Schools

Prairie State College Dean Kim Marisa Kunce Earns CMPI Certification


Kim Marisa Kunce
Kim Marisa Kunce. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Chicago Heights, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Kim Marisa Kunce, dean of adult education at Prairie State College, recently completed an intensive two-year training as a Certified Manager in Program Improvement (CMPI).  This national certification makes her a member of an elite group of professional managers in the adult education and literacy field.

Kunce completed 200 hours of workshops, online courses, webcasts, interim activities and learning projects to earn this prestigious distinction. Illinois is one of only 22 states that have adult educators who have achieved this certification status. 

During 14 years of service in the field, Kunce has held positions as adjunct, outreach coordinator, manager and now dean of adult education. She serves as junior/senior division chair for administration on the Illinois Adult and Continuing Education Association (IACEA) board as well as the Advisory Board for Curriculum and Instruction on the Illinois Community College Board. She also has earned certifications as an Adult Disability Act (ADA) coordinator as well as resource specialist for special learning needs. 

Kunce has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in education from National-Louis University.

The CMPI program was developed as a collaboration between the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC) and ProLiteracy as part of the Leadership Excellence Academies (LEA) training initiative for administrators. The LEA are built upon a foundation of research, theory, professional wisdom and best practices. Training occurred over a two-year time frame with multiple opportunities for application through a series of interim activities and learning projects.

“The Leadership Excellence Academy provided me with valuable tools that enriched my leadership skills in program improvement,” said Kunce. “As an educator, I believe continuous professional development strengthens best practices, and through this training, my entire team worked together to identify strengths and weaknesses before agreeing upon a common vision as an area for improvement.

“I am extremely grateful to the Illinois Community College Board for selecting me to participate in this endeavor, and I look forward to implementing CMPI principles in the years ahead.”


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