CEC welcomes Renae McGowen, Ed.D., as our new Environmental Education Specialist

CEC is delighted to welcome Dr. Renae McGowen to manage our environmental education programs.

Dr. McGowen is an award winning higher education administrator and adjunct professor with a demonstrated history of success in the higher education industry. Skilled in corporate development, revenue generation, nonprofit organization, instructional design, student development, and strategic planning. She is a proven adult education leader with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) focused in Higher Education Administration and a Masters degree with emphasis in Training and Development. She has a passion for the environment and is excited to work to connect the environmental community with teachers and their students.

Renae shares the following introduction:

“It is with great humility and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the newly selected Environmental Education Specialist for CEC. Our organization has a long-standing commitment to our community and is intentional about impacting our environment and quality of life in the Houston-Galveston area! As a lifelong adult educator, I am committed to modeling the values set forth by our organization, working alongside passionate and capable leaders and staff and supporting our diverse non-profit, governmental and educational organizations.

“Supporting environmental causes, whether to save a wildlife habitat, learn a new conservation method, or earning a Master Naturalist designation can require new skills. I want to ensure that educators and students in our community are aware of the opportunities and have a positive experience. I begin the journey into environmental concern through happenstance as a child in east Texas. I spent many summers with my modest grandparents on a working farm. My grandfather had spent years on a Choctaw Native American Reservation in Oklahoma as a child and was very concerned about using resources wisely. I never forgot the lessons he taught; and watching him creatively care for his animals and crops without using harsh chemicals spurred my interest in making sure to be as responsible as possible. It is what still inspires me to this day! 

“Although new to CEC, I am not new to adult education having spent the last 22 years in leadership including service as a university dean for returning students and director of continuing education for the nation’s third largest community college. During my tenure, I increased workforce enrollment, partnered with grant funding agencies and developed solid business relationships which assisted countless adult students in meeting their education and career goals. In addition, I am a community volunteer and sit on my local school district’s education foundation board which provides funding for continuing education as well as opportunities to support student needs. I am invested in the Harris County community and want to make sure to learn more about your organization. I look forward to learning more about how we can best collaborate and hope to continue the good work started by my predecessor. I can be reached at renae@cechouston.org.”

Learn more about Renae on LinkedIn.com.