 "Photo: N/A")
If Dr. Jowel Laguerre was asked when he started being an educator, he would tell you fourth grade.
That’s when the leader of Solano Community College was hired by his aunt in his native Haiti to tutor his two cousins. That foray into education has come almost full circle as he is now the Superintendent–President of a college campus.
“I was the first in my family to finish high school or go to college,” said Laguerre. “Education has been my life and it is an environment I enjoy and feel very comfortable being a part of. It has certainly changed my life for the better That is the reason I want to encourage others to obtain an excellent education.”
Laguerre started his college education at l’Universite d’Etat d’Haiti: Ecole Normale Superieure and came to the United States in 1984 to attend the University of Kansas. He graduated with Masters Degrees in French literature and school administration, and a doctor of philosophy in educational leadership, specializing in higher education.
Laguerre knew nobody at Solano before his first time on the grounds.
“There are people who knew people who know people who might know me,” Laguerre said. “When I applied for the position (of Superintendent-President) was the first time I had met anyone from the college.”
Laguerre wants to shoot for higher standards, not only for him, but for the college.
Among his many goals, the biggest one would have to be Solano ranking some day as one of the top five community colleges in the state.
“I want the college to be respected among community colleges for its innovation and high quality teaching, learning and friendly services for its students,” Laguerre said. “In the teaching area we are there, except for a more comprehensive approach, in particular in the area of career technical education.”
Laguerre wants to establish a solid financial base to support faculty development and innovation, provide opportunities for staff development, and to provide a minimum of $1 million in scholarship money to support students’ needs and aspiration. He also wants to resolve all issues with accreditation, increase the transfer rate annually, and work with the community to address the challenges it faces in all its aspects and where the college can be a leader.
Be the first to comment on this article!