South Mountain Community College faculty member Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee was recently selected to serve another three-year term on the Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International Board of Directors.
PDK International is a non-profit organization that aims to cultivate student interest in the teaching profession. Dr. Brownlee has been serving on the board since October of 2023, where he has provided his perspective on community colleges’ impact in preparing future teachers and expanding access to bachelor’s degrees through community colleges nationally.
“Serving on the PDK board allows me to contribute my experiences as an educator, community-college faculty member, former engineer, and Black man in education,” said Dr. Brownlee. “I am grateful that PDK values my voice and has selected me to serve another term.”
Dr. Brownlee’s work focuses particularly on Educators Rising, which is PDK International’s career and student organization that reimagines educator pathways and inspires them to become community leaders. He also works to develop strong relationships with state Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).
Through his service on the board, he attends national conferences, presents, mentors students and emerging educators, and connects with education leaders from across the country. He also supports PDK International’s efforts to encourage the recruitment and hiring of teachers of color and to promote curricula that help high school students understand differences, inclusivity, impartiality and respect for people from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Brownlee’s commitment to strengthening teacher pathways, educational equity, mentorship and student success is evident through his work and is what inspires him to exceed further in his role.
“I look forward to continuing to strengthen Educators Rising, build relationships with state CTSOs, elevate the role of community colleges, advocate for the hiring and support of teachers of color, and promote inclusive curricula that prepare students to learn and work with people whose backgrounds and experiences differ from their own,” said Dr. Brownlee.
For more information about PDK International, click here.