Susan Hrach, Professor of English, and Chip Reese, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, of Columbus State University were selected for the 2019 – 2020 group of Executive Leadership Institute Scholars by the University System of Georgia.

Reese said, “This is an honor to represent the University. I am looking forward to the personal introspection that I have heard others talk about after their experience in the program. Additionally, I am excited to integrating new insights and best practices in all that we do at Columbus State.” “I am honored to represent CSU, and excited to meet others in the ELI cohort,” added Hrach. “I’m interested in learning how to be an effective advocate for faculty, and how to help my peers develop the leadership skills they need to be effective participants in shared governance. Higher ed is going through some major transitions, and we're going to need all hands on deck.”

Developed in 2009, the Executive Leadership Institute is a comprehensive 120-hour development program facilitated by leading experts in leadership. The Executive Leadership Institute class is made up of 35 employees from across the University System. Scholars will enhance their leadership skills to prepare for potential high-level advancement within the System. The program is facilitated by faculty and administrators from the USG who are leading experts in strengthening the core leadership skills of participants in four critical competency areas, including strategy, engagement, collaboration, and execution.

Hrach started her collegiate education at CSU before obtaining a PhD from the University of Washington in Seattle. She is a Professor of English and Director of the Faculty Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. Reese has his ED.D. in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. He is the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at CSU for the last eleven years. Learn more about the Executive Leadership Institute at https://www.usg.edu/leadership_excellence/executive_leadership_institute.