Marcia Ballinger

President, Lorain County Community College

Education: Doctoral degree in community college leadership; MBA

How I Approach My Day: With a sense of purpose to make a difference in students’ lives

What Success Looks Like to Me: The smiles on the faces of the thousands of graduates who cross the finish line at commencement

Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

If I Could Trade Places With Anyone: My younger self at 16

What Motivates Me Right Now: Achieving Lorain County Community College’s Thrive 2035 vision to award 35,000 more credentials/degrees to fuel our region’s talent pipeline over the next decade

My Leadership Style: I don’t believe it’s one leadership style but always leading with head and heart.

What Would Surprise Someone to Learn About Me: My first job was flipping hamburgers.

An Important Lesson I Learned: Never fear risk.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Relaxing to jazz

If I Could Star in a TV Show or Movie: The Gilded Age