|
Augusta, GA, February 1, 2022
Augusta Technical College is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Kellie McElroy Hooper as the new Dean of the School for Public and Professional Services. This position will report to the Office of the Provost.
Dr. McElroy Hooper received her doctorate from the University of Georgia, Institute of Higher Education in Athens, GA. She received her Master’s Degree in public affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. She also has a Master of Liberal Studies in interdisciplinary technology from Eastern Michigan University; Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and sociology from Western Michigan University.
Dr. McElroy Hooper most recently served as the Dean of Career and Technical Education (CTE) providing vision and leadership for South Central College’s (SCC) excellent, wide-ranging CTE programs to meet the workforce needs of the Faribault and Mankato communities. She managed an $3.9 million budget allocation while serving the greater Southwest Minnesota Region. In her work, she serves students, companies, and other stakeholders to meet or bridge the workforce needs of SCC’s constituents. Dr. McElroy Hooper served previously as Dean of Workforce and Public Safety at Hennepin Technical College (HTC). She oversaw both credit and non-credit programming at the college.
“I believe learning is a lifelong experience that can be life changing. Learning promotes growth, curiosity, and increases self-confidence. Education provides an opportunity to earn the necessary qualifications and make connections to get your foot in the door, take your seat at the table and use your voice to inspire change and innovation in your community, professional field and society" stated Dr. McElroy Hooper. "Education has been all of this for me and now I am excited to expand networks and increase opportunities for the students of Augusta Technical College to take their seats at the table and use their voices for change.”
Dr. McElroy Hooper was also the Associate Dean of Public Safety at Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she had oversight of the law enforcement, fire, and EMS credit and non-credit based programs. She worked closely with college senior leadership and stakeholders in the community to meet or bridge the needs of constituents.
Dr. McElroy Hooper started her career as a police officer at the Detroit Police Department and also served at the Lathrup Village Police Department. She continued to serve in this capacity for ten years before transitioning into the higher education field. She was actively involved in community policing, bicycle patrol unit, and as a firearms instructor. During her tenure she was awarded Police Officer of the Year at Lathrup Village Police Department.
"Augusta Tech welcomes Dr. McElroy Hooper to Cougar Nation," stated College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl . "She brings a wealth of experience to the position, and as the founding dean of this new academic school, we're confident she'll work with the faculty and staff to provide our students a world class education in the areas of public and professional services.."
###
| 
