College of Education faculty among MSU’s 2024-25 Faculty Leadership Program cohort

Three faculty members of Mississippi State’s College of Education are part of a university cohort developed to enhance skills in preparation for future leadership roles. The Faculty Leadership Program’s Class of 2024 features 20 faculty from a variety of departments.

“While faculty members may be leaders in their specialty areas, many may not have had the opportunity to develop their skills and deepen their knowledge about managing institutions,” Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan said.

Members of this fall’s cohort from the College of Education include Daniel Gadke, College of Education associate dean of research, professor and Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations head; Jeffrey Leffler, associate professor, Meridian Division of Education; and Stephanie Lemley, associate professor, Department of Teacher Education and Leadership.

The Faculty Leadership Program exposes faculty standouts to the skills, processes and mindset needed to lead the university forward in its learning, service and research mission, Jordan said. The Office of Research and Economic Development and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President spearhead the program each year.

During the eight-month program which begins in September, participants attend various presentations and engage in roundtable discussions with top administrators. Session topics include leadership styles, organizational change, building winning research teams, organizational evaluation and assessment, and student access and success.

“I am proud of Drs. Daniel Gadke, Jeffrey Leffler and Stephanie Lemley for their commitment to growth and leadership,” said Teresa Jayroe, dean of the College of Education. “Their participation in the Faculty Leadership Program reflects their dedication to advancing our College’s mission.”

Eligible applicants include employees preparing for mid- to senior-level leadership roles; directing major tasks, projects and initiatives; and having at least one year of service in their current position and support of their dean, director or department head.

Feedback on the program from past participants includes an appreciation for university-level budgetary considerations, the opportunity to network with other faculty and university leadership, and the understanding of the pathways into administration.

Applications for the 2025-26 Faculty Leadership Program open in March. The deadline to apply is May 1. For more information about the Faculty Leadership Program, visit https://www.research.msstate.edu/initiatives/faculty-leadership-development-program.

MSU’s College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.