New interim dean goes back to her roots

Enterprise State Community College has named Leslie Reeder as the new interim dean of instruction.

Reeder's experience working for ESCC started while she worked as the secretary for Shirley Woodie, former president of Alabama Aviation and Technical College in Ozark. The college once merged with Wallace Community College before demerging back to ESCC.

Reeder says Woodie helped inspire her to continue her education and receive her master's in psychology.

"I have to credit all that to her," Reeder said.

As the interim dean of instruction, Reeder will work with other deans and faculty to implement or expand for-credit instructional programs at ESCC, she said. The dean can add courses to the catalogue or help implement new instructional programs.

Reeder said she plans to help expand programs already at ESCC.

"My main goal is to just work with the outstanding faculty at this facility, work with the students and expand the instructional programs (at ESCC)," Reeder said.

Reeder has worked with Alabama Community Colleges for 21 years, according to an ESCC press release.

Before being appointed to ESCC, Reeder served as the associate dean of general academics at Wallace Community College, the release said. She has served as the chairperson for humanities, behavioral and social sciences division and a psychology instructor.

She has also served as the coordinator of student services for the Aviation Campus of ESCC.

Her previous work experience, she said, has been "a natural progression" to her role at ESCC. She said she has gained experience working with students and developing curricula as an instructor. Her work in administration has also provided her with experience hiring and training faculty.

Now that she has been appointed to the ESCC Enterprise campus, she said she is ready to get to work.

"I've been welcomed, and I'm excited (to be back)," Reeder said.