Shannon Warren has turned a passion for education and leadership into a career she loves. As Campus Director for Career Technical College in Shreveport, she is able to blend the two seamlessly, and as a bonus, helps students find their future along the way. She has been in education for several years. “My first job was in education as a campus student activities coordinator, so I have always had a passion for the field.” she says. “This year marks my 10th
year with Career Technical College and Delta Career Education. I started at our Monroe campus in 2004 as an adjunct English instructor, and I was promoted to Director of Education and moved to the Shreveport campus in 2007.” she explained. “My first opportunity to lead an entire college took place in 2009 when I took on the leadership role of Campus Director at Lamson College in Tempe, Arizona. I have been back at Career Technical College as the Campus Director in Shreveport since 2011. I have had a wonderful experience.”
As Campus Director for Career Technical College, her position requires her to wear many different hats, so to speak. “In my current role, I serve as the on-site administrator and operating manager responsible for the overall vision, operations, and human resources/ payroll related to the oversight of Career Technical College in Shreveport,” she said. “We offer programs in the fields of Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Massage Therapy, CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer, Phlebotomy, and Medical Office Assistant. The programs range from certificates to Associate in Occupational Studies Degrees. My team of functional managers is responsible for the admissions, financial services, career services, academic/student relations, facility management, accreditation, and compliance aspects of the college. We train students in career fields that will help them become gainfully employed,” she explained.
In her spare time, Warren enjoys spending time with family and friends and volunteering with different community organizations. She is a member of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is happy to have a career that she not only loves, but provides her with the opportunity to mentor and help others.
“I love to help motivate people and help them reach their career goals. Working in the field of non-traditional education is extremely rewarding. It’s such a great feeling to see my students graduate and begin working in a new career field. They accomplished a big goal while often times experiencing many obstacles,” she said. “Above all, I really enjoy training and coaching my team members. I have a spectacular team of faculty and staff! My goal is for my employees to be the best in the field and for them to experience promotions and a plethora of opportunities. I consider myself a mentor to others because teaching is at my core. I am willing to invest time in a person to help them learn or improve a skill set, and I take pride in seeing a team or individual succeed personally and professionally. As a younger person in my position, I believe that I serve as a role model to the students and employees that I work with everyday,” she says.
Warren offers sage advice to women that could be applied to business or life in general. “When you get up every morning, be excited about what you will accomplish during the day. Take initiative and go above and beyond without being asked. Always be a team player and display positive energy. Take pride in your career. If you don’t, how can you expect others to? As a woman, do not be afraid to take risks. It doesn’t matter as much where you start, but it’s always about where you finish.”
