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Southwest Leadership Academy graduates inaugural class

By Diana Fedinec

Congratulations to the inaugural class of the Southwest Leadership Academy (SLA) on their distinguished graduation! 

Southwest Leadership AcademyBorn out of a joint enterprise between Southwest’s Professional Administrative Staff Organization (PASO) and Teaching Academy, the SLA provided 21 professional staff the opportunity to build community across departments and identify and develop best practices for leadership. 

Cohort members participated in virtual team building, heard from nationally recognized speakers and discussed pertinent themes and succession planning with senior leadership. Key areas of focus included Leadership Skills Assessment, Diversity and Inclusion, Work-Life Balance, Supporting Students and Staff and the Memphis Economy.  

“We are excited to present our inaugural cohort,” SLA Team Member and PASO President Katrina Muldrow said. “Through this unique customized leadership program for professional staff, participants were able to reflect on their personal leadership skills and collaborate with others on how best to use those skills to further advance the work of the College. We believe the leadership academy is a win-win for all and will provide an avenue for continued leadership development in the future.”

To view Southwest Leadership Academy’s inaugural graduation ceremony, click on the graphic below or this link: 2021 Southwest Leadership Academy Graduation. 

Southwest Leadership Academy 

Congratulations to the Graduates!

Mia Atkins-Beason
Angela Banks
Thomas Cole
Chateeka Farris
Diana Fedinec
Suzanne Gibson
Renee Hancock
Connie Herron
Adrienne Johnson
Katrina Muldrow
Shayla Kolheim
Alma Rutledge
Keneshia Seals
James Sorrell
Dr. Jennifer Townes
Claude Wall
Sandra Wallace
Vickie Walton
Ouida Warren
Patrick Washington
Brenda Williams
Elizabeth Wilson

SLA was piloted for the purposes of providing a system-wide, multilevel approach to professional development that informs and promotes characteristics that mirror Southwest’s Mission and Vision.  The collaborative leadership program supports the College’s Focus 2025 Strategic Plan and addresses the opportunities found in the 2019 Employee Survey.    

SLA is preparing for its second cohort. If you would like to nominate a rising Southwest leader who is a member of Southwest’s professional staff, please contact Dr. Jennifer Townes, Assistant Vice President,
Professional Development & Employee Engagement, at jtownes1@southwest.tn.edu.