CSM Leaders Make Positive Changes for Students and the Workplace

Faculty and staff at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) are turning leadership development into new ways to support students, improve workflows, and strengthen the college through the Leadership Enhancement Academy.

The Leadership Enhancement Academy is a nine-month program that engages CSM faculty and staff in a comprehensive curriculum focused on building leadership skills and supporting professional development. The program’s 17 cohort members were celebrated during a culmination ceremony last week.

“I hope you take pride in what you have accomplished,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. “You invested in yourselves as leaders. What excites me most is knowing that what you gained through this experience will continue to show up in the work ahead. Continue to learn, stay curious, support and challenge one another, and use what you have gained here to make CSM stronger.”

Selected through a competitive application process, cohort members participate in workshops, monthly live sessions, group discussions, and presentations; read leadership books; hear from guest speakers; and receive unlimited one-on-one executive coaching. Participants also complete a capstone project focused on improving their area of work.

Dr. Trenace Richardson, associate vice president of Organizational Development, Talent, and Engagement, congratulated the members for their dedication to the program, their growth in leadership, and their commitment to making a difference for CSM and its students.

“Sometimes leadership looks like asking the question, listening, or saying I don’t know, teach me,” Richardson said. “Leadership asks you to do something, stand up and be different so that you can start something wonderful. I am in awe of how much they have gained, and how much CSM has gained as a result of their work.”

The capstone projects put those leadership lessons into practice, addressing challenges and opportunities across the college. The projects ranged from improving department communication and workflows, to building mentorship programs, strengthening connections with students and faculty, raising awareness of department work, or launching new ways to engage with the college. 

Business Department Chair Dr. Kandace Foreman launched Empowering Students Through Mentor Moments. At the end of each class, Foreman posed a simple question to spark a discussion on topics such as campus resources, classroom help, or upcoming events. Midway through the semester, each student also met with Foreman one-on-one to ask questions or seek additional support.

“Mentor Moments with students builds connections, community, and purpose, and inspires students to be mentors with one another,” Foreman said. “These intentional moments are simple in nature but can build connection.”

At the end of the term, Foreman found that 78% of students said Mentor Moments increased awareness of college and career opportunities, 81% of students said the one-on-one meetings supported their academic progress, and 77% felt more confident using campus resources.

Web Director Kristen Long and Art Professor Andy Wodzianski used their project to launch a virtual art gallery on the CSM website to showcase the pieces on display in the Hank Willoughby Foundation Center for the Arts at the La Plata Campus.

Long said the website receives 3 million views each year. The virtual gallery expands access to the artwork.

“The website is the front door to the college,” Long said. “It creates an opportunity for us to do some institutional storytelling and build emotional connection with the college.”

The Hank Willoughby Foundation Center for the Arts houses multiple galleries featuring permanent collections, as well as a gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions by professional artists and an annual student art exhibit. From this show, the college purchases two student pieces to add to its permanent collection.

Wodzianski said showcasing the work online can also create opportunities for students as they build their professional portfolios.

“Adding their pieces to the collection is validating to students,” Wodzianski said. “They can show these pieces as part of their portfolio. It’s remarkably fulfilling.”

The Walter Grove II Memorial Art Gallery can be viewed online through the gallery website.

The Leadership Enhancement Academy supports the CSM Strategic Plan by building momentum through professional learning opportunities and identifying pathways for employee succession and progression.

CSM is continuing its leadership development efforts through the New Leaders Academy for newly hired directors and executive directors. The group meets monthly to gain support and share resources as they transition to new roles.  

Congratulations to the Leadership Enhancement Academy completers:

• Chris Ankney
• Monty Campbell
• Ralph Critten
• Kevin Cumberland
• Laura Dyson
• Kandace Foreman
• Nicole Harrell
• Courtney Kimble Hawkins
• Jennifer Hernandez
• Kristen Long
• Michelle Pruitt
• TJ Reim
• Tiana Stone
• Laura Thayer
• Abram Townsend
• Rachel Wallace
• Andy Wodzianski

Congratulations to the New Leaders Academy participants:

• Megan Allen
• Kathryn DeBruhl
• Damon Gorham
• Dorian Hall
• Brandon Nzekwe
• Becky Price
• Myisha Sudler
• James Vasquez