LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Quintin B. Bullock, president of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), spoke at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus on April 18 for the CEO Conversations series. David D’Antonio, sophomore accounting major, moderated the discussion.
Since 2014, Bullock has overseen the development of a new five-year strategic plan; established new business, industry and community partnerships; and expanded articulation agreements and dual enrollment programming opportunities with colleges, universities, school districts and career and education technical centers.
Before joining CCAC, Bullock served as president of Schenectady County Community College in New York and, previously, as provost of Tidewater Community College. In his talk, Bullock detailed his non-traditional career path. Though he initially intended to pursue medicine, his mentors and opportunities led him to higher education. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center: Dental Branch.
“Take every opportunity. What is lost by exploring options?” said Bullock. “Your degree does not determine your destiny. You do.”
He is on the board of Vibrant Pittsburgh, Caring Place Foundation, Partners 4 Work, Youth Places, Buhl Foundation, Boys Scouts of America Laurel Highlands Council, Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh. For his work and advocacy on behalf of education and the community, Bullock has received numerous awards and honors.
Bullock’s advice to students was to have values, seek mentors and remain focused. “You are going to shape our future because you look at things differently than the generations before you,” he said.
The CEO Conversations series is sponsored by Ford Business Machines. Fall 2018 speakers will be announced this summer.