EPISODE · May 4, 2023 · 49 MIN
149: Dr. Kirk Nooks, Gordon State College
from RAISE Podcast
A Brooklyn, New York native, Dr. Kirk A. Nooks was appointed to serve as the President of Gordon State College effective June 1, 2018. His career spans both the private and public sector which leverages over 25 years of education and engineering experience. Before transitioning to a career in higher education, Nooks worked as an engineering project manager at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center and as an account executive with a health benefits consulting company. As President of Gordon State, Nooks is responsible for a campus of over 3,000 students which has a mission of being a catalyst for exceptional and accessible education, and a vision to elevate the region’s economic prosperity. Nooks serves on national and local boards to include The Chair Academy and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. He has been recognized with several awards to include making the Georgia Trend’s Top 500 Influential Leaders list in 2022. As an author and presenter, he continues to stay active on topics that include college and university leadership, strategic planning and the learning college.Dr. Nooks holds a doctorate in higher education administration from George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) and an MBA in marketing and a bachelor of science in industrial management from Mercer University (Macon, Ga.). He is a graduate of the Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership and a member of the inaugural cohort of the American Council on Education’s Spectrum Leadership Institute. Nooks is a first-generation college student and graduate. He believes that when institutions put students at the heart of its work, the institution can accomplish anything.Dr. Kirk A. Nooks and his wife Alison reside in Forsyth, GA with their three children. At the end of May, Dr. Nooks will continue his commitment to bridging the gap between high school students and the growing number of unfilled jobs through affordable, accessible, life-changing educational pathways by serving as as President and CEO of the Council on Occupational Education.It's a fascinating story. Tune in!
What this episode covers
When Dr. Kirk Nooks first stepped into his role as President of Gordon State College, he launched a listening tour with potential, current, and outgoing students. What did they know about Gordon State? What did they love about it? What did they wish was different? From those conversations, Dr. Nooks and his team built three succinct goals: To stabilize enrollment. To become a first-choice post-grad option in the region. And to round out the Gordon State College experience for students and alums. During Dr. Nooks' tenure, Gordon State College: - Saw an increase in enrollment. - Launched an annual homecoming weekend. - Introduced a new mascot and produced a bunch of branded swag. - Launched club football, golf, and volleyball teams (and the football team won a national championship) - Reached 100% giving from their Foundation Board. - Reached 80% faculty/staff giving. - Launched an annual Day of Giving. - Launched a campaign raising over $2MM in 5 years. - Received three largest gifts in history of foundation. And it all started with listening. On this episode, we we get an inside look at the unique funding model, academic nuances, and value proposition of "access institutions" that offer affordable two and four year degrees to graduates with direct pathways to guaranteed employment.
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149: Dr. Kirk Nooks, Gordon State College
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