Howard Named Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development
(July 5, 2016) The Board of Trustees of Oakton Community College approved the hiring of Ruben Howard II, Ph.D., as the college’s next director of continuing education and workforce development, effective July 18.
Howard was selected from a pool of 80 applicants following an inclusive interview process that brought six candidates to campus with three finalists returning for interviews with a number of employee groups including Academic Council, an open session for college administrators, senior managers and the administrative assistant in addition to the continuing education staff.
Howard will report directly to Associate Vice President for Continuing Education, Training, and Workforce Development Colette Hands, Ed.D., who began work in her new role July 1.
“We are excited to have Howard join the Oakton Community College team. Ruben has worked to successfully create workforce programs that are relevant and responsive to our business and industry partners while fostering student success,” Hands said. “He is committed to and understands the continuing education and workforce development philosophy within a community college setting along with how to bridge the gap between students and industry professionals. Ruben has the right combination of industry and workforce experience to help move us forward.”
Howard currently serves the Chicago Urban League as a supply chain management consultant, facilitating in-person and online training for eight certification tracks including supply chain management, warehousing, manufacturing and service, inventory management, transportation operations, supply management and procurement.
Prior to his employment with the Chicago Urban League, Howard was dean of transportation and logistics with Olive-Harvey College and served as a full-time faculty member in Logistics, Business, and Transitional Mathematics with Lone Star College. He also held various positions in industry and the U.S. Army Reserves.
Howard earned his bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, Master of Science from Texas Southern University, Master of Science in Business Administration from Texas A&M University and his doctorate in philosophy from Capella University.
