Back Row, Left to Right: Jody Callahan, Dr. Zachary Singleton, and Johnathan White.
Front Row, Left to Right: Candy Taylor, Brittany Milligan, and Bridgette Branson.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, Black River Technical College (BRTC) held its first leadership program for faculty and staff members.
The program was built and implemented by Julie Edington, Executive Director of Human Resources, and the President’s Cabinet members. It was designed to strengthen institutional knowledge, develop emerging leaders, and enhance cross-departmental collaboration. The participants engaged in eight sessions over a nine-month period. The sessions covered accreditation, budgeting, compliance, student affairs, academic affairs, emergency preparedness, workforce training, and institutional advancement.
“Our first BRTC Leadership cohort went exceptionally well, Edington said. “By investing in our team today, we are trying to actively prepare for tomorrow by building a stronger, more resilient BRTC.”
In order to graduate the program, participants were required to attend several campus meetings, a legislative session in Little Rock, and an Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board meeting. They also had several tours, including BRTC’s Paragould campus location, the G.I.N. in Paragould, and the State Capitol.
“The Leadership Program gave me a greater appreciation for the many departments, services, and partnerships that make our college such a valuable resource for students and communities,” Graduate Candy Taylor said.
The group was also invited to attend Memorandum of Understanding signings between BRTC and Williams Baptist University, and BRTC and Crowley’s Ridge College. They were also required to assist the Institutional Advancement department with either the Annual Golf Tournament or the Donor Appreciation Reception.
“I feel more prepared for leadership now,” Graduate Brittany Milligan said. “Now I better understand who to go to and what to ask when I need something.”
The cohort graduated May 15 at an end-of-year celebration. They received a plaque to recognize the time and effort they put into the program. The graduates were Bridgette Branson, Adult Education Instructor; Jody Callahan, Workforce Education Development Coordinator; Brittany Milligan, Library Director; Dr. Zachary Singleton, Academic Advisor; Candy Taylor, DOL Project Director; and Johnathan White, Student Affairs Administrative Specialist.
The second cohort is scheduled to begin in September of 2026.
For more information about BRTC visit https://blackrivertech.edu/.