Ashland University’s Margaret Pomfret Selected for National Leadership Development Program

Margaret Pomfret, executive director of Development and Campaigns for Ashland University, is one of only 42 mid-level administrators in higher education nationwide selected by the Council of Independent Colleges and the American Academic Leadership Institute to participate in a year-long Senior Leadership Academy.

Individuals chosen for the program are mid-level administrators in higher education who aspire to senior leadership positions in independent colleges or universities. As a participant, Pomfret will attend two seminars, one in the fall in Williamsburg, Va., Nov. 5–7, and one in the spring in Washington, D.C. Pomfret will participate in a mentoring program, experiential learning projects, and a series of readings and case studies.

The purpose of the Academy is to prepare prospective leaders to assume positions as the chief officers in any division—including academic affairs, student affairs, finance, enrollment management and advancement—in independent higher education.

“Competition for the available places in the program was extremely keen,” says Richard Ekman, president of the Council of Independent Colleges. “It is worth noting that the review committee found the nomination materials to be most impressive. They (and I) believe that Margaret Pomfret has the potential for highly effective leadership in a position of senior responsibility on campus.”

Ashland University President Dr. Frederick Finks was pleased that Pomfret was selected.

“Margaret began with Ashland in the Office of Admission and within her first year distinguished herself as a capable leader with vision, passion and competency. Her abilities were quickly recognized by the senior staff of the University and she was offered the position of Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at the age of 25,” Finks said. “She took a program that was struggling with low numbers, low interest and low activity and developed a program today that is the envy of many of our sister schools. She has been recognized for her leadership both within the University and within her professional ranks.”

In 2010, Margaret was promoted to executive director of Development and Campaigns for the University.

“I have personally been involved in development for over 38 years and can attest to her ‘natural’ gift of development,” Finks added. “She has a deep love and respect for all people regardless of their position. She is outgoing and engaging in drawing people to her. She is a good listener and shows genuine interest in peoples’ stories. Margaret is a natural leader whose participation in this academy will only enhance her leadership skills.”

For more information about the Senior Leadership Academy, visit www.cic.edu/projects_services/coops/senior_leadership.asp.

The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of more than 600 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. The American Academic Leadership Institute provides leadership identification and development programs across all sectors of public and private higher education.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.

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SENIOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PARTICIPANTS, 2010–2011

Sessi S. F. Aboh, Vice Provost for Academic Administration, Fisk University, TN
Victor Arcelus, Assistant Dean and Director of Residence Life, Gettysburg College, PA
Issac M. Carter, Dean of Students, St. Thomas University, FL
Robin L. Cautin, Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department, Manhattanville College, NY
Andrea Cyterski-Acosta, Dean of Enrollment, University of the Incarnate Word, TX
Gary Daynes, Associate Provost for Integrative Learning, Westminster College, UT
Mary C. Driscoll, Associate Vice President for Advancement, St. Bonaventure University, NY
Shannon Duvall, Associate Vice President for Development, Albion College, MI
Brian Ernsting, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Evansville, IN
Larry J. Frazier, Associate Provost and Dean, School of Arts and Sciences, Chowan University, NC
Michelle Gaffney, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life, University of Mount
Union, OH
Timothy Garner, Associate Dean and Director of Faculty Development, Franklin College, IN
Lisa N. Gentile, Associate Professor and Chemistry Department Chair, University of Richmond, VA
Henry M. Goodgame Jr., Director of Alumni Relations and Alumni Giving, Morehouse College, GA
Amy Strohmeier Gort, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Arts and
Sciences, Augsburg College, MN
Kristie Gover, Assistant Dean of Students, Jacksonville University, FL
Robert M. Halliday, Associate Provost, Utica College, NY
Craig Harris, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, Hilbert College, NY
John Healy, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, Central Methodist University, MO
Richard R. Heiser, Professor and Chair of History, Presbyterian College, SC
Wendy Hirsch, Associate Provost for Planning, Research, and Assessment, Bennington College, VT
Woodrow B. Hood, Dean of Performing Arts, Catawba College, NC
Hao Huang, Professor of Music, Scripps College, CA
Amy Jessen-Marshall, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of College Programs,
Otterbein University, OH
Thomas E. Knothe, Dean of Dahl School of Business, Viterbo University, WI
Lily McNair, Associate Provost of Research, Spelman College, GA
Thomas M. Mitzel, Associate Dean of Academics, Trinity College, CT
Anne Oberman, Controller, College of Saint Benedict, MN
James O'Neill, Professor of Psychology and Project Director for Title III Grant, Madonna University, MI
Margaret Pomfret, Director of Development and Campaigns, Ashland University, OH
Dean Pribbenow, Dean of the School of Integrative Studies, Edgewood College, WI
Karen Remmler, Professor and Chair of German Studies and Critical Social Thought, Mount Holyoke
College, MA
Melinda Roper, Director of Student Life, California Lutheran University, CA
Candice Scott, Associate Provost for Library and Academic Service and Chief Information Officer,
Schreiner University, TX
Jorge E. Sousa, III, Director of Admissions, Saint Augustine's College, NC
Charles L. Stinemetz, Dean of Academic Affairs, Ohio Wesleyan University, OH
Scott Vander Stoep, Professor of Psychology and Department Chair, Hope College, MI
David Strohmetz, Associate Vice President for Academic and Institutional Assessment, Monmouth
University, NJ
Angela B. Taylor, Director of Greek Life and Judicial Affairs, Georgetown College, KY
Joseph M. Thomas, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Albright College, PA
Andrew A. Workman, Vice Provost, Mills College, CA
Curtis Wright, Assistant Dean of Campus Life, Wagner College, NY