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President-designate Rosenberg speaks at annual reunion of leadership program designed to prepare women and minorities for senior-level positions.
By Sissi Aguila
“Leadership is about relationships.” That was the message President-designate Mark Rosenberg delivered to the alumni of FIU’s Educational Leadership Enhancement Program during an annual reunion held at Biscayne Bay Campus on June 25.
The leadership program, which is designed to strengthen the professional preparation of women and minorities for leadership positions in higher education, invited Rosenberg to be the keynote presenter and share his thoughts on leadership and FIU’s future.
“The first thing we ask our guest speakers,” says Barbara Bader, director of FIU’s Leadership program, “is ‘What is your approach to leadership?'”
“Leadership in many ways is about timing, maturity and when to get happy and mad,” said Rosenberg. “The mature leader has the ability to think it through before he or she acts.”
After the panel discussion, program participants demonstrated true leadership by presenting Rosenberg with $2,250 collected from group for the First Generation Fund. The donation is eligible for a state match.
The building blocks of success
Since the program was initiated statewide in 1993, the university has graduated 120 faculty and staff members who have gone on to leadership positions at FIU and at other institutions. Most of whom attended the reunion and the luncheon that followed.
“We invite all alums of the program regardless of where they are now,” said Bader of participants who returned to FIU in spite of working at other institutions.
Recognizing the importance of relationships, the leadership program emphasizes mentoring. Participants are assigned a mentor based on individual discussions or suggestions. Many have formed relationships with their mentors that have been invaluable to them and have continued throughout their professional careers.
Lourdes Acevedo, director of FIU’s Invitational Scholars program, was mentored by Senior Vice President of External Relations Sandra Gonzalez-Levy this past year. “She has been very generous with her time, even inviting me to participate in her leadership staff meetings,” said Acevedo. “I’ve learned a great deal from her.”
Interim Vice-Provost of Academic Affairs Michele Ciccazzo, who graduated from the program in 1997, says she still has lunch with people who went through the program with her. “You get to know so many folks from different offices around the university. The reunions build on those relationships and begin new conversations.”
In addition to mentoring and networking, the program also focuses on sharpening professional and personal skills and assisting with career growth strategies.
Each year, participants attend a series of executive briefings presented by FIU’s senior administrators as well as seminars and readings on topics pertinent to leadership advancement in higher education administration. Bader meets one on one with each person to tailor the program appropriately. After meeting with one of the participants a few years back and discovering the woman was $25,000 in debt and knew very little about handling money, Bader held a session on finances that benefited the entire group.
Another program highlight is a three-day conference held in Tallahassee during the legislative session at which they learn about the workings of the legislature and how it affects higher education. Members of the Board of Governors’ senior staff share their career paths and present responsibilities.
To qualify for the one year program, applicants must be female and/or minority, have two or more years of service at FIU and three years of college/university employment. Faculty must be tenured and administrative personnel must be at the assistant director level or above. Applicants must have a master’s degree.
To apply or nominate a candidate, click here [pdf]. Applications are due by August 20. Six will be selected (by previous participants) and notified three weeks after the deadline. For more information, contact Barbara Bader at 305-348-0296.
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As an alumn of the Educational Leadership Enhacement Program, it give me great pleasure to attend the reunion each year. Barbara Bader runs a fantastic program. But the most amazing part is what she does outside of the program, mentoring and advising the alumni throughout our careers. Thank you Barbara, for all you do for us!
I would absolutely agree with Maydel. The program is amazing and so are the people who plan, support and participate in it. Barbara is a gift to everyone.