
Magazine Showcases Women's Leadership Program
Liberal Education magazine showcases the UC Womens Leadership Program, now in its fourth year, as a possible model for advancement of women in higher education.
The article in the magazine, published by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, was written by Cynthia Berryman-Fink, Kristi Nelson and Brenda LeMaster, three of the 12 UC women involved in the programs start-up in 1999.
So far, 64 women have graduated from the program, which provides structured workshops on higher education issues. Participants apply and are selected from highly placed academic and administrative women on campus. The program also offers key leadership experience in the form of mentored internships. Sixteen women have served as interns.
While there are a number of national programs for women in higher education that provide leadership development in a residency format, the UC program differs from the norm in that it provides internships and mentors in a way that its participants do not have to distance themselves from their current employment on campus, says Berryman-Fink.
When the program was launched, only 18.7 percent of UCs deans were women. Now 29.4 percent of the deanships at UC are held by women and two more women have assumed vice provost roles since the programs inception, says Berryman-Fink.
The most recent interns in the program are:
- Jennifer Douglas-Pearce, associate professor of nursing at Raymond Walters College. Mentor: Brenda LeMaster, interim director, Adult Learning Center.
- Marcia Hern, professor of nursing. Mentor: Jim Plummer, associate vice president for finance.
- Antoinette Lucas, assistant controller. Mentor: Lee Mairose, senior principal, Seasongood & Mayer. Mairose represents the first mentor in the program from outside UC.
- Karen Sullivan, director, Budget Planning. Mentor: Kristi Nelson, vice provost for Academic Planning.
This year, the program, now known as the Womens Institute for Leadership Development, is investigating the possibilities of expansion to other institutions in the 15-member Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities. The launch date could be as soon as this fall. Already, member Miami University has visited UC to learn more about the program.
Related Stories
UC sets College of Nursing student on the road to success
September 27, 2023
When Elajah Trosclair, ’23, came to UC from California, her expectations were straightforward. She would study, support herself financially, earn her degree, and become a registered nurse. To her surprise, a much larger world opened up to her.
How UC is helping one student chase her passion
September 27, 2023
Jinnipha Pajoubpong ’23, was working at a pharma company as a regulatory pharmacist in her home country of Thailand when she had an epiphany.
Finding an unexpected passion at UC
September 27, 2023
Lane Bokros ’25, grew up in a household that showcased what intelligence and a strong work ethic can do. Today, Bokros is following in the family tradition of success, but with a difference: He is a first-generation college student who aspires to post-graduate education and a career in medicine.