Michigan ACE Women’s Network Mentorship Launches 9th Year

October 24, 2024 – With the start of the 2024-25 academic year, the Michigan ACE Women’s Network proudly embarks on its ninth year of the Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program. This formal mentorship provides mid-level women leaders who aspire to a senior-level position the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge and skills with the guidance of a senior staff leader who serves as their mentor.

The Shadow Program boasts an impressive history of 36 University presidents or senior leaders who have served as hosts from 25 different institutions, including community colleges and public and private institutions. The 45 mentees have hailed from 22 different Michigan institutions and have served in a variety of mid-level positions.

The 2024-25 program mentors include Dr. Kahler Schuemann, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Western Michigan University, Dr. Chris Dougherty, President, Madonna University, Dr. Chris Benson, VP of Student Affairs and Mission Integration, Madonna University, Erin Van Egmond, VP of College Advancement and Executive Director of the GRCC Foundation, Grand Rapids Community College, Dr. Reva Curry, VP of Instruction and Learning Services, Delta College, and Andrea Ursuy, Executive Director of Administrative Services and Institutional Effectiveness, Delta College

The 2024-25 mentees include Dr. Carmeda Stokes, Strategic Initiatives Consultant, University of Michigan, Katie Stokes, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Rochester University, Alyssa Andrews-Harris, Associate Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management, Lansing Community College, Dr. Kordilia Noble, Director of Career Development, The University of Olivet, and Dr. Mursalata Muhammad, Faculty Special Program Liaison and Professor, Grand Rapids Community College.

The Shadow Program Committee hosted a virtual orientation in September to introduce the mentors and mentees and review the program purpose, structure, and expectations. All the program participants indicated they are enthusiastic about the opportunity to gain impactful mentorship for the upcoming year.

A 2023 phenomenological study conducted by Malia Roberts, Ph.D. underscored the importance of formal mentorships as an important strategy for preparing and equipping future women leaders in higher education. The study revealed the significance of creating spaces that allowed aspiring women leaders to be more intentional and introspective about their personal and professional development. It also demonstrated how the mentees experienced a broadened view of leadership and gained a greater purpose as a result of being in the Shadow Program.

The Michigan ACE Women’s Network is an award-winning state chapter of the American Council on Education and is committed to improving the general climate and professional environment for women by identifying, developing the leadership of, encouraging, advancing, linking/networking, and supporting women in higher education throughout the state. Learn more at gvsu.edu/miace or contact MI ACE at info@miacenetwork.org.