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Administrators, faculty, staff participate in leadership programs

By Kristin K. Anderson

Sixteen MSU administrators, faculty and staff are fellows in two academic programs designed to enhance leadership skills, promote connections and communications, and foster positive change in academic communities.

Ten individuals, currently in leadership roles in a variety of support and academic units, are serving as 2007-08 fellows in MSU’s Executive Leadership Academy Seminar Series and Fellows Program. They are:

• Karen McKnight Casey, director, Service-Learning and Civic Engagement

• Thomas Cooper, associate chairperson, Radiology

• Kathleen Fairfax, director, Office of Study Abroad

• Brendan Guenther, assistant director, Virtual University Design and Technology

• Shirley Harding, chairperson and professor, Osteopathic Surgical Specialties

• Thomas Hult, director and professor, International Business Center

• Kris Hynes, director of human resource services, Office of Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

• Karen Plaut, chairperson and professor, Animal Science

• Linda Triemer, director of compliance and standards, Office of Regulatory Affairs

• Karen Wurst, dean, College of Arts and Letters, professor of German

During their nine-month involvement in the program, fellows attend a leadership program conducted by the nationally recognized Center for Creative Leadership and engage in 10 weeks of coaching by the center; participate in a series of on-campus facilitated discussions; and take part in a leadership seminar on selected topics.

The program was recently honored with the Best Practices Award from the Midwest College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. This award is presented to an individual or team demonstrating creativity, process improvements, excellence or professional achievement within a functional area of human resources, either an entire human resources unit or smaller sub-unit.

Six individuals are fellows in the Committee on Institutional Cooperation Academic Leadership Program, now in its 18th year.

MSU fellows in the program are:

• Johannes Bauer, professor, telecommunication, information studies and media; director, Quello Center for Telecommunication and Law

• John Kosciulek, professor, counseling, educational psychology and special education

• Denise Maybank, associate vice president, Division of Student Affairs and Services; director, Department of Student Life

• Malea Powell, associate professor, writing, rhetoric and American cultures

• Pamela Whitten, associate dean and professor, College of Communication Arts and Sciences

• Kristine Zayko, deputy general counsel, Office of the General Counsel

The program gives individuals interested in or just beginning an academic administrative role an opportunity to learn about leadership and administrative topics with MSU administrators.

They are among 60 fellows from the 12 Committee on Institutional Cooperation research universities who will take part in programs to provide a greater awareness and understanding of a research university. They will participate in three off-campus seminars and regular discussions with key on-campus administrators and faculty.

For more information call (517) 355-5761 or e-mail leaders@msu.edu.