ACTE Announces Arizona Healthcare Program Manager, and New Associate Dean of Academics, as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jennifer Kline, Associate Dean of Academics at Erie County Community College, as the 2025 ACTE Region V Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Jennifer Kline, M. Ed., served as the Healthcare Program Manager for GateWay Community College in Phoenix, AZ (Region V) and has recently joined Erie County Community College (Region I) as the Associate Dean of Academics. With more than 26 years of combined CTE experience, she has held various roles, including flight paramedic, firefighter, workforce and business development manager, and has spent ten years in higher education as both an administrator and educator.
Jennifer is passionate about student success and equity in CTE. As a first-generation college student, she strongly advocates for student access to affordable, high-quality education. She actively seeks to identify and remove barriers that limit access to education, creating alternative pathways to help students achieve their highest potential while minimizing student loan debt. Furthermore, she bridges gaps to employment by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities for credentialing, all while building a culture in her division that fosters innovation, equity, diversity, and a sense of belonging for all students, faculty, and staff.
Recently, Jennifer completed the Association of Career and Technical Education Next Level Fellowship program, where she focused on college initiatives, advocacy, funding opportunities, and policy initiatives in Career and Technical Education. She is currently an ACTE National Leadership Fellow in the Experienced Leader cohort and is the proud recipient of the ACTEAZ and ACTE Region V Postsecondary Educator of the Year awards. Additionally, Jennifer is pursuing her doctoral degree in Workforce and Organizational Development, with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education.
Kline is one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
