Jackie Hughes, instructional technology coordinator in the Faculty Center for Teaching
and Learning; Theresa Raglin, Dental Hygiene and Medical Imaging Department head;
and Meral Topcu, Social Sciences Department chair and professor of Psychology, attended
a two-week Higher Education Resource Services 2016 Summer Institute. The division
of Academic Affairs provided institutional support to further women’s professional
development on campus.
This prestigious and intensive program prepares women faculty and administrators for leadership roles in higher education. According to its website, “HERS is dedicated to creating and sustaining a community of women leaders through leadership development programs and other strategies with a special focus on gender equity within the broader commitment to achieving equality and excellence in higher education.”
HERS’ leadership development model encourages attendees to focus on self-knowledge, networking and institutional awareness. Before attending the institute, participants complete readings and assignments to assess their own leadership skills and knowledge of their institution with the goal to positively lead and influence higher education.
“The Leadership Institute was a valuable professional development opportunity for me,” Raglin said. “I gained a new perspective on managing and leading that will enhance my role as a department head at Ferris.”
The institutes also provide opportunities for attendees to network with women in higher education, national academic organizations, government and foundations.
“I made connections with a group of great sisters and learned immensely about higher education and how universities are run,” Topcu said.
Hughes traveled to Bryn Mawr while Raglin and Topcu went to Denver.
Hughes said that the experience gave her fresh perspective.
“The HERS Institute has revealed to me that I am more strategic and political than I thought I was and I intend to use all facets of this leadership training to enhance the way Ferris manages educational technologies to give both students and faculty a more innovative teaching and learning experience,” Hughes said.
To learn more about HERS and the Summer Leadership Institutes.
PHOTO CAPTION: Past attendees of a Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) Institute gather to discuss their experiences. Pictured are Leah Monger, Theresa Raglin, Meral Topcu, Trinidy Williams, Jackie Hughes, and Olukemi Fadayomi. Prior attendees not pictured are Susan Owens and Mischelle Stone.