UL SYSTEM ANNOUNCES THIRD LEADERSHIP CLASS

The third year of the University of Louisiana System Management & Leadership Institute is underway. Institute participants include faculty and staff members from each of the System’s nine member institutions who have exhibited upper management potential and a desire for leadership development.

“It is vitally important that we develop and retain the dedicated faculty and staff we have within our System,” UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “We operate as one of the most efficient higher education systems in the nation. Investing in the growth of our most valuable asset, our people, will ensure we are also one of the most effective. Our students, our communities, and our faculty and staff deserve nothing less.”

During the course of the nine month program, participants travel to each of the System’s institutions and engage in meetings with various subject matter experts and university, community, and state leaders.

“The program facilitates cross-System synergy,” Henderson said. “Like any organization, employees can be narrowly focused on their own work, but when taken out of the normal environment and provided a forum to collaborate with others about projects and challenges, creativity flourishes.”

The culmination of the program is a project that charges the class with solving an issue in higher education with a systemic approach. Past projects have centered on advancing the System’s strategic framework and diversity and inclusion. In the spring the class will present their projects in front of the System’s president and board and the presidents of the nine member institutions. 
 
Former M&LI participants have been selected for roles of increased responsibility on their campuses and often credit the Institute for preparing them for their new roles. 

Participant photos and full biographies are available here. Members of the 2020 class include:

Jazmine Cherry
President’s Office Manager & Student Liaison
Grambling State University

Dr. Kevin J. Roberson
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Grambling State University

Jennifer A. Riley, J.D.
Assistant Vice President of University Advancement and General Counsel
Louisiana Tech University

Dr. Donna Thomas
Chair of the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Louisiana Tech University

Dr. Bryan J. Zygmont
Associate Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Art History in the School of Design
Louisiana Tech University

Dr. Angel Ogea
Dean of the Burton College of Education
McNeese State University

Dr. Michael T. Snowden
Chief Diversity and Title IX Officer (CDO) in the Office of Inclusive Excellence
McNeese State University

Dr. Chris Thomas
Vice President for Student Affairs
McNeese State University

Dr. Todd M. Keller
Vice Provost
Nicholls State University

Katherine Mabile
Director of Alumni Affairs
Nicholls State University

Scott Burrell
Interim Director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts
Northwestern State University

Julie Powell
Director of University Plant Services and Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Northwestern State University

Dr. Gabe Willis
Dean of Students
Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Jeffrey Wright
Department Head of Music and Performing Arts
Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Lisa Broussard
Associate Dean for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions
UL Lafayette

Dr. Jessica Leger
Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns
UL Lafayette

Dr. Christine Berry
Program Coordinator and Professor of Risk Management and Insurance
University of Louisiana Monroe

Emily Essex
Director of Student Life and Leadership and SGA Advisor
University of Louisiana Monroe

Lynette D. Bates
Director, TRIO Programs: UB, UBMS and McNair
University of New Orleans

Dr. Christopher Broadhurst
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
University of New Orleans