In this episode of the podcast, host Matt Rebro sits down with Dr. Liang Wee, the Interim Chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community College, to discuss his career journey and role as a community college leader. Matt introduces his guest co-host, Marc Zyla, a radio host and principal horn of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Wee provides insight into his responsibilities as chancellor, explaining that he oversees the entire college system and works to meet the needs of students, staff, and the community. Despite his interim role, Dr. Wee emphasizes his commitment to moving the college forward and describes his typical day meeting with various stakeholders.
The conversation takes an introspective turn as Dr. Wee reflects on his unexpected career path in education. He shares how he stumbled into teaching and stayed for six years, learning from a master teacher and witnessing the impact of caring, connected teaching. Matt delves into the "business of education," and Dr. Wee explains the various revenue streams of community colleges, emphasizing the importance of being good stewards of resources to serve students and communities.
The discussion then shifts to preparing students for future careers in an ever-changing job market. Dr. Wee stresses the importance of teaching employability skills, providing students with exposure to different career paths through experiences like shadowing, and embracing the uncertainty of the future. In the signature question, Dr. Wee reflects on advice he would give to his 16-year-old self, highlighting the importance of observing others, letting go of appearance-based worries, and fostering a habit of reflection.
In closing, Matt and Marc express their appreciation for the enlightening conversation, noting how it reinforced the idea that careers can evolve and combine various passions over time. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the role of community college leaders and the importance of adaptability in preparing students for the unknown future job market.
