Dr. John Harper is the Leadership Development Specialist at the Stennis Institute of Government where he works directly with the Mississippi Community College Foundation to administer the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy.  This year-long leadership development program is organized around the practical needs of future community college leaders and is designed to sharpen supervisory, management, and leadership skills.  Dr. Harper believes that leadership development is fundamental to professional growth and is paramount to improving post-secondary education. He holds BA in Political Science, Master of Public Policy and Administration, and Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University.