McClellan to lead Southern State’s new division of enrollment and workforce innovation

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College

Southern State Community College is pleased to announce the establishment of a new division in enrollment and workforce innovation, designed to strengthen student success and deepen the alignment between education and regional workforce needs. Further, the College is pleased to announce that Amy Perkins-McClellan has been tapped to lead the department.
 
A 15-year veteran of Southern State, Perkins-McClellan holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She brings extensive experience across student affairs, academics, and workforce development and has led numerous successful initiatives, including grant-funded academic and workforce programs, short-term credentials, and specialized programs such as aviation and computer science.
 
“This new division positions Southern State to better meet the needs of students, employers, and our communities,” said SSCC President Dr. Nicole Roades. “Amy’s leadership and experience will help advance our mission and prepare the College for a more outcomes-driven future.”
 
Among many tasks, the division will focus heavily on developing innovative enrollment strategies, expanding workforce training initiatives, and fostering collaboration with business, industry, and community partners. These initiatives are a direct reflection of the priorities identified through the College’s strategic and enrollment planning measures.
 
Through innovative recruitment, enrollment management, and employer partnerships, the division will expand equitable access to high-quality education and meaningful career opportunities.
 
“I am very excited to be leading this new division at Southern State,” says Perkins-McClellan. “Enrollment growth and workforce innovation go hand in hand. By embracing data, equity-minded practices, and creative program design, the College can meet students where they are and prepare them for where the economy is going.”
 
Perkins-McClellan is widely recognized for her leadership in workforce development at the state and national levels, including involvement with the American Association of Community Colleges, the National Council of Workforce Education, the Community Colleges of Appalachia, and Ohio’s Higher Education Workforce alignment efforts.
 
The Division of Enrollment and Workforce Innovation underscores Southern State’s commitment to student success, workforce responsiveness, and regional economic vitality.
 
“By aligning access, affordability, and excellence through this new division, Southern State is well positioned to build strong pathways for its students that will lead to meaningful careers and lasting success,” said Perkins-McClellan. “It is a great time for Southern State and the students who are, and will, enroll here.”