June 2, 2026
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. – Baton Rouge Community College Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith Sr. spoke Tuesday on a panel called The Power of Chancellors: Connecting to External Partners at Studer Education’s “The Power of Leadership” conference.
Dr. Smith talked about workforce preparation, building skills, developing external
partnerships and the characteristics future leaders need to be successful.
Dr. Smith was joined on the panel by SOWELA Technical Community College Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwell, Central Louisiana Technical Community College Chancellor Dr. Heather Poole and Studer Education Senior Executive Leader Coach Dr. Julie Kunselman.
Recently Dr. Smith was appointed to the executive committee of the American Association of Community Colleges, a role where he will help lead national initiatives focused on workforce training and program initiatives. Dr. Smith had previously been selected by his peers nationwide to serve on the association’s board of directors.
About BRCC
Baton Rouge Community College is a leading higher education institution located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that offers more than 100 academic and workforce programs for traditional and non-traditional students. The college generates an annual economic impact of more than $300 million, and 98% of graduates reside and contribute to the workforce in Louisiana. Through partnerships with regional employers and national organizations, BRCC provides hands-on, industry-aligned training that meets Louisiana’s evolving workforce needs.