Ten Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty and staff leaders graduated from the LEAD Leadership Program cohort Dec. 8. The program was developed by the Learning and Development Team to encourage employees to refine their leadership skills.
LEAD aims to engage with University leaders who are committed to aligning their leadership styles with Pillar V of MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan. The sessions provided faculty and staff participants with tools to sharpen management skills to engage those they lead, facilitate change and develop healthy team culture. The program will be offered again beginning Feb. 1.
Graduates
- Maria Akrabova, associate professor of Spanish and Department of Modern Languages chair
- Destiny Candelaria, Call Center Financial Aid coordinator, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Kelly Findley, associate director of Scholarships, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Sharon Lorince, director of Operations and Maintenance, Department of Facilities
- Charisma Martinez, manager of Student Services, Department of Nutrition
- Emily Matuszewicz, director, Health Institute
- Susie Ryder, director of Undergraduate and Graduate Field Education, Department of Social Work
- Charita Thompson, associate director of Admissions – Transfer Services, Office of Admissions
- Jessica Torro, Grant Program manager, Department of Nutrition
- Emily Willan, director of Operations and Planning, Office of the Vice President and Student Affairs
How to get involved
LEAD is one of three new internal professional-development opportunities offered to faculty and staff members. Employees can register here for the spring cohort. Participation is required for the entire length of the program (all required sessions and two electives). To register for the spring series of LEAD, please complete the Qualtrics registration form by Jan. 18.
Additional offerings include LAUNCH and GROW
- LAUNCH is a three-day program beginning April 11 that is primarily focused on faculty and staff members who are somewhat new to leadership roles.
- GROW is a workshop series dedicated to supporting employee levels, including faculty and staff members and student employees. Topics include leading with emotional intelligence, building trust and psychological safety in the workplace and providing collaborative communication and feedback.