Laura Parmenter, SUNY Jamestown Community College’s director of Online Learning, recently completed the inaugural New York State Community College Leadership Academy in Albany. Parmenter was one of 34 fellows consisting of faculty and staff across State University of New York community colleges to participate in the leadership development program designed for emerging leaders to strengthen their critical skills and knowledge and improve student outcomes on their campuses.
Parmenter called her participation in the academy a “transformative experience.”
“I gained a holistic understanding of how all areas of our college must work together to ensure the success of our students during their time at JCC and beyond,” Parmenter said. “I came away from each session feeling energized and armed with knowledge and skills that I could either immediately apply or revisit as new opportunities present themselves. I am not the same leader today that I was when I started this program, and I am excited to share what I have learned in the support of our students along their paths to transfer and career.”
Parmenter joined JCC’s Jamestown Campus as an adjunct instructor teaching anatomy and physiology and chemistry courses in 2016. Under the leadership and guidance of Parmenter, who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching in 2020, JCC broadened its online offerings in chemistry.
Parmenter joined the full-time faculty as an assistant professor of Biology and Chemistry on the Cattaraugus County Campus in 2021 and a year later moved to her current director position, where she supports students, faculty, and staff engaged in online learning.
Parmenter and the other academy fellows were nominated to participate by senior leaders on their campuses based on their proven leadership and experience.
“Throughout my eight years here, JCC has been extremely supportive of my goals and aspirations and has provided me with opportunities to continue to grow as an employee and leader,” Parmenter said. “I am so grateful to President Daniel DeMarte, the President’s Cabinet, and SUNY for this opportunity, and especially to Dr. Marilyn Zagora (former JCC vice president of Academic Affairs) for serving as my mentor on this journey. I hope that the time and energy that I give to supporting JCC faculty and students adequately reflects my dedication to advancing the mission and vision of JCC.”
New York state, along with Ohio, Michigan, and Texas, were selected to launch and scale up leadership development programs for college practitioners through a year-long curriculum from the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program. The program is funded by the Ascendium Education Group, the ECMC Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation, to strengthen the pipeline of leaders within community colleges who can implement evidence-based reforms that help more students succeed.
“We are very proud of the knowledge and skill of the talented faculty and staff across SUNY's community colleges,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King. “The New York State Community College Leadership Academy reflects SUNY’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders who will strengthen our communities, elevate student success, and ensure New York State has a pipeline of talented and visionary leaders.”