#21 Curiosity in community colleges with Dr. Amy Morrison

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Curiosity at Work: Dr. Amy Morrison on Leadership and Curiosity in Community Colleges

In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Dr. Amy Morrison, the ninth president of Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech). Dr. Morrison discusses the importance of curiosity in community colleges and how it has guided her leadership journey. As a first-generation college graduate and an advocate for workforce education, she shares her experiences in fostering curiosity at LWTech.

Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Opportunities at LWTech

Under Dr. Morrison’s leadership, LWTech has overcome post-Great Recession challenges and expanded its healthcare and IT programs. As a result, the college was recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150 community colleges in the nation. She explains how curiosity played a key role in these achievements, helping the college stay adaptive, responsive, and focused on equity and student success.

Building Relationships and Emphasizing Empathy

Dr. Morrison highlights how building strong relationships and fostering empathy have helped create a collaborative work environment at LWTech. Additionally, she emphasizes the value of integrating adjunct faculty into the college community. This approach allows the school to leverage faculty expertise, stay connected to industry trends, and cultivate curiosity in the classroom.

Embracing Cross-Generational Conversations

Another key theme in this conversation is how Dr. Morrison fosters cross-generational conversations. These conversations encourage curiosity, build trust, and strengthen organizational culture. By embracing diverse perspectives, she bridges generational gaps, fostering a more inclusive, collaborative environment at LWTech.

Navigating Change with Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Throughout the episode, Dr. Morrison discusses how curiosity helps her navigate challenges. These include adapting to rapid technological advancements and managing employee well-being during the pandemic. She explains that curiosity, combined with continuous learning and collaboration, empowers her to make thoughtful decisions, even in uncertain times.

Leadership Insights for Educators and Leaders

Dr. Morrison’s insights offer valuable lessons for educators, workforce development professionals, and leaders. Her leadership philosophy, built on curiosity and empathy, demonstrates how to create a learning environment that fosters growth and inclusivity. Whether you work in education, business, or any other field, these principles can drive positive change and success.

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