Stephanie Arlene Kepner Ferguson

About Stephanie Arlene Kepner Ferguson

Accomplished educational leader with 35 years of experience in secondary and higher education, specializing in instructional innovation, curriculum development, and capacity building. Known for fostering a culture of academic excellence, leading collaborative change, and effectively managing change within complex systems. Committed to collaboration, communication, and accountability, with a proven ability to promote student success through data-informed decision-making, strategic program development, and academic partnerships.

Experience

1. Vice President for Instruction

   New Mexico Junior College

   Jul 2025 — Present · Hobbs, NM, US

   As the Chief Academic Officer at New Mexico Junior College, the Vice President for Instruction (VPI) provides strategic leadership and innovation in academic affairs, fostering a culture of student success, and ensuring alignment with the institution\'s mission, vision, and values. This executive role requires a blend of academic leadership, operational oversight, and cross-departmental collaboration to drive institutional excellence with a specialized focus on the college’s unique, rural demographics. The VPI exemplifies strategic academic leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, student-centered learning environment.Key Responsibilities:• Student Success Advocacy: Lead initiatives to promote student engagement, persistence, and completion, ensuring measurable outcomes in course completion and degree attainment.• Strategic Leadership in Academic Affairs: Oversee faculty recruitment, development, and committee assignments while addressing faculty and instructional concerns in collaboration with academic deans.• Program Development & Innovation: Advance program assessment to drive curricular innovation, develop new programs, and evaluate potential discontinuation of underperforming programs.• Workforce Development Synergy: Foster collaboration between credit-bearing instructional areas and workforce development to meet industry demands and community needs.• Accreditation & Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements from the Higher Learning Commission and act as a liaison with the NM Higher Education Department (NM HED).• Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage the Academic Unit budget to optimize resources effectively.• Stakeholder Engagement: Present reports to the NMJC Board of Trustees and collaborate across departments and community partners to support institutional goals and initiatives.

Education

• University of the Southwest

  Master of Science - MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  2015 — 2019

• The University of Southern Mississippi

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Special Education 2002

  1998 — 2002

• Southeastern Louisiana University

  Master of Education (M.Ed.), Curriculum and Instruction

  1996 — 1998

• Millersville University of Pennsylvania

  Bachelor's Degree, English Secondary Education

  1987 — 1989

Skills

• Curriculum Design
• Educational Leadership
• Teaching
• Curriculum Development
• E-Learning
• Teacher Training
• Tutoring
• Higher Education
• Instructional Technology
• Staff Development
• Educational Technology
• Research
• Esl
• Instructional Design
• Elementary Education
• Classroom
• Gifted Education
• Program Development
• Adult Education
• Admissions
• Training
• K-12
• Educational Consulting
• Special Education
• Grant Writing
• Student Counseling
• Student Affairs
• Distance Learning
• Technology Integration
• Adolescents
• Differentiated Instruction
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Online Education
• Affective Education
• Social/Emotional Needs of Learners
• Public Speaking
• Presenter
• Leadership Development
• Young Adult Literature
• Lesson Planning