Douglas Honors College director participates in national Emerging Leaders Program

Each year, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) selects 35 education leadership professionals for its six-month Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).

The highly sought-after leadership program, introduced in 2015, provides participants with the skills, connections, and support needed to transition into higher-level roles in academia and effectively handle increased responsibility and oversight.

Earlier this year, AASCU selected CWU William O. Douglas Honors College (DHC) Director Chris Denison to join its 2024 cohort, following an endorsement letter from President Jim Wohlpart. She said she feels both humbled and grateful for the opportunity.

“Though I’ve sought out experiences and attained a level of education to reach where I am professionally, as a first-generation college graduate, there are times when imposter syndrome threatens to undermine my confidence,” said Denison, who first joined the DHC as a temporary office assistant in 2006. “President Wohlpart suggested I apply for the Emerging Leaders Program and graciously agreed to write my endorsement. It was humbling to receive the notification I had been accepted.”

The cohort convened in Washington, D.C., from June 24-26 for a three-day intensive workshop designed to help members get to know one another and lay the groundwork for the six months of work still to come. The workshop included in-depth discussions on the nature of leadership and the ways in which an effective leader brings their values to their profession.

“Our discussion about leading with our values deeply resonated with me and is at the heart of my leadership philosophy,” Denison said. “It is important that people know my values and strengths, understand how they guide my leadership and decision-making, and recognize how I use them to help others grow and develop.”

Over the next six months, Denison will meet virtually with her ELP peers to talk about their journeys and reflect on the opportunities they’ve had to sharpen their skills over the course of the program. Denison sees the opportunity as one of the many ways in which she’s living into her vision for what both she and the DHC can become.

“My participation would not have been possible without the support of President Wohlpart, Provost Patrick Pease, and Associate Vice Provost Kurt Kirstein,” she said. “I cannot thank them enough. Their belief in my ability to lead the Honors College and active support of my leadership growth is instrumental to my professional development.”