This month, nine staff and faculty members at Marymount University were accepted into the inaugural Presidential Leadership Fellows Program, a first-of-its-kind program at the institution which aims to further develop the leadership skills of manager-level employees. Sponsored by the Office of the President, it demonstrates a deep commitment to retaining and maximizing the talent and skills of exceptional community members.
“Here at Marymount, one of our key goals is to help our top talent discover leadership qualities, grow in their careers and thrive professionally,” explained Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “I am pleased to offer this new initiative to engage staff and faculty who are emerging leaders and who aspire to advance their careers here at Marymount.”
Selected candidates to the program have the opportunity to join fellow Marymount staff and faculty leaders in a 10-month cohort, learn about the overall operations of the University and connect with President Becerra, her Cabinet and the Board of Trustees. Up to 10 participants will be selected for the program each year. The following employees will begin monthly sessions this September:
- Kate Athing, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
- Dr. Paula Cristina Azevedo, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Experience
- Dr. Laura Finkelstein, Associate Vice President of Student Health & Well-Being
- Dr. Sarah Fischer, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
- Dr. Louis Frisenda, Assistant Vice Provost
- Dr. Joseph Provenzano, Director of Teaching and Academic Development
- Susan Grunder, Director of Ministry and Spiritual Life
- Dr. Michelle Steiner, Assistant Vice President for Student Success
- Ryan Wildenhain, Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development
“This is such an exciting time for staff and faculty at Marymount to engage in this unique leadership development opportunity,” said Kendra Gillespie, Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Marymount University. “Program participants will explore how to become more effective leaders who can make a meaningful impact. They will accomplish this by learning how to leverage their individual strengths in alignment with the University’s workforce needs, organizational direction and their own personal career aspirations. We look forward to taking this exciting journey with our inaugural Fellows!”
With the theme of ‘From Good to Greatness,’ the Presidential Leadership Fellows Program will focus on exposing participants to senior administrative work, University governance, Board of Trustees leadership and further embracing Marymount’s mission and future position in the world of higher education. Candidates will take advantage of strength assessments, individual coaching, capstone projects and highly interactive monthly sessions that cover the following topics:
- University History
- Administrative Structure
- Strategic Plan and Key Initiatives
- Budget and Operations
- Understanding our Development Efforts
- Board of Trustees Role
- Marymount’s Role within the Catholic Church and Community
- Our Role as Managers
- Commitment to Developing and Retaining Leaders
- Leadership and Coaching Styles
- University’s Role in Virginia’s Educational Policies
For more information on the Presidential Leadership Fellows Program, please click here or contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@marymount.edu.
