#21 Curiosity in community colleges with Dr. Amy Morrison

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In this episode of Curiosity at Work, Dr. Julie Pham interviews Dr. Amy Morrison, the ninth president of Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) to explore curiosity in community colleges. A first-generation college graduate and passionate advocate for workforce education, Dr. Morrison shares her journey of leadership and fostering curiosity in higher education. Under her guidance, LWTech has navigated post-Great Recession challenges, expanded programs in healthcare and IT, and prioritized equity and completion, earning recognition from the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 150 community colleges in the nation.

Dr. Morrison highlights the importance of relationship building and empathy in creating a collaborative environment at LWTech. She emphasizes the value of integrating adjunct faculty into the community, leveraging their expertise to stay closely connected to industry trends. Dr. Morrison also discusses the generational dynamics within the workforce and how cross-generational conversations foster curiosity, build trust, and strengthen the organization. Her dedication to creating an inclusive, learner-focused culture is evident in her efforts to keep the college adaptable to student and community needs.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Morrison shares how curiosity in community colleges helps her navigate challenges, from adapting to rapid technological changes to maintaining employee well-being in the wake of the pandemic. Her leadership style, rooted in continuous learning and collaboration, offers valuable insights for creating an educational and workplace environment that thrives on curiosity and care.