Dr. Shaunda French-Collins and Dr. Britt Helmbrecht are the second and third Chadron State College employees to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), a premier leadership development program provided by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
The 2022 cohort of 36 higher education professionals met for an in-person kick-off of the year-long ELP program in Washington D.C. in June. Director of College Relations Alex Helmbrecht, who was CSC’s first participant, completed a virtual version of the program in 2020-21.
AASCU is a higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.
The ELP was created in 2015 to prepare early to mid-career academic and administrative emerging leaders who aspire to advance to administrative roles with greater responsibility and oversight.
French-Collins, Professor and Department Chair in Communication, said being selected was an honor.
“Being part of the Emerging Leaders Program is an honor and it has already been a very rewarding experience. The time in D.C. was extremely informative and helpful. I am excited for Dr. Helmbrecht and I to bring knowledge back to our campus that we learned,” French-Collins said.
Helmbrecht said she was proud and humbled to represent CSC and the Nebraska State College System with French-Collins.
“The Emerging Leaders Program is a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development. I got to meet so many great leaders and individuals who work hard for student-success and emphasize the value of higher education,” Helmbrecht said.
Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, former chair of the AASCU Board of Directors, and ELP coordinator, said the diverse and motivated campus leaders in the class reflect the strength and value of what happens when the AASCU network comes together.
“We are pleased to bring the ELP cohort to Washington, D.C., for three days of in-person programming for the first time in three years and look forward to lively discussions and insightful learning experiences that will inspire and equip participants to shape our institutions to promote inclusivity, equity, and student success. I look forward to a great year of learning and personal development,” Welch said.
With a curriculum designed to develop the skills and competencies necessary for the next generation of higher education leaders, the 2022 ELP cohort will engage with a rich and experienced bench of faculty to cover topics such as equity and social justice leadership, navigating and leading through change, finance and administration, leading as a provost, and more.
Following the in-person retreat, the group will meet for monthly virtual workshops and small-group sessions for reflection and study of promising practices. Additionally, each member of the ELP cohort will demonstrate their leadership skills to their campus community by leading an on-campus project or initiative with the support of their president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator.