Meet Al Long, Jr. (PLSP-ECMC Foundation fellow)

Meet Albert “Al” Long, Jr., instructor and diversity & equity specialist at Southern State Community College. Long’s interview appears as part of a spotlight series on 2020–21 fellows in the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation.

What leadership skills do you hope to develop as part of the Postsecond­ary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation?

The leadership skills I hope to develop as part of the Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation are not necessarily the same as when I initially started. My leadership needs have adjusted with the times, in a world with COVID-19 and social injustice. I would like to develop the ability to:

  • Learn to listen
  • Invest in the understandings of others
  • Be open to versatile ways for quick adjustments
  • Implement strategic methods to engage all interested parties

The core of my desired growth in leadership skills is based on listening, investing, versatility and engagement, which I believe will ensure I am a better leader.

How do you anticipate your participation in the program will better equip you to support career and technical edu­cation (CTE) students, particularly underserved groups, toward career success?

My CTE students, particularly those in underserved groups, have many barriers toward career success. I am mindful that my role is limited within my institution, but my influence, thanks to my participation within the PLSP–ECMC Foundation, is unique.

The access this program has provided me to other postsecondary education leaders is substantial. Having the ability to gauge my thoughts and ideas off leaders from across the country has opened me up to possibilities of support I would have never had. I am greatly equipped to support my CTE students.

In your opinion, what are the most important elements of professional development for postsecondary leaders?

Prior to COVID-19 and the enlightenment of injustices some of our nation’s population faces just because the color of their skin, my answer would have been different. Now, I am convinced the most important element of professional development for postsecondary leaders are:

  1. A genuine understanding of what inclusion, access, equity and
    diversity mean
  2. An understanding of their particular level of unconscious bias

I do not see how leaders on this level of education can legitimately foster the growth, development and change in the students they support without this internal self-awareness.

Learn more about the PLSP–ECMC Foundation.

The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation presents a yearlong professional development experience. The program is intended to develop the organizational leadership and management skills of postsecondary CTE professionals, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved populations. Applications for the third cohort accepted Oct. 1–Dec. 15.