Award Recipient
Susanne Brock
Biography:
Dr. Susanne Brock, as the Senior Director of Innovation and Development at Harper College, leads innovative educational initiatives. With her leadership, the Grants Office and the Innovation Accelerator have become central to Harper College's mission to secure more than $20 million in external funding and foster the development of emerging technologies programs. This initiative is instrumental in implementing the innovative Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, enhancing the college's connectivity with industry trends and workforce needs.
Dr. Brock's academic foundation is robust, holding a doctorate in Community College Policy and Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, awarded in 2015. Her educational journey also includes a master?s degree in Acquisition and Contract Administration from the University of West Florida, complemented by a bachelor's degree in Social Science and an Associate of Arts in General Studies. This diverse academic background underpins her holistic understanding of the educational landscape.
With over two decades of dedicated service in public community colleges and universities across Illinois, Virginia, and Florida, Dr. Brock has honed her expertise in innovation, transformation, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Her work focuses on workforce and economic development, program development, organizational change management, proposal writing, grants, and contract administration. She has been instrumental in developing education and training programs that are not only innovative but also directly responsive to employer and industry demands. Her strategic efforts have significantly contributed to increasing access and diversity in academic opportunities.
Dr. Brock's dedication to aligning external funding with institutional missions and strategic goals showcases her commitment to enhancing educational outcomes. Her contributions have not only supported Harper College's growth but also solidified its position as a leader in adapting to and anticipating the needs of the future workforce.