“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
John F. Kennedy
Leadership is essential for success in any organization, from small nonprofits to large corporations and governments. However, it is especially important in the world of education, where leaders have the solemn responsibility of shaping young minds for the future.
As president of Volunteer State Community College, Dr. Orinthia Montague understands what it takes to be a leader. As the chief executive of one of the state’s largest community colleges, she is responsible for the education of over 7,000 students spread across four Middle Tennessee campus locations.
“I am motivated by people,” says Dr. Montague. “I am driven by the desire to help others achieve their dreams through education.”
Dr. Montague took over the helm of Vol State last fall, becoming only the 4th president of the school since its inception over 50 years ago. Although relatively new in her position, she arrived at the school with over 30 years of higher education administration experience. Her resume includes leadership roles at several educational institutions, including the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Truman State University, Normandale Community College and Tompkins Cortland Community College.
“I have been involved in higher education all of my professional life,” says Dr. Montague. “I was blessed to have great mentors who saw potential in me and nurtured my passion for leadership.”
After former Vol State president Dr. Jerry Faulkner announced his retirement last year, the Tennessee Board of Regents began an extensive search process to select his successor. Upon hearing about the executive opening, Dr. Montague was immediately intrigued.
“I was attracted to Vol State’s comprehensive approach to serving the community,” says Dr. Montague. “I love the college’s commitment to strong program offerings and the Tennessee Board of Regents system organization, support and leadership.”
After being named president, Dr. Montague wasted no time in beginning her tenure. She immediately began meeting with faculty, staff and students across the school’s campuses in order to get to know them as individuals. She also held a series of meetings with community leaders in each of the eleven counties served by Vol State to gain a better understanding of their needs.
“At Vol State, we embrace community – it is more than just a part of our school name,” says Dr. Montague. “We have an obligation to partner with our various constituencies to ensure that our students are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to support their goals, as well as those of their communities.”
Great leaders achieve success by establishing goals and inspiring others to strive for their achievement. Dr. Montague’s goals are simple, yet profound, and they tie the future success of Vol State to the success of the community.
“To achieve our goals, there are three things that we must do and do well,” says Dr. Montague. “First, we need to maximize the educational outcomes for all of our students to prepare them for their careers. Next, we need to continue to develop and support programs that can get more students into the workforce faster. Finally, we need to increase our student enrollment so that we can bring advanced learning to as many people in our community as possible.”
Along with her many leadership responsibilities, Dr. Montague has quickly become Vol State’s biggest cheerleader. She recognizes that the college is a true community treasure, and she is eager to tell its story.
“Great things are happening every day at Vol State,” says Dr. Montague. “Come see us. We are glad to have people visit our campuses and to show them what we have to offer.”