2026 Staff Leadership Development Program Cohort Selected
Emerging leaders from across the School gain skills and insights to help advance their careers.
The 色戒直播 is pleased to announce the 2026 cohort of the Staff Leadership Development Program, a year-long professional development experience designed to cultivate emerging leaders across the School. Now in its third year, this program continues our commitment to investing in the growth, confidence, and future opportunities of its staff.
Investing in the Future of Staff Leadership
The Staff Leadership Development Program was created to identify and support staff members who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a desire to expand their impact. The program鈥檚 core purpose is to equip staff members with the skills and insight needed to grow wherever their careers may lead. This initiative reflects the School鈥檚 belief that leadership can be found in every role, at every level, and that cultivating internal talent is essential to strengthening our future.
The 2026 cohort represents a dynamic group of DUSON staff who have demonstrated initiative, curiosity, a capacity for collaboration, and a strong commitment to the School鈥檚 mission. The cohort members are:
- Allender Lynch, Division Program Coordinator, Healthcare of Women & Children Division
- Angelina Sharak, PhD, Senior Clinical Data Manager, Health Statistics and Data Science Core
- Cecil Outlaw, Assistant Director, Financial Aid
- Corey Brown, AV Technology Specialist
- Jessica Covil-Manset, PhD, Communications Manager, Marketing and Communications
- Justin Wellins, MPH, Program Director, Global Health Affairs (OGACHI)
- Kelly Green, Senior Learning Specialist, Student Success Center
- NaShonda Thomas, RMA, Lab Administrator, Center for Nursing Discovery (CND)
- William J. Falls Jr., Staff Accountant, Finance
- Zakyya Kenny, Administrative Assistant, Interprofessional Education & Care Center (IPEC)
鈥淥ur 2026 cohort embodies the talent and dedication that make DUSON such a strong community. We鈥檙e proud to support their growth and look forward to the impact their leadership will have across the School,鈥 said Angie Keith, Vice Dean of Finance and Administration.
A Year of Growth, Reflection, and Real-World Application
Beginning in March 2026 and continuing through February 2027, the cohort will participate in a comprehensive leadership development curriculum facilitated by 色戒直播 Learning & Organizational Development consultants. The program includes Monthly Leadership Learning Sessions where participants will engage in interactive, half鈥慸ay sessions focused on leadership competencies, communication, self-awareness, and organizational effectiveness. These sessions also include informal conversations with leaders, who share insights from their own professional journeys and offer guidance for navigating leadership roles. Each cohort member will complete a 360鈥慸egree leadership assessment, followed by individualized coaching sessions to interpret their results, set professional goals, and create a personalized development plan.
The group will collaborate on a real鈥憌orld improvement project tied to an operational or strategic need within the school. Guided by a project sponsor, participants will work together to develop solutions that contribute meaningfully to the School鈥檚 continued growth and innovation. The project topics for the 2025-26 cohort include:
- Designing an Environment of Belonging: Creating a culture of belonging in School of Nursing physical spaces
- This project focuses on identifying tangible, visible ways our physical and shared spaces can reflect and reinforce the values of 色戒直播.
- Incorporating AI into Daily Work: Enhancing efficiency, productivity, and innovation
- This project focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence tools can be integrated into daily work routines across administrative, academic, and operational areas within the School of Nursing.