Introducing the First Cohorts
With a goal of creating a pipeline of diverse leaders within the institution, the SULead program was introduced recently as a professional development initiative to foster engagement of talented, emerging Salisbury University staff with leadership potential by providing them with a well-rounded view of what goes into running the campus, as well as mentorship from area leaders.
Ten staff members, representing a diverse cross section of campus, comprised the first cohort (pictured above): Lacie Doyle, advising services coordinator in the Academic Advising Office; Jennifer Ellis, curriculum and academic specialist in the Academic Affairs Office; Cynthia Funkhouser, executive administrative assistant in the Fulton School of Liberal Arts; Alexia Rawlings, academic program specialist at the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE); Rachael Faust, recycling coordinator in the Facilities Services Office; Colin Watson, support associate in the Information Technology Department; Jeff Westphal, University Police officer; Erin Smith, assistant director of alumni engagement in the Alumni Relations Office; Dawn Keter, training coordinator and counselor in the Counseling Center; and Mario Ramirez, office clerk in the Conference Services Office.
Meeting once a week, cohort members learned about each of SU’s divisions from members of the President’s Cabinet and interacted with other leaders on and off campus, including SU Pesident Carolyn Ringer Lepre, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Salisbury Mayor Jack Heath, Greater Salisbury Committee President and CEO Mike Dunn; area business officials; and members of the University’s shared governance organizations.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of the innerworkings of SU, they also networked and built relationships across campus and beyond, learning about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and participating in self-assessment activities to leverage their unique strengths for personal and professional success.
“I really appreciated the self-reflection sessions, particularly the ethics study and the leadership session … [which] gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I believe to be true about myself … and to understand my leadership styles, beliefs and core values,” said Ellis.
After a successful inaugural semester, SU Lead continues to serve as a professional development program, with the second SULead cohort of 12 employees launching last fall.
