As interim dean for the Advanced Technology and Public Service Careers division, Brandon Tucker is determined to understand the breadth and depth of the programs that fall under his leadership by getting his hands dirty and shadowing at least one course in each department.
He plans to “take a journey” with each department and spend one-on-one time with them observing the classroom settings, reviewing the unique elements of each certificate and degree program and watching how students approach their coursework.
The courses that fall under Advanced Technology are Auto Service, Auto Body Repair, Motorcycle Repair, Welding & Fabrication, Industrial Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Residential Construction and HVAC.
Courses in Public Services include Child Care, Criminal Justice and the Police Academy.
Tucker has a goal for each journey, which is to tell the “story” of each department by developing a comprehensive marketing plan. In addition, he will be working with the department chairs to create a comprehensive operations plan for the division, which will include goals they set to achieve during this next academic year that coincide with the college strategic plan emphasis on student success, retention, placement and enrollment.
In addition to his responsibilities here on campus – Tucker, an ordained minister, also is the executive pastor for the Greater New Psalmist Church in Toledo, Ohio.
He also has a wealth of experience in helping employees and employers find each other
–
having started his career recruiting for the Big Three and their Tier 1 suppliers.
It was this experience that gave him the ability to understand all facets of the workplace
– as an employer, employee, business leader, community member and human resources
manager.
Tucker has also been an adjunct instructor at Tiffin University, Owens Community College, and at WCC teaching a variety of business courses.
Tucker looks to segue his work in the private sector into the academic environment and is pleased with the solid ground already in place in the division.
“I want to build on the great relationships that already exist,” said Tucker. “I believe we must teach and guide our students with the philosophy of knowing yourself, knowing your customer and knowing your product.”
He recently spent time at the “Snack Spectacular,” an event in the Child Care department. The event was designed to showcase how students would engage parents with activities that reinforce a variety of skills – most specifically motor skills.
Next on Tucker’s agenda: learning how to weld, how to paint a car and spending a day with the new students in the Police Academy.