Danny Darden, a professor of Computer and Information Technology at Kilgore College, has been selected as a member of the 2024-25 Fellows of The Community College Presidents Initiative in STEM (CCPI-STEM) project – funded by The National Science Foundation.
Darden is one of only five fellows nationwide chosen to participate in the initiative’s third cohort, which aims to enhance leadership skills among doctoral students and candidates who serve as community college faculty and administrators while fostering growth and diversity in the STEM technician workforce.
Darden is currently enrolled as a doctoral student in the Human Resource Development program at The University of Texas at Tyler.
CCPI-STEM, part of the broader Community College Presidents Initiative in STEM, supports graduate-level researchers dedicated to STEM education and workforce development within the community college system.
Darden’s selection reflects his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing STEM education. His involvement in initiatives such as the GenCyber educators’ program, Cisco’s Women Rock IT program, AWS Jam events and local hackathons has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in STEM fields.
“Danny’s dedication to diversity in STEM is evident through his outreach efforts, including speaking engagements with high school students, technical demonstrations and serving as a judge in robotics competitions,” said Dr. Brenda Kays, president of Kilgore College. “His work aligns perfectly with the CCPI-STEM program’s mission to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM education.”
The fellowship underscores Darden’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a skilled and diverse STEM workforce, furthering KC’s commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
“I enrolled in my doctoral program as an act of faith to honor God and my late grandmother, who passed away on the same day I received my acceptance letter,” Darden said.
“I have only been in the program for a little over a year and have consistently received confirmation that I am on the right path. My selection as a CCPI-STEM Fellow serves as further evidence, as it will allow me to receive powerful mentorship as well as provide critical financial support through my dissertation process.”
For more information on the third cohort of the CCPI-STEM project, visit www.ccpi-stem.org/cohort-3-fellows.
About Danny Darden:
Danny Darden, associate professor of Computer and Information Technology (CIT) at KC, teaches operating systems, cybersecurity and networking to AAS workforce students. A doctoral student in Human Resource Development (HRD) at The University of Texas at Tyler, his research focuses on the impact of Business Industry Leadership Teams (BILT) on workforce development, organizational learning, and change.
In 2024, Darden co-led (with Dr. Ginger Dennis) KC’s first $350,000 NSF Advanced Technical Education grant, “Reducing Barriers to IT Technician Education,” aiming to increase skilled IT technicians, enhance industry partnerships, align technical curricula, and introduce peer support services. He holds an MBA from LeTourneau University, a BS in Agriculture and Leadership Development from Texas A&M University, and an AS from KC.
Darden is a member of the Academy of Human Resources Development and has participated in organizations such as ARIN, ACM, and IEEE. Recently appointed to Gladewater’s economic development board, he is focused on advancing technology in East Texas, blending HRD expertise, workforce development, and regional economic growth.