Seven University of Missouri–St. Louis professors are among 37 faculty members in the University of Missouri System chosen to be part of this year’s cohort in the Manuel T. Pacheco Leadership Development Program. (Photo by August Jennewein)
The University of Missouri System aims to train a new generation of academic leaders through the Manuel T. Pacheco Leadership Development Program.
Seven faculty members at the University of Missouri–St. Louis are among 37 individuals systemwide chosen to take part in this year’s program, which will begin with a fall retreat Sept. 26-28 at the Frederick Hotel in Boonville, Missouri.
Their experience in the program will prepare them to guide the university into the future.
The UMSL faculty members among this year’s cohort are:
Felia Davenport, associate professor and chair of the Department of Theatre & Cinema Arts
Cezary Janikow, associate professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Jon McGinnis, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy
Natalie Murphy, associate teaching professor and interim associate dean of the College of Nursing
April Regester, associate professor and assistant chair of the Department of Educator Preparation, Innovation and Research
Sandy Trapani, teaching professor and chair of the Department of Language and Cultural Studies
Gaiyan Zhang, professor, finance board scholar and chair of the Department of Finance and Legal Studies
“These faculty were identified for this program due to their emerging leadership skills and current engagement in many aspects of our campus community,” Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kristin Sobolik said. “They will provide the foundation for UMSL’s positive future. I am pleased that the UM System offers such an encompassing program that allows faculty from across the system to meet their leader colleagues.”
The leadership development program was among the first of its kind nationally when the UM System launched it in 2000. Since then, it has supported an annual cohort of between 30 and 40 academic department chairs, directors, and assistant deans. Those chosen for the program have demonstrated leadership and leadership potential.
The program brings them together for further development and growth as leaders, while expanding and enriching professional networks. The program gives members the practical skills to offer guidance and support to the faculty members they manage, strategically plan for the future of their academic schools or departments, work within a their network of peers to address leadership concerns and build a commitment among their colleagues to work toward academic excellence and the broader university mission.
