Columbia State Community College’s Office of Workforce and Continuing Education recently celebrated the completion of its Fall 2024 cohort of the Leadership for Operational Excellence program with a reception recognizing the achievements and growth of the participants. The program equips new and emerging leaders with essential skills to excel and grow confidently in their roles.

“This program highlights that leadership is not about titles or management—it’s a choice to create trust, foster collaboration and lead by example,” said Melody Murphy, Columbia State Workforce and Continuing Education director. “Through introspection, in-depth discussions, case studies, and subject matter experts, participants gain the tools to develop their unique leadership philosophies. Leadership is about empowering others and building a culture of growth, and I am proud of the outstanding leaders this program has helped cultivate.”

The Leadership for Operational Excellence program goes beyond traditional leadership training, offering a skills-based, cohort-centered experience that supports participants in developing core competencies vital for effective leadership. Topics in the program include leadership styles, managing multigenerational teams, enhancing employee engagement and productivity, effective communication, business finance, presentation skills and managing change—all geared toward preparing participants to lead with insight and confidence.

“Leadership for Operational Excellence was designed to provide value above the traditional leadership programs,” said Dr. Dearl Lampley, Columbia State vice president of the Williamson Campus and external services. “Melody and Dr. Deb Enright had a shared vision for a skills-based approach that would serve the graduates throughout their careers. As a result, the end product is comparable to a mini MBA.”

The fall 2024 cohort included participants Tyler Cannon, Ramarao Chapa, Savanna Davenport, Mahendra Kashana, Dawn McKennon, Karen Tackett, Rashmi Tripathi and Raghunadh Reddy Vuyyuru.

Participant Dawn McKennon, of Maury Regional Health, spoke at the reception about her experience in the program.

“Identifying my personal leadership philosophy has been a transformative experience,” McKennon said. “For me, leadership isn’t about individual recognition—it’s about teamwork and the way I touch the lives of others. I strive to create a positive work environment built on empathy, open communication and fostering growth. Leadership is about encouraging others to thrive, just as I’ve been blessed by mentors who believed in my potential.”

“Leadership is a choice we make,” Murphy said. “Let us strive to cultivate a culture of authentic leadership that inspires, empowers and fosters growth for all. So, Let’s Go Do Good.”

For more information about the Leadership for Operational Excellence program or the Columbia State Office of Workforce and Continuing Education, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Workforce or email WorkforceDev@ColumbiaState.edu.