Why Student Success Begins with Being Seen

Mark Hartley, Ed.D., Dean of Student Development, Coconino Community College

Dr. Mark Hartley is the Dean of Student Development at Coconino Community College, where he leads student success, engagement and support initiatives focused on access, leadership and holistic development.

Effective student development begins with connection. Students must feel welcomed, valued and visible especially first-generation, working adults and historically underserved learners. That sense of belonging is foundational to academic persistence and personal growth.

Equally critical is providing students with a clear, flexible roadmap for success. Early and consistent engagement with counselors supported by degree-planning software, early alert systems and guided pathways helps students understand their academic options and stay on track. Because students’ goals often evolve, institutions must normalize change and proactively support the creation of new academic plans. When students see their pathway clearly and know it can adapt with them, confidence and momentum increase.

A strong, intentional orientation program is one of the most effective engagement strategies at the community college level. Orientation should emphasize relationships, not just information. Students want a personal touch and reassurance that help is accessible.

Blending in-person connection with technology such as virtual orientations, interactive campus apps and short video introductions allows students to engage in multiple ways. Seeing administrators, faculty and staff as real people who are invested in their success builds trust. When students know who to contact and feel comfortable doing so, they are far more likely to remain engaged and persist.

Quantitative data such as retention, graduation, and transfer rates remain essential indicators of success. Technology-enabled dashboards and student success platforms help institutions track these outcomes in real time and identify equity gaps.

However, qualitative assessment is equally important. Focus groups with second-year students provide some of the most valuable insights. At that stage, students can clearly articulate what they needed, what was missing, and what made a difference. Their feedback offers immediate, actionable direction. I strongly believe that students who voice concerns should be invited to help shape solutions. Giving students meaningful roles in improvement efforts builds ownership and strengthens institutional culture.

Leadership development begins with helping students find their niche. Participation in clubs, organizations, committees and service-learning projects allows students to develop communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills that employers value.

Technology-enhanced experiences such as digital portfolios, virtual leadership training and online civic engagement initiatives further prepare students for modern workplaces. Exposure to passion also matters. Lecture series, art workshops, technology showcases and cultural field trips inspire students by showing them what is possible. Learning does not end at the classroom door; it expands through experience, reflection and community engagement.

Community colleges have a unique opportunity to transform lives not only for students, but for their families and communities. By helping students see themselves as leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and advocates, we empower them to imagine and create new futures.

The challenges are significant. Housing and food insecurity, mental health concerns, and competing life responsibilities can be real barriers to learning. Yet these challenges are also opportunities. With intentional support services, technology-enabled referrals and a strong culture of care, community colleges can model resilience and instill grit and a growth mindset.

Strong transfer partnerships are also critical. At Coconino Community College, the CCC2NAU program serves as an ideal model for seamless transfer, aligning curriculum, advising, and technology systems to help students transition smoothly from the community college to the local four-year institution, Northern Arizona University. When pathways are clear and collaboration is strong, students are far more likely to persist and complete their educational goals.

Leadership Development