With a common interest in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of the university and developing a greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world, 24 Washington University in St. Louis staff members have been selected members of the 2015 Professional Leadership Academy & Network (PLAN).
PLAN is a yearlong professional development program, under the stewardship of the Office of the Provost, intended to cultivate future leaders at Washington University.
“Leadership development is a critical tool for building and sustaining an inclusive campus community,” said Provost Holden Thorp, PhD. “An important part of securing the university’s future is to build a strong team that is well-informed both about higher education as well as Washington University.”
The 2015 class consists of professionals with a range of expertise, including career planning, communications, community service, library services, medical education and sustainability.
Danforth Campus and Medical School staff members in leadership roles within their departments were invited to apply this past fall for a position in the 2015 class.
Applicants needed to show a commitment to diversity of thought, perspective and identity — including an understanding of how inclusion strengthens the university.
The 2015 cohort met for the first time as a group at a reception Thorp hosted Feb. 13 at the Whittemore House. The program combines classroom sessions and “lunch & learns” to enhance the growth and productivity of staff and to provide the university with a cadre of leaders who can contribute to university-wide initiatives and projects.
This is the third time the program has been offered, with the inaugural class completing the program in 2011. More than 65 middle- and senior-level managers applied for a spot in the 2015 class.
“The caliber of the members of this class is outstanding in every way. As with previous classes, they were selected for their remarkable leadership qualities, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and their potential for the future,” said Rochelle Smith, assistant provost for diversity initiatives and the PLAN program administrator.
The PLAN participants will attend the first of three three-day classroom sessions starting Thursday, Feb. 19. The university covers the participants’ cost in the program, which also includes regular “lunch & learns” with vice chancellors, deans and other administrators.
Their training will culminate with group projects, where the participants will develop strategic solutions to key university issues.
Members of the 2015 PLAN class are:
Aaron Addison, director of GIS and Data Services, University Libraries;
Robert Blaine, director of Medical Public Policy, Government and Community Relations;
Amy Borah, director of Clinical Operations, Cardiovascular Division in the Department of Medicine
Koong-Nah Chung, PhD, associate dean and director of the Office of Medical Student Research, School of Medicine;
Rudolph Clay, head of Library Diversity Initiatives & Outreach, Olin Library;
Tia Drake, executive director for Graduate Medical Education;
Deborah Frank, PhD, scientific editor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine;
Nadia Ghasedi, head of Visual Media Research Lab, Olin Library;
Heather Hageman, director of Educational Planning and Program Assessment and director of the Standardized Patient Programming, Office of Education, School of Medicine;
Elenore Brook Haley, creative services director and designer, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences;
Jamie Hansen, executive director of Regional Development Programs, Alumni & Development, Danforth Campus;
Debra Harp, director of administration, Habif Health and Wellness Center;
Phyllis Jackson, assistant director for Event Management, Danforth University Center and Event Management;
Lissa Johnson, director of administration, Center for Social Development, Brown School;
Tamara King, JD, associate dean of students and director of Student Conduct, Office of Student Affairs
Stephanie Kurtzman, director, Community Service Office and associate director, Gephardt Institute for Public Service;
Paige LaRose, director of student development and strategic initiatives, Olin Business School;
Jennie Marchal, associate director, Employer Relations, Career Center;
Ebba Segerberg, PhD, director of communications, Arts & Sciences;
Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo, PhD, assistant dean, College of Arts & Sciences;
Phil Valko, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability, Office of Sustainability;
Lisa Wiland, director, Institutional Research & Analysis, Office of the Provost;
Carl Williams, academic advisor and financial aid coordinator, University College in Arts & Sciences; and
Mary Zabriskie, assistant director of Campus Life, Student Involvement & Leadership.
For more information about the program, visit the PLAN website.