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Tune in as Dr. Mordecai Brownlee sits down with Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor of San Jacinto College, for a conversation on leadership, workforce development, innovation, and keeping community colleges relevant in a rapidly changing economy. This engaging episode is the latest in a series with our content partner, Discovering Your Mission with Dr. Mordecai.
The discussion reflects on Hellyer’s unexpected journey from accounting to higher education leadership and how preparation, calculated risk, and a willingness to say yes shaped her career. She shares why today’s community college leaders must move beyond managing institutions to becoming conveners, partners, and problem-solvers within their communities.
The chat also explores how San Jacinto College works directly with industry to redesign programs around real workforce needs, including its expansion into biotechnology and strategically selected applied bachelor’s degrees. Hellyer also discusses creating a culture of belonging for students and employees, approaching artificial intelligence without sacrificing human judgment and critical thinking, and why staying relevant means making sure your institution has a seat at the table when decisions about the future of your community are being made.
During the podcast Hellyer consistently directs the conversation back to people and purpose: seeing potential in others, creating opportunities they may not yet see for themselves, and using leadership to help people advance. Listen in and enjoy this episode.
KEY POINTS:
Hellyer’s unexpected journey from accounting to leading San Jacinto College
Why preparation, calculated risk, and saying yes can open leadership opportunities
How the role of community college presidents has expanded beyond managing an institution
Why staying relevant requires listening to industry and having a seat at the table
How San Jacinto College turned workforce gaps into major petrochemical and biotechnology partnerships
Building belonging by making students and employees feel seen, supported, and connected
Why applied bachelor’s degrees should be driven by demonstrated workforce demand
Balancing AI adoption with human judgment, critical thinking, and technical expertise
Leadership as helping people see opportunities they may not yet see for themselves
QUOTABLES:
“It is about stepping into some uncomfortable times and really trying to understand and connect.” – Dr. Brenda Hellyer
“If we're not at the table, that tells me we've lost our relevance.” – Dr. Brenda Hellyer
GUEST RESOURCES:
Dr. Brenda Lang Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College
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Transcription is available in the video for this episode.
In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).
