CofC Announces President's Leadership Institute Inaugural Cohort

The College of Charleston is excited to announce its inaugural cohort of the President’s Leadership Institute (PLI). In support of the College’s strategic plan, Pillar III, focused on employee experience and success, the university administration established the PLI to develop leaders, build connections and encourage innovation among the College’s staff and faculty. 

During the 2024-25 academic year, PLI participants will attend eight sessions led by members of the College’s senior leadership team, who will share their expertise on topics such as strategic planning and leadership; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; financial administration; fundraising; and the academic, student and employee experiences.

President Andrew T. Hsu will lead the first session on Oct. 24, focusing on leadership principles, higher education leadership structures and strategic plans.

The second session, led by the Office of Human Resources’ Director of Employee Experience and Success Shannon Bassett and Assistant Director of Employee Experience and Success Kendall Cage, will guide participants through Patrick Lencioni’s Six Types of Working Genius model and how it relates to leadership and team cohesion. 

“I am excited for the President’s Leadership Institute’s inaugural cohort,” says Hsu. “This new program provides an opportunity to both develop the leadership skills of our internal talent as well as a chance to educate and train faculty and staff members on the overall business of the university.”

Nominations for the first cohort of participants were made by vice presidents and deans. The President’s Leadership Institute Steering Committee reviewed the final selections, which were approved by President Hsu. 

Congratulations to the following cohort members:

• Keonya C. Booker, Interim Dean, Graduate School
• Peggy Cieslikowski, Executive Director of School and Unit Development and Advancement Strategic Initiatives, Institutional Advancement
• Sandy DeAthos-Meers, Associate Professor, Music
• Irina M. Erman, Chair, German and Russian Studies
• Valerie D. Frazier, Associate Professor, English/Director, 1967 Legacy Program
• Zach Hartje, Deputy CIO, Information Technology
• Karen B. Hauschild, Director of Academic Advising, Academic Advising and Planning Center
• Jayme K. Host, Dean, School of the Arts
• George Johnson Jr., Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Office of Marketing and Communications
• Chris Mothorpe, Chair, Economics
• Leya L. Nelson, Director of Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
• Aimee Pfeifer, Registrar, Registrar’s Office
• Kate R. Pfile, Chair, Health and Human Performance
• Elena T. Rodriguez, Instruction Coordinator for Research and Instruction Services, Library
• Susana Sharpley, Clinical Director, Counseling Center
• Rashad Towns, Deputy Director of Facilities Operations, Facilities Management
• Lamar C. Williams, Special Services Captain, Public Safety
• William R. Veal, Professor, Teacher Education/Speaker of the Faculty Senate