Sedalia, MO Jan. 16 — State Fair Community College (SFCC) announces the appointment of Michael Leonard as the new Dean for Technical Education and Workforce Innovation. In his role, Leonard will be responsible for overseeing SFCC’s programs in various pathways, including Business Management and Information Technology, Industrial, Manufacturing, and Engineering Technology, as well as the Career and Technology Center (CTC), The LearningForce customized training, and the Adult Education and Literacy programs. An experienced professional, Leonard brings a wealth of experience to SFCC. Prior to joining SFCC, he served as the Dean of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Business at North Shore Community College (NSCC) in Danvers, Massachusetts. In this capacity, Leonard successfully oversaw programs in Agriculture and Food Service, Business and Administration, and Personal Service Careers.
With a strong commitment to providing students with the most relevant, innovative, and impactful industry knowledge, Leonard expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am extremely passionate about career and technical education and ensuring pathways support a region’s economy. This is accomplished by providing students with the most relevant, innovative, and impactful industry knowledge. I am excited to join SFCC and continue their long-standing commitment to education and training in the preparation of all students to achieve their career goals.” Before his tenure at NSCC, Leonard held various leadership positions, including Department Chair of Agricultural Studies at Northwest State Community College, Program Manager of Hocking College’s Agroecology Program, Director of Veterans Services at St. Bonaventure University, and Academic Program Manager at Frederick Community College.
A retired career military officer, Leonard holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri, a Master of Science in Geosciences (Meteorology) from Mississippi State University, and a Master of Agricultural and Extension Education from North Carolina State University. His qualifications include being a Federal Acquisition Institute Certified Program/Project Manager and Contracting Officer’s Representative, along with Defense Acquisition University certifications in both Systems Engineering and Test and Evaluation Engineering.
SFCC looks forward to the valuable contributions Michael Leonard will bring to the college and is confident that his leadership will play a crucial role in furthering SFCC’s commitment to education and training.
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