About 100 University of Toledo students from across campus took a major step to enhance their personal and professional lives recently as they participated in the sixth annual Advanced Leadership Academy, which was presented by the College of Business and Innovation.
Dr. Clint Longenecker, Stranahan Professor of Management, talked to students attending the Advanced Leadership Academy.
“It is always very exciting to bring together some of our best and brightest graduate students from across our campus to link up with outstanding leaders from a wide variety of professions and disciplines,” said Dr. Clint Longenecker, Stranahan Professor of Management and Advanced Leadership Academy program coordinator. “It is a unique and true cross-campus learning experience for everyone.”
“This academy exposes students to cutting-edge leadership theory and practices,” he added. “All disciplines, be it engineering, health care, pharmacy, business or science, need strong, effective, character-driven leadership.”
Community leaders participating in a panel discussion during the last class were, from left, Steven Cavanaugh, executive vice president and chief operating officer of HCR ManorCare Inc.; Joseph Zerbey, president and general manager for The Blade and chair of the UT Board of Trustees; and Michael Miller, CEO of Waterford Bank Ltd.
“What a phenomenal personal and professional development experience,” said Jenna LaSota, a master of science in biomedical sciences, human donation science, and professional science candidate in the College of Medicine and Life Science and the College of Business and Innovation. “Not only did we learn how to become an emotionally intelligent, results-oriented leader, we were able to hear current leaders from around the area. During each session, the panel discussion participants varied in background, but each of them had invaluable coaching and career advice to share.”
Michael Miranda, a PhD candidate in chemical engineering, noted, “The Advanced Leadership Academy has been a great experience. The program highlighted the qualities that make a successful leader, with emphasis on emotional intelligence, work relationships and public service. The panel discussion gave us insight to successful leadership and their experiences.”
Puja Pradhan, a graduate student in physics and astronomy, said, “I am an international student from Kathmandu, Nepal. I have been at UT for almost five years, and now I am in a stage where I should start looking for the job. So I wanted to take part in this program for my personal development; it really helped me to build self-confidence and better prepared me for the job market.”
Yuriy Romanovich Yatskiv, a graduate student in the field of bioinformatics on Health Science Campus, said, “I would recommend attending to anyone who is serious about their professional future. The Advanced Leadership Academy will teach you and show you what it takes to be a real leader.”
Jangus B. Whitner, a 2016 doctor of pharmacy candidate in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, said, “This program opened my eyes to new concepts and shed light on unique ways of thinking about traditional approaches to leadership. The energy of this academy is one that breeds positivity, learning and teamwork. I have already begun reflecting and implementing new habits and methods of leadership into my daily routine.”
Garrett Keeton, who anticipates graduating from the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration Joint Degree Program in 2016, said, “I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude at the privilege of being involved in such a wonderful experience, and I would be remiss if I did not note Dr. Longenecker first and foremost. He contained such energy and zeal that it would have been a difficult task to not be motivated and enthusiastic. The greatest point, in my opinion, was made by panelist Dr. [Thomas] Schwann [chief of staff of UT Medical Center, the S. Amjad Hussain Professor of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and division chief of cardiothoracic surgery, and director of UT Health’s Heart and Vascular Center] when he discussed the concept of servant leadership and how it becomes an essential part of being a results-driven manager.”
Longenecker thanked Michael Miller, CEO of Waterford Bank Ltd., for his ongoing support of this year’s Advance Leadership Academy.
Miller said, “As a two-time graduate of the College of Business and Innovation, it is great to give back to this terrific institution, which has had a powerful impact on my life and career.”
Longenecker also extended his thanks to Dr. Gary Insch, dean of the College of Business and Innovation, for his strong support for the academy.
