Muskingum News

On Jan. 7, Muskingum University hosted a Women’s Leadership Forum for a select group of first-year women. The all-day event launched a new pilot leadership initiative for students.
 
“The students involved in the Women’s Leadership Forum were nominated by faculty members as leaders or potential leaders,” said Nainsi Houston, Henry S. and Katherine W. Evans Director, Roberta A. Smith University Library and Chair of the Department of Library Science. “It was wonderful to see them work through the ideas and concepts presented in the Saturday forum, with an eye toward applying what they learned going forward.”
 
Students attending the all-day forum participated in sessions focused on gender and leadership; unlocking the power of your strengths, leadership TED talk, our leadership journey - Sharing Our Experiences with University alumni; Make a Difference Using What Makes You Exceptional; Value of Mentorship in Leading; and Active Engagement in Campus Leadership Opportunities.
 
The first-year participants were:

• Brooke Waito, Nursing, Marshall, MI
• Marysa R. Starcher, Nursing, Massillon, OH
• Elizabeth S. Harry, Undecided, Mansfield, OH
• Lauren M. Hertle, Sport Administration and Sports Communication, Stow, OH
• Alexis M. Barnett, Undecided, Zanesville, OH
• Claire M. Smith, Early Childhood Education and Special Education New Concord, OH
• Leah M. Bernard, Undecided, New Concord, OH
• Gillian G. Smith, Undecided, New Carlisle, OH
• Eva M. Finni, History, Cincinnati, OH
• Abigail L. Derry, Undecided, Zanesville, OH
• Amber L. Bowering, Psychology, Bellevue, OH

The University is piloting this student leadership initiative to enhance women’s personal and group leadership skills and engage with other student leaders, professional role models, University community leaders, and potential mentors. The new leadership initiative actively engages women students to recognize their StrengthsQuest Signature Themes, the strengths of others, and the importance of their active involvement and engagement on our campus.
 
“Initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership Forum provide a space for students to mindfully develop their leadership skills to which they can immediately apply in their time at Muskingum University,” said Executive Director of Applied Leadership Robert McManus. “They are not only an investment in the lives of the individual students who participate, but also an investment in our campus community and society that can have an impact for years to come.”
 
The interactive Forum and seminars to follow throughout the spring semester and throughout their undergraduate enrollment focus on the ideas and skills necessary for effective student leadership, personal growth and continuous development, decision-making, and preparation to be a future student leader on our campus, in the workplace, or in graduate/professional school.