K-12 Partner and Counselor from Griggsville-Perry High School Earns National Recognition
John Wood Community College (JWCC) continues its work as part of the national guided pathways movement, recently participating in the Rural Guided Pathways Institute focused on strengthening partnerships between rural community colleges and K-12 school districts to improve student outcomes.
Earlier this month, JWCC President Dr. Aron Potter, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Shelley Barkley, Director of Pathways Kristen Ritterbusch, Coordinator of Concurrent Enrollment Kelly Herzog, Head of Enrollment Services Brittany McKeown, and Director of Campus Care Teresa Bertelli joined K-12 partners at the national convening. JWCC was the only Illinois community college invited to participate among a select group of institutions recognized for student success by the Aspen Institute.
Representing Griggsville-Perry and its partnership with JWCC, guidance counselor Allison Dokey participated in the institute, contributing to efforts to create clearer, more connected pathways from high school to college and high-opportunity careers. JWCC plans to expand this work by inviting four-year university and industry partners to participate in future institutes to strengthen transfer and career opportunities for regional students.
Dokey recently received the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association. This recognition highlights her commitment to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that supports student success and career readiness. She will be formally honored at the ASCA national conference this summer.
JWCC values strong partnerships with regional school districts and salutes all high school guidance counselors. Dr. Potter plans to arrange discussions with district high schools to deepen collaboration for the benefit of students. The College remains committed to simplifying pathways, reducing barriers, and helping students identify and pursue high-opportunity careers as early as possible.
