Nine Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty and staff leaders graduated from the LEAD Leadership Program cohort Dec. 8. The program was developed by the Leadership and Organizational Engagement 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 next fall. 

Big round of applause to the following LEAD graduates:

  • Leah Butler, advisor II | Data and Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs
  • Michelle Downer, director of Advancement Services, Administrative Branch
  • Ali Fogal, Total Rewards analyst – Compensation, Administrative Branch
  • Rachel Hawley, program manager of Academic Support, Academic Affairs 
  • Breanna Milnes, executive director of Advancement Communications and Giving, Administrative Branch
  • Andrea Rodriguez, senior specialist, Administrative, Student Affairs
  • Christine Sheikh, specialist, Student Academic Services, Academic Affairs 
  • Corrie Velasquez, senior specialist, Administrative, Academic Affairs 
  • Jimi Webb, director of Student Services and Operations, Academic Affairs 

How to get involved

LEAD is one of several internal professional-development opportunities offered to faculty and staff members. Employees can register for the spring cohort in Workday by Tuesday. Additional offerings include LAUNCH and GROW. 

  • LAUNCH is a three-day program primarily focused on faculty and staff members who are somewhat new to leadership roles.
  • GROW is a workshop series dedicated to supporting all employee levels, including faculty and staff members and student employees. Topics include avoiding burnout, leading with emotional intelligence, building trust and psychological safety in the workplace and providing collaborative communication and feedback.
LEAR MORE ABOUT ALL THREE PROGRAMS