14 selected for staff development program
Fourteen Mississippi State staff members have been chosen for the 2012 Learning Experience for Aspiring Professionals (LEAP) program. Participants attended their first meeting together March 8.
Formerly known as the Staff Leadership Program, the goal and purpose of LEAP is to provide advanced knowledge, enhanced leadership skills, and direct, practical work application for selected employees.
During the 10-month program, participants meet with campus and community experts to discuss, explore and understand the goals and priorities of Mississippi State and its departments. Session topics include university operations, building effective teams, managing employee performance, building relationships and influence, and strategic thinking.
"Employee development programs such as LEAP help give our professionals the tools they need to compete and succeed," said Meg Arnold, PHR, the learning and development manager for Human Resources Management.
Chosen through a competitive nomination and selection process, this year's participants are:
Elizabeth Blaine, financial analyst, Budget and Planning;
Tyler Bryant, assistant director for budget and finance, Housing and Residence Life;
Tina Cunningham, assistant director, Sponsored Programs Administration;
Patricia Drackett, Crosby Arboretum director, Coastal Research and Extension Center;
Ra'Sheda Forbes, assistant director, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center;
Cedric Gathings, assistant director, Colvard Student Union;
Lisa Gooden-Hunley, co-op program senior coordinator, Career Center;
Greg Hunley, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action specialist, Diversity and Equity Programs;
Erin Kiess, laboratory and environmental safety coordinator, Regulatory Compliance and Safety;
Tammie McGarr, business manager II, College of Business;
Edward Meek, laboratory manager, Basic Sciences/Center for Environmental Health Sciences;
Patrik Nordin, assistant director of facility operations and marketing, Recreational Sports;
Sheri Pape, marketing and communication coordinator, Shared Advancement Services;
Chad Thomas, assistant athletic director for marketing, Athletics.
For additional information about LEAP, please contact Arnold at marnold@hrm.msstate.edu or 662-325-3713.
Jim Laird | University Relations
