Connecting the Dots: Making Education System Aspiration a Workforce Reality

Description

Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen headlines a list of state and local leaders scheduled to speak at a major panel event focusing on the relationship between Maury County’s education and business communities. The panel discussion, which will be moderated by Columbia Daily Herald Editor James Bennett, is open to the public and will take place at Columbia State Community College’s Cherry Theater.

The summit, organized by the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance in coordination with Maury County Public Schools, seeks to build on the momentum the #GrowMaury education initiative has generated by strengthening the link between the county’s businesses and educators. Its topic, “Connecting the Dots: Making Education-System Aspirations a Workforce-Quality Reality,” will provide students, parents, employers and community leaders with key insights into ways to equip students to become strong future employees and leaders.

The discussion will explore new ideas by cultivating state leaders’ and experts’ knowledge of best practices and harvesting the boots-on-the-ground understanding of local leaders. In addition to Commissioner McQueen, the panel includes Tennessee Director of Workforce Development Ann Thompson, Maury Regional Medical Center CEO Alan Watson, Columbia State Community College President Janet Smith and other Maury County business and education leaders.

The general public is invited to attend along with students, teachers and school system employees. Those who cannot attend may follow the live Twitter feed using the designated hashtag #MauryConnected.

Bennett will ask panelists questions about Tennessee’s vision for educational and workforce growth, ways to prepare students for the job market and programs Maury County can implement to strengthen the bond between its business and education sectors. Following the panel discussion, the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions to the panel.

List of Panelists:
o Tennessee Education Commissioner Candice McQueen
o Tennessee Director of Workforce Development Ann Thompson
o SCORE CEO Jamie Woodson
o Maury Alliance Chair Tom Grosko
o Maury Regional Medical Center CEO Alan Watson
o Maury County Director of Schools Chris Marczak
o Maury Alliance President Wil Evans
o Columbia State Community College President Janet Smith
o South Central Workforce Alliance Executive Director Jan McKeel
o Columbia Central High School Principal Roger White
o Santa Fe Unit School Principal Leigh Ann Willey