From the moment DeDe Griffith first experienced a community college, she practically never left. Following the completion of an Associate’s Degree in Drafting Technology at Lee College, she led a successful drafting and design company until her love for learning drew her back to Lee College, but this time to serve behind the teaching podium. While working at the college, she returned to her own studies at the University of Houston where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision, a Master’s of Science in Higher Education Administration and Supervision and is currently completing a Doctorate of Education in Professional Leadership in Education.

As a founding faculty member of the college’s Achieving the Dream Core Team, she has always embraced a student-centric philosophy. In 2012, she transitioned to the Director of Access and Student Success. In this role, she coordinates and oversees many Student Success Initiatives designed to provide greater access and completion support to all students including the development of Guided Pathways. With a passion for collective impact, DeDe leads two Cradle to Career Networks and has served as trustee on multiple non-profit boards. Last year, DeDe agreed to serve as Interim Vice President of Instruction, the college’s Chief Academic Officer and state and regional accreditation liaison, bringing together her instructional experience and her commitment to student success.

DeDe has been awarded many distinctions in her academic career from individual honors such as the Faculty Excellence Award and the John and Susanne Roueche Excellence Award, to achieving institutional recognition through the American Association of Community Colleges’ Student Success Award of Excellence, all the while choosing to remain and give back to the institution where her professional and academic journey began. This year marks DeDe’s 20th at Lee College.