Episode Title:
Transformative Leadership in Cleveland: Insights from Dr. Baston
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Dr. Michael A. Baston, President of Cuyahoga Community College, to discuss transformative leadership and the role of education in shaping Cleveland’s future. The conversation explores workforce development, higher education reform, and community empowerment, with a focus on how these issues affect Cleveland, the Black community, civic leadership, economic mobility, and long-term regional growth.
Key Topics Covered:
Transition from law to higher education leadership
Workforce readiness and economic opportunity
The role of community colleges in economic development
Challenges and reforms in higher education
Building systems that uplift underserved communities
Notable Moments:
00:00 – Intro
3:36 – Dr. Michael A. Baston, President of Cuyahoga Community College, joins the show
5:42 – Dr. Baston’s background and early life
9:24 – Dr. Baston’s journey to becoming a lawyer and his work at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund
13:55 – Transition to Education
19:43 – Challenges in Higher Education
23:20 – Community Colleges and Economic Viability
26:20 – Community as a Service
29:33 – How to Implement Change
32:51 – Importance of a Good Paying Job
39:41 – Future of community college
43:53 – Top 3 programs to get into
46:23 – Should community college be free
49:00 – What Should Cleveland Be
53:30 – What Kind of Program Can Help Troubled Students
57:20 – If You Could Switch Places With Anyone for a Day
58:10 – What Are You Guilty Pleasures
58:30 – What Do You Wish You Were Better At
58:50 – Best Compliment You Ever Got
59:32 – Worst Advice
1:00:54 – What Makes You Smile
1:02:30 – Final Words
Guest Bio:
Dr. Michael A. Baston is the President of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and a transformative leader in higher education. With a background in law and public service, including work with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, his work focuses on workforce development, educational equity, and creating pathways to economic mobility through accessible education.
Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it highlights how education serves as a cornerstone for economic empowerment and community transformation. It connects directly to questions of leadership, access, opportunity, and how institutions like community colleges can shape the future direction of Cleveland and similar communities.
Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.
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Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.
