This insightful book is a must-read for those who are interested in how community colleges and universities are changing their training methods to evolve with the times. From a center working on carbon emission regulation in Wyoming to a center focused on cybersecurity in North Carolina, college and university centers of excellence are working to train the modern employee and positively benefit society. Staat’s book is an effective survey of the impact of centers of education across the map.

Don Miller, dean of distance learning and learning commons, Piedmont Technical Community College, Roxboro, North Carolina

Darrel Staat’s Centers of Excellence: Niche Methods to Improve Higher Education in the 21st Century does excellent research in defining and comparing twelve various centers of excellence in higher education at the university and community college level. This is a must-read for a higher education professional with an interest in beginning or administering a center of excellence at a higher education institution.

Jeffrey Merritt, dean of community and technical education, Wake Tech Community College, Raleigh, North Carolina

Centers of Excellence: Niche Methods to Improve Higher Education in the 21st Century demonstrates just how vast, creative, and diligent higher education institutions are in bridging their mission, education, and the workforce and the amount of time, money, and vision it takes to create a center of excellence. This book demonstrates the importance of forward thinkers, continuous improvements, and maintaining a clear focus that any higher education setting could benefit from when striving to create their own center of excellence.

Natalie Winfree, dean of arts and sciences, Montgomery Community College, Troy, North Carolina

Centers of Excellence: Niche Methods to Improve Higher Education in the 21st Century gives readers an insightful journey into the inner workings of various types of centers of excellence across higher education. Each chapter explores and unravels these cutting-edge centers and the populations they service. This book serves as a guide to develop effective centers of excellence that model an institution’s mission, vision, and values.

M. Cameron Harmon, dean of math and sciences, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, North Carolina

A captivating and informative book! Centers of Excellence provides readers with an in-depth knowledge of various centers existing in higher education. These centers are a strength to students, institutions, the community, and workforce development.

Carolyn Walker, department head, business technology, Tri-County Technical College, Pendleton, South Carolina