Speaker: Dr. Pamela R. Edington

In the early 1990s, community colleges had some theory, a limited number of models, and a few best practices to inform their development of service-learning. The most successful early programs were able to articulate the value of service-learning for meeting community needs, diversifying pedagogy, and engaging students in practical experiences.

Decades later, community colleges have extensive experience to draw from as they create, improve, and expand service-learning programs. But more has changed than our models; the community college environment has also been radically altered. To ensure relevance in the 21st century, service-learning programs will need to document improved student success, closing achievement gaps, and increased retention. Just as The Joy of Cooking has consistently presented new ways for people to incorporate modern influences into their diets, this presentation will consider ways that recipes for effective service can meet the changing needs of community college students. What do we know about service-learning now that will be effective for the most challenging populations at our colleges? How can we create a menu of choices that will support optimum success for all who enter our institutions? What is our responsibility as service-learning proponents to contribute to the growing culture of evidence on our campuses?

He joined ACF in February 2006 after spending a significant part of his career encouraging economic and social growth through positions in business, government and higher education. King brings this wealth of leadership experience to ACF as the organization looks ahead to a future of changing economic, demographic and collaborative opportunities and challenges.

King served as Chancellor of the State University of New York from 1999 to 2005, when he decided to step down after five and a half years at the helm of the nation’s largest comprehensive public university system. He was designated by the Board of Trustees to the position of University Professor, the highest academic rank within the University and agreed to serve as interim President at the State University of New York, College at Potsdam.

He served as Director of the New York State Division of the Budget in 1998 and 1999, where he was responsible for preparation, negotiation and execution of the state’s budget. Prior to that post, at Governor George E. Pataki’s request, King led the creation of the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform, which he directed for three years.  

Between 1986 and 1994, King was an elected official, serving five years in the New York State Assembly and three years as the Monroe County Executive in Rochester. Prior to serving in elected office, he spent 13 years as a prosecuting attorney in California and New York.

King has received a host of awards for exemplary service including recognition from the Upstate (N.Y.) Roundtable for Manufacturing, the Nelson A. Rockefeller College for Public Affairs and Policy and the New York State Quality Council. He has been invited to speak nationally on topics including leadership, quality, higher education and public finance, and internationally, having taken part in the opening day convocation at Moscow State University in Russia, and recently at a conference on international education in Taiwan.

In 2001, King was appointed by President George W. Bush to a distinguished panel first established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars. In 2005, he was appointed by former Secretary of State Colin Powell to serve as a member of the U.S. National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, widely known as UNESCO. In 2007, King was elected to the Board of Trustees for Prescott College, a private liberal arts college in Arizona.

Special Activities

Welcome Reception Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:30 pm - North Pool Come enjoy the sounds of the islands and treat yourself to some light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments at our Welcome Reception while you visit with colleagues and meet new friends. Our Welcome Receiption will feature a Recipe Exchange and a T-Shirt Exchange, so make sure to bring your favorite community college or service learning t-shirt, several copies of your favorite recipe, and come join the fun!
Tropical Island Buffet Dinner and Entertainment Thursday, May 22, 2008, 6:30 pm Forum Ballroom Come join us Thursday night for a delicious Islander Buffet Dinner and lots of entertaining karaoke afterwards. Our Master of Ceremonies will be Rudy Garcia. So come wearing your favorite tropical island attire and be prepared to share your best singing voices with us. CLICK HERE and scroll down to Package #CAV46 to view songbook of over 10,000 songs.

DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort is close to hundreds of galleries, great shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and the Borgata Shops, and a wealth of fine restaurants and shops in historic 'old town' Scottsdale, as well as a scenic hiking trail, all within 1 mile of the resort.

The hotel offers free shuttle service to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and to Old Town Scottsdale! On site, the resort has a fitness room, putting green, pool, tennis court, and playground. They also offer basketball, racquetball, and sight seeing tours. CLICK HERE for information on local attractions.