Heartland names Deans of STEM-Business and Career Technical Education

 

[June 15, 2020]    Heartland Community College has filled two important positions to advance the growing demand for STEM and Business skills as well as technical training programs.

Dr. Dana King has been named to the newly created position of Dean of Career and Technical Education (CTE). King has served as Associate Dean of Technology at Heartland since 2013.

Lauren Denofrio-Corrales has been named Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math and Business (STEM-B). Denofrio-Corrales has served as Associate Dean, Science since 2013. She will fill the position vacated by the retirement of Dr. Bob Shaw.

Both deans will provide leadership to focus the ongoing College approach toward serving workforce needs.

“The College has recognized increased demand for skills training and short-term programs leading directly into work and onto a fulfilling career,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Rick Pearce. “To meet the needs in this area, the College has established a new academic division for Career and Technical Education. While CTE programs have existed at the College since our beginnings, these programs were housed within the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math and Business Division. By having a dean focusing exclusively on CTE programs, the College is poised to launch several new and exciting short-term, Work-Ready programs in coming semesters.” 

As Dean of CTE, King will focus on efforts to develop “Work Ready” certifications that will enable students not only to qualify for entry-level jobs but also to build upon those credentials to advance their careers. Denofrio-Corrales will focus the STEM-B area on a wide range of courses that are transfer-ready. Both areas will work together to provide “stackable credits” that offer students options to meet their educational goals.

“After a national search to fill these positions I am greatly pleased to announce two outstanding candidates have been hired. We are fortunate to have such strong candidates in Lauren and Dana emerge from within the College,” said Pearce. “Both have exhibited a high caliber of work, passion for our students and strong leadership skills.”

The College held online Open Forums with presentations from finalists from both positions, which have a start date of July 1, 2020.

[Steve Fast
Director, Public Information
Heartland Community College]