Cerritos College recognizes industry members for advisory roles

Cerritos College recognizes industry members for advisory roles

Fourteenth annual breakfast features career technical education expert

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2012

Media Contact:Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878

NORWALK, Calif. - April 17, 2012 - Cerritos College hosted nearly 300 industry professionals and college staff at the 14th annual Advisory Committee Members' Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, April 12. Members of 45 individual committees include business, industry and community leaders who preside on various advisory committees at the college to provide consultation and development of career and technical education programs.

"In light of California's economic crisis, the committees keep us informed so that we can adapt our curriculum and instruction to current business trends and needs," said Cerritos College President/Superintendent Dr. Linda Lacy.

Kevin Fleming, associate dean of Career & Technical Education at Norco College, served as keynote speaker for the breakfast.

Fleming's professional background includes over twelve years' experience working in higher education at community colleges and both public and private four-year universities. He began his career in academia in student affairs and has experience in classroom instruction, fundraising/foundations, economic development, Career & Technical Education, and professional speaking, training, and consulting. He most recently analyzed industry and workforce needs providing customized labor market research for the California Community College system through the Centers of Excellence.

Through a lively presentation, Fleming helped the attendees understand the importance of alignment between education and workforce needs. He discussed the role for career and technical education in tomorrow's community colleges and the vital collaboration required with industry to remain competitive.

Fleming recognized community colleges' role in job training. He said community colleges will play more and more vital roles in and encouraged industry representatives to work closely with community colleges to address industry trends and issues.

Advisory committees at Cerritos College provide college departments with advisement and industry currency in areas including accounting, administration of justice, automotive, business administration, composites, computer and information sciences, culinary arts, nursing, welding and woodworking.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college's district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, LaMirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions.Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at http://www.cerritos.edu/.