Early Childhood Education professor reflects on how STCC shaped her life

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Lakisha Coppedge graduated from the Springfield Public Schools and went on to Springfield Technical Community College before transferring to Springfield College.

“I am Springfield all the way!” Coppedge said with a voice full of pride.

Years after graduating from STCC, she returned to her local college, accepting a part-time position that eventually became full time. STCC put her on the path to success, she explained, and she was thrilled to be back.

In 1997, Coppedge earned a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from STCC. She transferred to Springfield College to earn a bachelor’s degree in human services and graduated magna cum laude. At Springfield College, she also earned a master’s degree in and master’s degree in human services with a concentration in organizational management and leadership.

“STCC gave me the fortitude to advocate for myself as a young student,” Coppedge said. “Coming into STCC, I was able to navigate the systems to be able to create space for change and transformation.”

When she was hired to work at STCC in 2020, Coppedge said she felt like she came full circle. She serves as a student liaison, academic counselor and adjunct professor in the Early Childhood Education program. She continues to operate her business, Coppedge Consulting, which focuses on anti-racism work and all areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

“It feels really good to do this and to be back here (at STCC) and working in the early education field,” Coppedge said. “I owned two early education programs, and this is my passion work. I’m teaching educators and paying it forward in the most authentic way I can. I love that I’m here to do that.”

Early Childhood Education at STCC is a certificate program designed for students seeking to meet educational requirements for EEC Lead Teacher and/or the Child Development Associate credential.

STCC gave me the fortitude to advocate for myself as a young student Lakisha Coppedge '97 STCC alumna and professor

Coppedge can relate to many of the students at STCC who may be facing barriers that stand in the way of an education. She is the first in her family to get a degree. She had two children while attending STCC, but stayed focused on getting an education. She cited her mother as an inspiration.

“My mom said, ‘Follow your dreams,’” Coppedge said. “With her encouragement I felt I could do anything.”

While studying at STCC, she felt welcomed and appreciated the flexibility. “As a young mom, my professors let me bring my child in to class when I needed that. The professors were amazing to understand my situation as a young parent,” she said.

She had an entrepreneurial spirit at an early age, starting an early education program in high school.

Richard Greco, dean of the School of Liberal and Professional Studies, said Coppedge is a role model for students she works with at STCC.

“Lakisha brings much value to her roles at STCC,” Greco said. “She’s a leader in the community with extensive experience in early childhood education and enhances our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at the college.” 

When speaking to people in the community – from high school students to adult learners who might be considering a career change – Coppedge might share her experience in college, and let people know how STCC shaped her life.

She had a child at a young age, but was able to successfully navigate college. Today, she is married to her “junior high school sweetheart.

“He was with me when I came to STCC, and supported me every step of the way,” she said.  She and her husband have three children and two grandchildren.

“I work with students and encourage them to start at a community college. It was the best decision I made financially,” Coppedge said. “As a young mother, STCC opened up a door where I wouldn’t feel like I was different. I didn’t feel ostracized. I felt welcomed. A community college like STCC just gives you a better foundation, and I tell my students that and I continue to encourage people to come here.”

Watch a video of Lakisha Coppedge sharing her thoughts about STCC.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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