From time to time, Today @ Remington College will feature an interview with a Campus Director of Education or Department Chairperson to get their unique perspectives on the programs they are involved with at their campuses. 

Marissa Rosen, our Remington College – Tampa Campus Cosmetology Department Chairperson, has been with Remington College for one year. She received her first cosmetology license while still in high school. Later, she taught licensed stylists for four years and spent two years teaching at the student level before being named Tampa Campus Cosmetology Department Chairperson.

Ms. Rosen is a licensed cosmetologist in Florida, Ohio, and California and a paramedical esthetician* in Florida. She is also a member of the Cosmetology Educators of America (CEA), a national organization of cosmetology educators.

* Paramedical estheticians work under the guidance of plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and other such health professionals to help patients with pre- and postoperative skin care. They provide treatments that prepare the skin for surgery and for a more comfortable healing process.

Q: Ms. Rosen, how many students are currently enrolled in the Cosmetology Program at Remington College – Tampa Campus? What is your typical student like in terms of his or her current status, personal characteristics, and goals for the future? 

A: As of December 2009, we have 40 students enrolled, who range in age from 18 to 45 and come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. It seems that all of them have one thing in common, though, and that’s the passion to change their lives. Starting from the first day in the program, we teach students what the beauty industry can do for them and how it can make a difference. 

Q: Tell us about current developments in your department. What’s new, and what’s planned? How do you feel about it? 

A: We participated in several events recently, including our Fall Fantasy Hair and Fashion show in October. A student hair competition is coming in January. We also have guest speakers scheduled for the new year and a visit from Matrix representatives. Additionally, we’ve begun our involvement with the “Dress for Success” program locally. 

Also, November 2009 marked one year since our first Cosmetology class started. It was the first time that our Cosmetology students took part in a graduation ceremony! I’m so happy that we have helped them reach their goals. Our students told us that they didn’t want to leave when it was time to go, which gave us such a good feeling. 

And I’m really anticipating the upcoming year! We plan on continuing student competitions, community service projects, and outside advanced training. Our Tampa group always tries to have something going on to keep our students excited about learning. 

Q: Why do you think your department’s academic offering is important and valuable for students? What are the benefits that your students can gain? What makes your program unique? 

A: Our students learn more than hair, nails, and makeup; they learn soft skills, which will be as important to them on the job as the fundamental cosmetology skills they learn. We teach them skills like how to speak with people, demonstrate confidence, and market themselves and the business. We believe team building and learning how to work with people from all walks of life are the first steps. Confidence can definitely be instilled, and we try to do so daily. 

Q: Tell us about your department’s instructors. What do they bring to the table? How do they add value?  

A: Our cosmetology instructors are professionals who have worked in the industry and believe in developing and nurturing the future of our industry through education. I believe we have some of the best mentors in the industry working with our students. Each of them has salon experience. Some have salon management experience, advanced education, or both. Our instructors are encouraged to be creative in the classroom, as long as they are also focused on the basics, and they are dedicated to helping our students succeed. 

Q: What are your goals for the department and for students in the Cosmetology Program? 

A: My academic goals are always to exceed the standard. My main goal is to graduate students in a timely manner and prepare our graduates for the state exam. I want the best jobs for them; I want them to experience the industry as I have experienced it, and I believe our program is off to a fabulous start! With everything settled, I now plan to work on coordinating more events within the community. Cosmetology as a trade can give back to the community and help people, and I’m hopeful that we’ll find some meaningful ways to give back to people in need. 

Q: Why do you enjoy working at Remington College? 

A: I have never been as proud of anything as I am of our Cosmetology Program. I love coming to work every day, because I get to combine my love of cosmetology with my desire to lead, teach, and give back on a daily basis. I have many goals for our program, and I plan on working hard every day to see them all come to fruition. I am grateful daily to have been given such a great opportunity. 

Remington College’s Cosmetology Diploma Program is currently available at the following Campus locations: 

• Remington College – Baton Rouge Campus, 10551 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816
• Remington College – Cleveland Campus (OH REG# 98-09-1500T), 14445 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44125
• Remington College – Columbia Campus, 607 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
• Remington College – Dallas Campus, 1800 Eastgate Drive, Garland, TX 75041
• Remington College – Fort Worth Campus, 300 East Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76112
• Remington College – Honolulu Campus (NEW PROGRAM!), 1111 Bishop Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Remington College – Houston Campus, 3110 Hayes Road, Suite 380, Houston, TX 77082
• Remington College – Houston Southeast Campus, 20985 Interstate 45 South, Webster, TX 77598
• Remington College – Lafayette Campus, 303 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette, LA 70508
• Remington College – Memphis Campus, 2710 Nonconnah Blvd., Memphis, TN 38132
• Remington College – Nashville Campus, 441 Donelson Pike, Suite 150, Nashville, TN 37214
• Remington College – North Houston Campus, 11310 Greens Crossing, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77067
• Remington College – Tampa Campus, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 400, Tampa, FL 33619