SUMAS, Wash.The first ever CCCU Womens Advanced Leadership Institute (WALI) was held June 17-21, 2010, at the Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, Wash. Twenty-eight women in cabinet-level positions from 20 CCCU campuses attended the Institute, which featured the latest leadership literature and research, drew upon case studies and best practices from leadership experts and other cabinet-level leaders, and provided an opportunity both for networking and renewal.
In this first-ever gathering of cabinet peers, the participants benefitted from sessions focused on the latest leadership literature and research, as well as professional networking that will contribute to their effectiveness over years to come, says Karen Longman, professor of higher education at Azusa Pacific University (CA).
Each days sessions revolved around a particular theme, such as The Challenges & Joys of Executive Leadership; What Women Bring to Executive Leadership; and Being Confident in Your Leadership Capacity.
Sessions included:
- Viewing Leadership from the Top: Lessons from Women University Presidents
- Cabinet Dynamics: Presidential Personalities & Expectations
- Turnaround: How Executive Teams Can Lead Stressed Colleges and Universities to Excellence
- Making Tough Calls: The Role of Judgment and Decision-Making in Effective Leadership
- Rethinking the L Word: Implications of the Latest Leadership Theories for Women Leaders
- Five Key Findings that Separate the Good from the Great
- Women as Inspirers of Resilience and Hope: Leading Through Crisis
- Valuing Gods Giftedness in You: Strengths Awareness & Leadership Effectiveness
- Being a Person of Discernment: Hearing Gods Voice in the Midst of the Pressures
- Being a Person of Trust: Gaining It, Keeping It, Using It Wisely
- Being a Person of Influence: The It Factor in Leadership
- Being a Person of Passion: The Ability to Cast Vision
- Transformational Moments: Applying Cedar Springs to Our Real Worlds
Fireside chats on the theme Life Lessons from One Womans Leadership Journey concluded each day.
This is the first year I have been to a CCCU leadership development program, says Audrey Kelleher, Belhaven University (MS). I went not knowing what to expect and came away encouraged and energized. New friends, great ideas, good books, and a renewed sense of calling were just a few of the many things I gained from attending WALI. Thanks to Mimi Barnard and Karen Longman for facilitating an experience I will not soon forget.
The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Councils mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.