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K-State Today

August 21, 2012

James R. Coffman Leadership Institute announces new alumni

Submitted by Sharon Breiner

The James R. Coffman Leadership Institute, an in-residence leadership development experience for K-State faculty and professional staff, welcomed a new class of alumni on Friday, Aug. 10, at Rock Springs 4-H Center.

New alumni include: Nora Bello, statistics; Alok Bhandari, civil engineering; Darci Bohnenblust, information systems; Rachel Bouza, residence life; Fred Burrack, assessment; Ray Buyle, architectural engineering and construction science; Morgan Campbell, human nutrition; Sunanda Dissanayake, civil engineering; Hulya Dogan, grain science and industry; Jessica Elmore, alumni association; Chris Feit, planning and analysis; DeeAnna Fugate, financial services; Richard Goe, sociology; Brandon Haddock, student life; Amy Hilgendorf, OEIE; Cindy Hollingsworth, communications and marketing; Marcia Hornung, continuing education; John Jaeger, agricultural research; Bente Janda, business administration; Scott Jones, student life; Tom Karcz, aviation; Michelle Langvardt, provost's office; Lisa Last, architecture, planning and design; Leo Lo, Hale Library; Gina Lowe, human resources; Brian Lubbers, veterinary medicine; Mindy Markham, family studies and human services; Darchelle Martin, Hale Library; Diana McElwain, research and sponsored programs; Kiley Moody, new student services; Kristi Northcutt, marketing and communications; Rebeca Paz, academic assistance center; Anthony Phillips, information security and compliance; Mary Pyle, international programs; Scott Schlender, Graduate School; Vernon Turner, communications and agricultural education; Caroline Tushabe, women's studies; Amy Rosine Underwood, music; Scott Velasquez, educational support services; Tom Vontz, curriculum and instruction; and Loren Wilson, information systems.

The Coffman Leadership Institute is based on the understanding that every individual can exercise leadership. Effective leadership depends on learning leadership skills as well as recognizing one’s own leadership style. Understanding associated strengths and challenges of one’s leadership style, as well as one’s decision-making, conflict resolution and problem-solving preferences continue to be a major focus of this institute.

This year’s participants were involved in a two-and-a-half-day and two-night, in-residence experience at Rock Springs, with learning activities arranged in a variety of formats including  workshops, panel discussions with current K-State leaders, small and large group activities, formal and informal small group discussions, multi-media presentations, and self-assessments. Each day was organized thematically: day one: knowing yourself; day two, knowing others; and day three, building community.

Since the inaugural institute in 2004, the campuswide planning committee with the support of our sponsors has provided opportunities for:

  • Refreshing and developing leadership skills in a safe yet challenging environment
  • Networking while experiencing interdisciplinary cooperation for faculty and staff
  • Infusing Kansas State with more empowered faculty and staff leaders.

Participants are encouraged to explore and initiate collaborative projects and discuss leadership issues as they strengthen current relationships and build new ones with other K-State professionals. This summer the leadership development institute now has a seven-year history of success with more than 250 participants. 

The Coffman Institute is sponsored by the provost, vice president for administration and finance, vice president for student life and the School of Leadership Studies.