GALLATIN, Tenn. – A graduate of Ferris State University’s Doctorate of Community College Leadership program has assumed new duties, as Talia Koronkiewicz was appointed assistant vice
president of Student Services at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn.,
near Nashville.
Koronkiewicz was a member of Ferris’ DCCL Cohort Four, which completed its studies in Spring 2016. She had earned a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College, in Waukesha, Wis., and her master of arts from Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind., prior to entering the DCCL program. Koronkiewicz said that she is excited by her new opportunity.
“I had been manager of student conduct and campus life at McHenry County College, in Crystal Lake, Ill.,” Koronkiewicz said. “I was chief judicial officer there, and supervised student life and campus activities. At Volunteer State, beyond being chief judicial officer, I will ensure compliance with the College’s student conduct policy, and chair the behavioral conduct team. I will also oversee the student life and diversity initiative, the TRIO Office, which supports first-generation and financially-challenged students, and Volunteer State’s Disability Services office.”
Tennessee’s high school seniors can apply for the Tennessee Promise, which provides two years of tuition-free attendance at a community college or technical school in the state. Koronkiewicz said that as part of her duties, she will develop a student engagement plan.
“I’m excited by this opportunity, as I want to help these students feel acclimated,” Koronkiewicz said. “It will call for working with departments all across Volunteer State’s campus.”
Koronkiewicz began her career in education in student activities, and said that Ferris’ DCCL program was key to her career transition.
“I have gained knowledge, skills and the confidence to become a viable candidate,” Koronkiewicz said. “The DCCL program provided a ‘big picture’ of community college operations, including the academic side of these institutions, which prepared me to be successful in this role.”
Ferris welcomed participants in DCCL Cohort Seven for their first phase of instruction in May, and Fall 2016 semester classes are nearing an end. Koronkiewicz said that the instructors and administrators of the program are committed to excellence in content and instruction.
“This program provides an in-depth, hands-on examination of current operations, and
challenges students to consider the future of community colleges,” Koronkiewicz said.
“National legislation and state-level issues are examined, to help make us capable
leaders. Exploring these issues allow DCCL students to become equipped to handle the
challenges they present.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Talia Koronkiewicz, a May, 2016 graduate of Ferris State University’s
Doctorate of Community College Leadership program is now assistant vice president
for Student Services at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn. She had
been manager of Student Conduct and Campus Life at McHenry County College, in Crystal
Lake, Ill.