W&M launches leadership course for alumni and the general public
The W&M Washington Center has announced a new online leadership course, open to all members of the W&M community and beyond.
The leadership course, "Modern Leadership: Reflections and Tools for the Values-Based Leader," combines theory and practice and is designed to engage participants in discussion, hands-on applications and reflections. Concrete takeaway tools are expected help current and aspiring leaders alike, according to the center.
The course includes 10 virtual sessions delivered over five weeks and will consider how shared values can help leaders achieve the mission of their group, organization or business.
Set to begin on April 27, the course is being taught by Higher Education Professor Pamela Eddy from the W&M School of Education. Eddy is the recent recipient of the 2021 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award. She is joined by alumnus Michael K. Powell ’85, D.P.S. ’02, president and CEO of NCTA – the Internet and Television Association and chair of the W&M Foundation Board of Directors, who will be featured in the course.
“I’m thrilled to be the faculty lead on the upcoming continuing studies series 'Modern Leadership: Reflections and Tools for the Values-Based Leader,'” says Eddy. “There is not a cookie-cutter mold for what leadership looks like. Leadership occurs in many places and does not require a top-level title. Reflecting on what works best for them will help participants develop a plan for their future growth as leaders and describe their own leadership philosophy to others.”
Featured speakers include prominent alumni, faculty and campus leaders. Course participants will receive a certificate of completion from the William & Mary Washington Center. Benefits and learning outcomes are shared on the website.
“As our mission states, William & Mary cultivates creative thinkers, principled leaders, and compassionate global citizens equipped for lives of meaning and distinction,” said Ann Marie Stock, vice provost for academic and faculty affairs. “This course aims to help leaders live their values and serve their communities.”
The W&M Washington Center’s leadership initiative was born out of COVID-induced innovation as the center looked for ways to continue engaging alumni in a virtual world. The course comes on the heels of three popular webinars that were held in the fall for students, faculty, alumni and the public about compassion, inclusivity and adversity in leadership.
“Alumni have often shared with us that they miss the classroom. They miss learning in a safe space with professors who inspire and challenge them to think in new ways. We also understand from our alumni that they crave leadership opportunities, so a continuing studies opportunity on values-based leadership seemed perfect,” says Roxane O. Adler Hickey M.Ed. ’02, director of the Washington Center.
The course is an example of the integrative and collaborative approach that the center team embraces. Partners throughout the university helped shape the course.
The center, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is best known for producing Study in D.C. academic opportunities for undergraduate students, in which W&M students take classes in Washington, D.C., engage with alumni in potential career fields, hear from guest speakers and assistance finding internships.
“Alumni volunteers are key to this experience for our students, and offering this leadership course allows us to give something back to alumni,” she says.
The course costs $1,500, but alumni can register for half that price. Special rates are offered for Young Guarde alumni (within 10 years of graduation), W&M employees and students. Need-based scholarships are also available. Revenue from the leadership course supports the center and its students.
Learn more and register at www.wm.edu/dc/leadership.
