WINONA LAKE — The Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) has selected Dr. Cheryl Bremer, dean of the School of Education at Grace College, to be part of the fourth cohort of its ICI Leadership Academy.
The year-long program specializes in the talent development needs of faculty and staff members of private college campuses, according to a news release from Grace College.
“It truly is an honor to represent Grace College as a delegate in this academy,” said Bremer. “As dean of the School of Education, I value the partnerships and collegiality of our fellow Indiana schools as we all face similar challenges in teacher education in Indiana. We have much to offer each other, and I am excited to learn and grow with these amazing colleagues. I also look forward to expanding my understanding of the higher education landscape, operations and institutional climate so that I might contribute to the well-being of Grace College.”
Dr. Kelly Arney, dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences, Kelsi Griffith, associate vice president of strategy and operations, and Dr. Laurie Owen, distinguished professor of education, have all represented Grace College at the ICI Leadership Academy in recent years.
“As Indiana’s private colleges continue charting their course into the future, it is imperative to empower emerging leaders at every echelon,” said Laura Bridges, vice president and COO at ICI. “To facilitate this, ICI has innovatively tailored the Leadership Academy to address the unique talent development needs of private college campuses in a cost-effective and easily accessible manner.”
Each participant was identified by their sponsoring college as someone whose leadership will be critical to the institution’s future.
Over the program, these aspiring leaders will gain an understanding of their institution holistically, and within the state and federal higher education landscape. Academy graduates are trained to view their college through multiple lenses (academic, financial, community involvement, and others) and to develop the leadership competencies needed for their institution’s and their own professional success.
“As we launch the fourth Leadership Academy cohort, we’re not just expanding a program; we’re sculpting a transformative force at our member institutions,” said Dottie L. King, president and CEO of ICI. “This initiative isn’t just about education; it’s a catalyst for the evolution of leadership, fostering individuals who will propel our private colleges to new heights.”