Two Centralia College employees have been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Middle Leadership Academy (MLA), a program of the Washington State Student Success Center at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), a news release from Centralia College stated.
Representing Centralia College is Joseph Hing, assistant director of finance and business services, and Darcell Scott, dean of student success and retention.
Over the next nine months, Hing, Scott and 35 others from around the state will work with experienced coaches to complete projects that will tackle complex challenges facing the state’s two-year colleges, the release stated. These projects are intended to strengthen student pathways and generate solutions that can be shared across the system.
“Supporting students means building trust, honoring their lived experiences, and helping them discover purpose and agency, especially when they feel disconnected or uncertain,” Scott said. “Higher education presents challenges for both students and professionals, and navigating it requires empathy, resilience and adaptability. Through the Middle Leadership Academy, I hope to learn the best practices for identifying and implementing fair initiatives that prepare our students to thrive and contribute to a diverse global society.”
“I’m hoping to bring back enhanced leadership strategies, tools for effective communication and team development, and a broader network of professionals who share similar goals,” Hing said. “I want to apply what I learn to strengthen our department’s culture, improve cross-functional collaboration, and support innovation in how we manage fiscal and business operations.”
Hing and Scott began their work on Oct. 19 and will continue with online training sessions and group work through June 2026.
“The Middle Leadership Academy is a rare opportunity to collaborate and learn as a cohort, and to deepen connections and commitment to this common goal of student success,” Bob Mohrbacher, Centralia College president, said. “I’m already meeting regularly with both Joseph and Darcell and I’m excited to see how they contribute to the academy and what they bring back to Centralia College.”
