The 2024–25 Academic Leadership Academy fellows will work to improve an aspect of campus life while building leadership skills.
The Provost has announced the 2024–25 class of the Academic Leadership Academy (ALA).
Established in 2019 as part of Wayne State University’s ongoing commitment to the success and growth of its faculty and staff, and consistent with the strategic plan’s emphasis on teaching, learning, and student success, this prestigious group of fellows is dedicated to advancing the university’s mission. The 2024-25 Academic Leadership Academy fellows represent disciplines and units across campus.
“Wayne State is proud to foster a culture among our academic leaders where we support one another to develop and grow in service to our shared mission,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D. “In addition to their excellence in their respective roles, these leaders have strived to find innovative and creative ways to advance that mission together.”
Following a competitive application process, each selected ALA Fellow develops a leadership project to improve an aspect of campus life. Fellows also have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through the group retreat, monthly seminars, ongoing meetings with coaches and mentors, and a variety of assessments.
“Wayne State will benefit from the thoughtful, collaborative efforts of Academic Leadership Academy fellows for years to come. The new cohort will join previous fellows in improving the university by working toward a common goal as engaged, lifelong learners,” said Sara Kacin, Ph.D., associate provost for faculty development and faculty success and director of the Office for Teaching and Learning.
Assistant Professor (Clinical), Wayne Law
“I have strived to develop academic leadership skills in the hopes of contributing more to WSU’s mission and more effectively serving Wayne Law students and the Detroit community.”
Academic Advisor II, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Reetz will focus on developing a more comprehensive internship experience for students in the Political Science Department.
Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering
Rickli’s responsibilities include the conception and introduction of a master’s program in manufacturing engineering in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering that is focused on internships/cooperative collaboration.
Academic Service Officer III, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Pfeiffer will work to expand resources and support for nursing staff on campus.
Advisor for Student Counseling II, Student Office
Krug will develop an elective course designed to help undergraduate students develop and enhance their leadership competencies and skills while providing them with an understanding of leadership theory.
Assistant Professor, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Hariri will develop an educational platform to bridge science and societal issues, including a forum to discuss topics such as the ethics of genome editing, AI in scientific research and education, and diversity in science.
Director of Data Management, Center for Behavioral Health and Justice
Hinojosa will build a learning community within the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice focused on research collaborations in data, mental health, substance use, health, medicine, education, law, and the criminal justice system.
Professor (Clinic), Faculty of Medicine
Nazer will further develop the Wayne State Empowerment of Academicians in Medicine (WE AIM) faculty development program, which aims to advance underrepresented junior and experienced faculty members.
Scholarship Specialist, Office of Financial Aid
“I am pursuing leadership development because I want to improve my skills and learn new ways to contribute to the growth and development of Wayne State.”
Assistant Professor (Teaching), College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Green-Jones will develop a student-centered tool – Warrior Ways to Work – that illustrates how public health is a gateway field for those interested in strengthening communities and creating positive change in health and social outcomes. The four-year framework will help public health majors and minors navigate academic courses, career development, civic engagement, student leadership and experiential learning opportunities that align with WSU’s College to Career initiative.
Coordinator for Internet Accessibility, Marketing and Communications and Office for Teaching and Learning
Tosch will develop and lead an interdisciplinary and representative group on accessibility, including a virtual space in Canvas for resources, training, discussion, and collaboration on various accessibility topics, including image captions, heading levels, more time for testing, web accessibility checks, and Word documents in Canvas.
Associate Professor (Clinical), Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Berlie will develop a process to combat curricular overload in the doctoral program in pharmacy.
To learn more about the 2024–25 ALA cohort and their projects, please visit provost.wayne.edu/academic-personnel/professional-development/leadership/academy.
For more information on professional development for academic staff, visit provost.wayne.edu/academic-personnel/professional-development.
