The Academic Leadership Academy (ALA) has announced its second cohort of fellows, composed of 14 faculty and academic staff from across Wayne State University.

Created by the Office of the Provost in 2019, the ALA is part of Wayne State’s ongoing commitment to the success and growth of its faculty and staff. Designed to support development of the university’s leadership skills and capacity, the ALA encourages individuals from across campus to work together to achieve common goals and build a community of empowerment, high morale and engagement.

“We’re excited to build on the momentum created within the Academic Leadership Academy’s inaugural cohort, and to welcome an impressive group of new fellows,” said Annmarie Caño, associate provost for faculty development and faculty success. “Now more than ever, we need leaders who embrace values of inclusion, transparency and compassion to move the university forward in this new environment.”

Fellows are selected following a competitive application process, and each fellow develops a leadership project to improve some facet of campus life. They will also have the opportunity to build their skills via a leadership orientation retreat, monthly seminars, ongoing meetings with coaches and mentors, and a variety of assessments.

The 2020-21 ALA fellows are:

• Maya Calloway Richardson, academic services officer in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts
• Stephen Chrisomalis, associate professor of anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Cassandra Davis, assistant professor of marketing and supply chain in the Mike Ilitch School of Business
• Zeina Ghoul, university counselor, Academic Affairs (Student Success)
• Justine Gortney, associate professor (clinical) of pharmacy practice, and director of assessment in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Lauren Hamel, assistant professor of oncology in the School of Medicine
• Eric Kessell, lecturer of public health in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Nicole Murn, clinical instructor and graduate specialty coordinator in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College
• Angel Niederkohr, academic advisor in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College
• Nicholas Patterson, academic advisor, Academic Affairs (APEX Scholars)
• Rachel Pawlowski, academic advisor in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College
• Megen Rehahn Drulia, academic services officer in the School of Information Sciences
• MaryAnne Stewart, assistant professor (clinical) of clinical laboratory sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Scott Tainsky, associate professor and director of sport and entertainment management in the Mike Ilitch School of Business

Additional information about the ALA can be found online. The inaugural 2019-20 cohort included 26 fellows.