness and alignment. SHN has the potential to help us all reimagine what higher education could and should look like. The future before us is daunting and exciting. SHN institutions, and SHN leaders, are committed to improving our current operations while reimaging teaching and learning systems and structures.

Areas of Expertise: Transformational leadership, organizational systems change, leadership development, student success, basic needs systems, values identification and implementation, workforce partnership integration, cross-functional team development.

As the Head of Product at Austin Community College District (ACC), I bring extensive experience in strategic planning, business development, and program development to the Strategic Horizons Network (SHN). At ACC, I lead initiatives in tech and entrepreneurship, identifying opportunities and forming strategic partnerships. My role involves organizing talent to work from a position of strength and advancing initiatives beyond pilot stages. At SHN, I will leverage my expertise in strategic vision and operational execution to drive innovation. My focus on cross-functional leadership ensures alignment between SHN's mission and growth opportunities. By establishing external collaborations and alliances, I will enhance SHN's visibility and influence in academia and industry, positioning the network at key conferences and events.

I bring a strong background in stakeholder engagement and talent management, developing systems and processes that enable significant growth and operational effectiveness. My commitment to transformational leadership ensures impactful outcomes, with a focus on monitoring and measuring returns on investments. Additionally, I am dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, building high-performing teams that drive SHN's mission forward.

As a continuous learner, I stay at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, ensuring that SHN remains a leader in educational excellence. Together, we will create environments where students thrive and institutions excel, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in higher education.

Areas of expertise: Transformational Leadership, Strategic Advising, Capability Building, Cross-Functional Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Business Development, Product Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Operational Effectiveness, Goal Setting, Performance Metrics, Business Transformation, Organizational Policies, Risk Management, Technology Innovation, External Collaborations

Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, the seventh President of Forsyth Technical Community College, assumed her role on January 1, 2019. Now in her eighth year of leading Forsyth Tech, she brings 30 years of leadership experience within the North Carolina Community College System, having served in executive roles at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Carteret Community College before joining Forsyth Tech.

Dr. Spriggs' leadership has been nationally recognized through the Aspen Institute's Community College Excellence Program, where she holds the distinction of being a three-time Aspen Presidential Fellow. She was among 40 leaders nationwide chosen for the 2018–2019 Aspen Rising Presidential Fellowship, one of 25 presidents in the inaugural cohort of the 2020 Aspen New Presidents Fellowship, and a 2025 Aspen Presidential Fellow. In 2026, Dr. Spriggs was honored to be named the North Community College System President of the Year and guided by her leadership, Forsyth Tech was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction.

Dr. Spriggs' journey echoes the theme of "Roots and Wings." Her story begins in North Carolina, deeply rooted in the values of faith, family, and hard work. As a former first-generation, low-income community college student herself, attending Rockingham Community College and Durham Technical Community College, she has experienced firsthand the transformative power of community college education. Dr. Spriggs earned her doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University. Her passion is in the power of education to change lives and community colleges' vital role as catalysts for access for all, workforce development, and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. As a student-centered visionary, Dr. Spriggs fosters high-quality learning, advances students success, and drives institutional transformation, most recently through Vision 2030: Forsyth Tech 3.0 — Future-Ready by Design.

Beyond her presidency, Dr. Spriggs serves her community and her state as Chair Elect of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., as a member of the Advisory Board for the Belk Center at NC State University, and formerly on the boards for the Winston-Salem Alliance, the United Way of Forsyth County, and Winston-Salem Business, Inc. She has contributed her expertise to the American Association of Community Colleges' Student Success Commission, as Vice President for Membership for the American Association of Women in Community Colleges, and as a member of the JFF Policy Leadership Trust.

Dr. Spriggs leads by a simple but powerful conviction: Love Deeply. Laugh Often. Lead Well. She believes that remarkable leadership requires the courage to dream, the strength to care, and the power of authentic relationships — and that a president's job is to model all three, every day. She is committed to a student-centered approach, a culture of belonging, and a community built for the future. Connect with her through her Live Your Purpose Leadership platform at JanetSpriggs.com.

In her life's partnership with her husband Doug, spanning more than 40 years, Janet's life outside her educational advocacy is equally rich and fulfilling. She finds joy on the golf course, in the quiet mindfulness of crocheting, and through the lens of her camera when capturing the beauty of nature and precious family moments. Janet cherishes time with their five children and five grandchildren who are a constant wellspring of inspiration and reminder of the most important legacies we are meant to cultivate.

Dr. Paula Dibley is the Chief Student Success Officer and Chief of Staff at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she leads strategy and operations across student success, enrollment, K–12 partnerships, and institutional effectiveness.

Paula is passionate about reimagining the community college experience to better serve today's learners, especially those who are first-generation, low-income, or balancing school with work and family. Her work focuses on designing more personalized, proactive systems of support that help students persist, graduate, and secure family-sustaining careers.

Paula began her career in Washington, D.C. working in media relations and communications with nonprofit clients, including the Save Darfur Coalition and The Pew Charitable Trusts. After relocating to North Carolina, she transitioned into higher education, serving in leadership roles at both Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Forsyth Tech.

She holds degrees from American University, the University of North Carolina, and New York University, where her doctoral research focused on expanding equitable access to dual enrollment.

Paula has been married to her partner, Troy, for more than fifteen years, and they have two children, Brielle (12) and Cole (9). Paula is passionate about her community, an advocate for social justice, and a believer that education can be the great equalizer. When she's not working or volunteering on local nonprofit boards in the community, she loves to read, drink copious amounts of tea and water, exercise, and spend time relaxing with family and friends.

Lorain County Community College has participated as a learning organization with the Strategic Horizon Network (SHN) for more than 20 years. The impact of SHN reverberates across our College as the LCCC SHN team has infused and built upon the discoveries and takeaways from the network colloquiums. Evidence of these learnings emerge in LCCC’s strategic visioning process and the living document, fostering in-depth community partnerships, valuing our people, and living our internal brand. Engaging with organizations from outside of higher education has been one of the most worthwhile strategies in developing our campus culture and achieving our priorities and initiatives. SHN has pushed our boundaries and its outgrowth is the creation of itself -- a highly-engaged network of like-minded, innovative, learning organizations which are the Strategic Horizon Network.

Areas of Expertise: Strategic Planning, Leadership Development, Resource Development, Partnerships, Performance-Based Funding, Pathways

• Additional information on Dr. Ballinger
• For LCCC's Impact Statement

SHN provides incredible opportunities to stretch our thinking as it relates to the strategic direction of our colleges. We've been introduced to many new methodologies, systems and ideas that we've brought back to our campus. SHN keeps our eyes focused on the future and where we need to take our institutions and what to expect.

SHN creates an environment of innovation, excitement, and camaraderie. It is rare to have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with like - minded individuals from institutions that also have shared missions and goals. No topic or idea is "too big" for SHN, which allows for forward-thinking discussion and openness to learning from both higher education peers and industry experts. The Network embraces learning from the "outside" and experimenting with ideas, philosophies, and expertise from organizations, industries, and companies external to higher education – a refreshing and reinvigorating approach!

Equally important, SHN provides you with trusted colleagues, friends, and confidants - relationships that last far beyond the actual conferences themselves. BC3 is incredibly proud to be a part of this network!

• For additional information about Megan Coval
• For BCCC's Impact Statement

Staying current with trends in higher education is crucial for colleges and universities, especially for smaller rural community colleges, as it enables them to remain relevant, competitive, and responsive to the evolving needs of students, employers, and society at large. By keeping abreast of emerging trends, institutions can proactively adapt their programs, services, and policies to align with industry demands, technological advancements, and pedagogical innovations.

The Strategic Horizons Network remains at the forefront of trends in higher education through a dynamic and proactive approach to staying current. The network employs a multifaceted strategy that includes regular engagement with industry experts, thought leaders, and educational stakeholders to gather insights and foresights on emerging trends and best practices in higher education. By fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and agility, the Strategic Horizons Network empowers its members to stay ahead of the curve, embrace new methodologies, and implement cutting-edge solutions that propel their institutions forward in a rapidly evolving educational environment.

SHN provides a platform for direct engagement with peers who share similar contexts and constraints, fostering a sense of camaraderie, shared experiences, and belonging.

Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia serves as the eleventh President of Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) and is the first woman and first Latina to lead the institution. She brings more than 25 years of experience in education, including 12 years in higher education, and holds a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Previously, she served as North Campus President and Vice Provost for Academic Services at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her leadership is defined by a strong commitment to student success, collaboration, and innovation in career and technical education.

Her early tenure at CVTC has focused on workforce development, expanding academic pathways such as the addition of an associate of arts degree and strengthening partnerships with four-year institutions. She is known for her leadership in fostering collaboration, academic innovation, and student success.

Dr. Beaton-Garcia's commitment to technical education is evident in her efforts to align programs with industry needs, integrate hands-on training, and promote real-world learning opportunities. She has championed technology-enhanced education by investing in modern labs, classrooms, and online platforms to improve access and flexibility. A dedicated community advocate, she serves on numerous local, state, and national boards.

Under her leadership, CVTC has earned national recognition, including designation as a military-friendly college and being named one of the top 150 two-year colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. Her vision continues to drive the college's growth, innovation, and impact across the region.

Joni Geroux serves as Vice President of Strategic Communications & Engagement and Chief of Staff at Chippewa Valley Technical College. She leads the college's strategic communications, marketing, recruitment, community engagement, regional campus outreach, alumni affairs, and legislative relations. In partnership with the president and executive leadership team, she helps advance institutional strategy, strengthen external relationships, and support initiatives that drive student success and regional workforce development.

With more than two decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, workforce development, marketing, and communications, Joni is passionate about connecting education, industry, and communities to create meaningful opportunities for learners and employers. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic thinking, and commitment to fostering strong relationships that advance institutional and economic growth. Joni holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Northern Iowa.

Dr. Jermaine Williams has been appointed as President of Montgomery College, February 28, 2022.

• For Montgomery College's Impact Statement

Deeply committed to the transformative power of education, student success, and equity and inclusion, Dr. Price has more than two decades of experience in higher education. Her experiences include teaching in-person and online classes; leading faculty and staff and academic programming; working with educational agencies, local industry, local and state legislators, and community stakeholders; and establishing articulation agreements and cooperative arrangements.

Her work at Montgomery College highlights her collaborative leadership style with the development of the new Academic Master Plan which focuses initiatives that empower students in their academic journey, and incorporates diverse perspectives from across the College, as well as her work on dismantling access barriers to create an advising plan in partnership with her colleagues in Student Affairs. These initiatives will impact student success and post-completion success for many years to come. In addition, Dr. Price is leading work that will open new doors to higher education while bringing together programming across the College to streamline educational pathways, eliminate barriers to completion, and guarantee graduates' placement in jobs and transfer institutions that lead to high-demand, high-wage careers that build strong communities and influence economic prosperity for families across the region.

Shaunda Richardson-Snell, born and raised in Genesee County, Michigan, is an enterprise leader and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of global, multi-industry leadership and financial management experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

In May 2025, the Mott Community College Board of Trustees appointed Richardson-Snell as President of Mott Community College (MCC), after she served as Interim President for nearly a year. In this exciting role, she is delighted to be back home, investing in the education of our next generation and furthering community development efforts. Ms. Richardson-Snell is leading MCC with an unwavering focus on the creation of an "Extraordinary Student Experience". She collaborates with the secondary and higher education institutions, area businesses, local, state and federal government, non-profit organization and the faith-based community to promote MCC for current and prospective students. Ms. Richardson-Snell is also committed to developing highly effective and productive relationships with the Board of Trustees and union leadership. Ms. Richardson-Snell embodies an entrepreneurial spirit that is coupled with the courage to take measured risks and engage best practices and data-driven decision-making to improve student support services, campus facilities and academic programming. While graduating with MCC credentials is an important milestone, she defines true student success as enabling seamless pathways to living wage paying jobs by ensuring MCC certification and degree programs meet the talent needs of the current and future job markets.

Ms. Richardson-Snell has held numerous executive leadership and finance positions at General Motors, TI Fluid Systems, Trinity Health and Delphi Corporation where she was intricately involved in the company's infamous Chapter 11 restructuring process. Prior to her present role, she founded Aquila Advisors, a boutique corporate advisory firm offering tailored financial strategy solutions to key stakeholders.

Ms. Richardson-Snell holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint, received certification from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business in "Reinventing Leadership" and is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP).

• For MCC's Impact Statement

Marcus Matthews currently serves as the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff at Mott Community College. With over 17 years of experience in higher education, he has held leadership roles at both public and private institutions, overseeing workforce development, corporate services, student employment, and economic development initiatives. Dr. Matthews has a proven track record in strategic planning, partnership development, grant acquisition, and program implementation. He holds a BS from Grand Valley State University, an MSA from Central Michigan University, and an EdD in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.

• For MCC's Impact Statement

Our mission at Tulsa Community College is "Building Success through Education." Everything we do has the ultimate goal of helping our students and community meet their goals. The last five years at TCC saw the creation of a more student-focused, more efficient organizational infrastructure, and a shift in thinking for TCC employees. A comprehensive strategic plan, college-wide reorganization, and acceptance into the Pathways program in 2015 set in motion a revitalization at the College. The years that followed included a successful 20-million-dollar capital campaign, historic investments in student advisement services improving our student to advisor ratio from 1044:1 to 300:1, and clear prioritization of equitable student outcomes just to name a few. Since 2015, we have seen a 20.9% increase in credentials awarded.

As the 2015 strategic plan nears its completion, and we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are ready to tackle, in even bolder ways, the barriers we know to be so critical to our students. With the planning and construction of student success centers on all four main campuses well underway and the momentum of the success we have already seen, we will do all in our power to see every student to and through. Every day we continue to strive for- and achieve- our vision of an educated, employed, and thriving community.

Strategic Horizons Network is truly a one-of-a-kind experience where diverse leaders from across the country are able to "leave their titles at the door" and engage with each other in authentic dialogue, peer mentorship, and disruptive thinking all with a common purpose: to ensure each respective college is serving students to the absolute best of their ability. The Network also exposes and connects its membership with some truly remarkable leaders and trailblazing organizations from sectors outside of traditional higher education. All of this helps to challenge our status quos and requires that we continually assess ways in which we may be able to reinvent ourselves in order to better serve students. For Tulsa Community College this means our students will benefit from both the successes and lessons learned from some of the best colleges, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders at a national level.