2 York Leaders Named to AASCU’s New Dept. Chair Leadership Institute Cohort

WASHINGTON – York College’s Dr. Nicholas Grosskopf, professor and chairperson of the Department of Health & Human Performance, and Dr. Selena Rodgers, chairperson and professor of the Department of Social Work and founding director of the MSW Program are among 36 education leaders chosen by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) for the second cohort of the Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI), a program developed to address the unique needs of department chairs at state colleges and universities. The cohort is visiting AASCU’s office in Washington, D.C., today and tomorrow (Aug. 14-15) to attend professional development programming designed to prepare participants to lead a department based on an institution’s mission and strategic plan. Subsequently, members will participate in three 75-minute virtual sessions.

During their in-person visit, participants will participate in robust discussions addressing the chair’s role within institutions, budgeting, managing difficult conversations as chair, and fostering a culture of wellness on campus. There will also be peer leadership exercises and opportunities for cohort members to connect with each other during receptions.

“I am honored to have been accepted to attend AASCU’s Department Chair Leadership Institute and, with Dr. Selena T. Rodgers, represent York College where we will join colleagues from across the nation to enhance our leadership skills and strategies. This opportunity will equip me with new perspectives on aligning the Department of Health and Human Performance's goals with York's mission, advancing equity, and ensuring student success. By honing these skills, I aim to strengthen collaboration with the administration, faculty, and staff, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for the entire college community,” said Dr. Grosskopf.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI). I am eager to learn from colleagues from various universities with diverse backgrounds and disciplines. I am thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside my esteemed colleague, Dr. Nicholas Grosskopf. My goal is to leverage the wealth of knowledge and skills gained at DCLI to elevate my existing leadership competencies and contribute to advancing the Social Work Department and college community, ensuring that York scholars Take Flight!,” said Dr. Rodgers.

“We are thrilled to welcome a second cohort to AASCU's Department Chair Leadership Institute,” said Charles L. Welch, AASCU president and CEO. “With our esteemed program faculty led by Richard Helldobler, president of William Paterson University, we are supporting 36 campus leaders with toolkits, strategies, and most importantly, a strong community to be effective as they start the 2024–25 academic year. We look forward to another robust application cycle over the coming months and supporting two more cohorts of DCLI in 2025.”

AASCU is currently accepting applications for the two DCLI 2025 cohorts, which will begin in January and August. Each cohort will attend a two-day, in-person intensive program, and then go on to participate in three virtual workshops. Presidents, chancellors, provosts, and deans are encouraged to share the DCLI application with department chairs, and to submit an endorsement for their application by Tuesday, Oct. 8.

More information about DCLI can be found on the program webpage and remaining questions can be directed to AASCU at leadershipdevelopment@aascu.org.