The Center for Women’s Leadership

Annual Report

2014-2015

COTTEYCOLLEGE

Lead On

Message from the President

To the supporters of women’s leadership,

As you read through this annual report, you’ll find that Cottey College has quickly positioned itself to be a national frontrunner in the education of young women leaders. Students at Cottey have opportunities to be involved in leadership programs for a full four years by assuming leadership roles in campus organizations, taking part in leadership experiences, and enrolling in leadership classes.

During the past year, the Serenbetz Institute moved to the second floor of the Center for Women’s Leadership, thereby giving students access to all programing under one roof. The Center’s staff and faculty engage students from the moment they arrive on campus and encourage them to further develop the leadership skills they already possess as well as develop yet undiscovered talents and abilities. The beautiful, newly renovated Center is an inviting location for students to study, relax, and interact with their peers as they learn about the programming available to them.

The campus Leadership Team, consisting of volunteers from across campus, has grown to include both faculty and staff members who are committed to supporting the leadership development of the women of Cottey College. Among the steps taken by the committee is the creation of an Institutional Commitment to Leadership statement that includes a definition of leadership and the mission, vision statements, and core beliefs shared across the campus community (p.1).

The women of Cottey find that while they learn about leadership and apply what they learn to real life situations, they are also having fun networking and building relationships. Many activities are planned this year for the students involved with the leadership programs: attending a block party with yard games and an introduction to leadership at Cottey; participating in a ropes challenge course designed to build teamwork mentality for groups; attending workshop luncheons on topics such as resume writing, creating a professional presence, and interviewing tips and skills; participating in field trips to participate in a group viewing of Suffragette followed by a discussion of the film and traveling to attend the Inspiring Women Tour and Reception at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Arts; and attending the Distinguished Speakers Series featuring Dr. Susan Komives, Dr. Debi Reed-Hill, and Dr. Faith Ngunjiri, among others. In other words, something is offered for everyone!

Thank you for your continued support of the Leadership Program at Cottey College. We encourage you to share any ideas you have for building our programs.

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Cottey College, an independent liberal arts college, seeks to educate women to be contributing members of a global society through a challenging curriculum and a dynamic campus experience. Through Cottey’s diverse and supportive environment, women develop their potential for personal and professional lives of intellectual

engagement and thoughtful action as learners, leaders, and citizens.

Institutional Commitment to Leadership

DEFINITION

Leadership is a relational process of people working together toward a common goal that benefits the

greater good.

LEaDErshIp prOgrams mIssION sTaTEmENT

Leadership programs at Cottey College provide an environment for building the lives of girls and women in preparation for personal and professional

leadership relationships in a global society.

VIsION sTaTEmENT

Cottey College equips women to fill the leadership gap.

COrE BELIEFs

1. Leadership can be learned.

2. Leadership is not positional and can be practiced by any member of a team.

3. Leadership development and education can benefit everyone.

4. Leadership includes an ethical component designed to benefit the greater good.

5. Leadership is a process that each woman should understand for herself.

6. Leadership is a relational process that involves

both leaders and collaborators.

Dr. Jann Rudd Weitzel became the 12th president of Cottey College on June 15, 2015, and brought with her the skills developed as a college professor, a department chair, a dean, and a chief academic officer and provost. She has overseen the development of many new

academic programs and initiatives, worked closely with a study abroad program, and presented on the topic of academic honesty at various conventions and institutions. Outside of the College, Dr. Weitzel is a trained peer evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission.

A native of Iowa, Dr. Weitzel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Gifted Education from the University of Northern Iowa, and she earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Iowa.

She and her husband have been married for 40 years and have two daughters and four grandchildren.

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sErENBETZ INsTITUTE

Established in the fall of 2010 to support Cottey College’s mission to educate women as “learners, leaders, and citizens,” the Serenbetz Institute for Women’s Leadership, Social Responsibility, and Global Awareness works with Cottey faculty to offer and incorporate additional educational and developmental experiences into their classroom instruction, experiential learning assignments, and co-curricular activities.

One of the highlights of the year was the naming of the Serenbetz Institute for Women’s Leadership, Social Responsibility, and Global Awareness on October 25, 2014, during Cottey College’s P.E.O. Visit Day. Mrs. Thelma Serenbetz, along with her husband Warren and granddaughter Skyler, joined with P.E.O.s and guests from 47 chapters and 15 states. Speakers at the event included President Judy R. Rogers; Janet Brown ’71, Chair of the Cottey College Board of Trustees; Maria Baseggio, President of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood; and Mrs. Thelma Serenbetz of Harrison, New York. Following the formal dedication, guests were invited to tour the Center for Women’s Leadership. A luncheon completed the dedication events, providing an opportunity for the Serenbetz family to meet with Cottey students, who appreciated the opportunity to interact with such generous and outstanding models of leadership and social responsibility.

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Serenbetz, the installation of an elevator in the Center for Women’s Leadership makes the entire building handicap accessible. Other renovations included restoring the hardwood and tile floors, new carpet in the classroom and upstairs office, and new paint throughout the building.

sErENBETZ INITIaTIVEs

The Serenbetz gift allowed for funding to implement three leadership initiatives for baccalaureate students

to further their knowledge and experience in the field of leadership.

Summer Leadership Internships Funds are available for students to focus on an in-depth exploration of leadership from within a community, governmental, political, or nonprofit organization. Students will be expected to take the initiative and secure the internship site, after which they will present this to a faculty sponsor for supervision (pass/fail/grade). Internships must be connected to two of the three Institute themes of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness.

Leadership Immersion Programs are intensive academic study or personal enrichment travel experiences that directly relate to the areas of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and/or global awareness. Applications are open to individuals and groups.

Undergraduate Research is any investigation or inquiry that is conducted by an undergraduate student and makes an intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline (Wentzel, 1997). Students with at least a 3.0

The Serenbetz InstituteGPA are eligible to apply for grants. Students will work with a faculty mentor to develop and implement their research projects.

Wentzel, J. (1997). What is undergraduate research?

Journal of Chemical Education, 74(12), 1390.

CErTIFICaTE IN OrgaNIZaTIONaL LEaDErshIp

The Serenbetz Institute has developed a 12-credit Certificate in Organizational Leadership (COL) for students interested in studying leadership at a deeper level. The COL is designed to provide an opportunity for students to study the relevant theoretical and academic aspects of leadership while developing individual leadership capacity. The program combines academic coursework with experiential and co-curricular aspects that result in a tangible qualification reflected on the official transcript.

As a result of completing the COL program, students will have

• A better understanding of leadership, demonstrated by the development of a Leadership Portfolio that includes both academic and practical applications of the concept.

• Heightened self-awareness, as demonstrated by tangible growth through ongoing use of a Leadership Development Plan.

• Practical experience in leadership, gained through a Leadership Immersion or other leadership experience that has been reflected on to enhance leadership capacity.

CUrrICULUm OVErVIEw

prerequisite for acceptance into the program:

WLS/WST 102: Foundations in Leadership (introductory course that establishes the interdisciplinary nature of leadership and develops necessary frameworks)

Students interested in obtaining a COL will submit a brief application to the director of the Serenbetz Institute for the purpose of adequately tracking information and ensuring program requirements are met. Upon acceptance to this non-competitive program, students will complete the remainder of the curriculum.

Two required courses:

WLS 490: Leadership Theory and PracticePHI 205: Ethics OR PHI 210: Human Nature and Society

One Elective Course (selected from the following and offered on a rotating basis):

WLS 315: Leadership for Social ChangeWLS 320: The Leader WithinWLS 340: Team Leadership & Group Dynamics

ancillary requirements:

Involvement in one (1) Leadership Immersion (travel program) and submission of a creative piece that reflects learning from the experience.

Submission of two (2) independent reflection projects focused on personal leadership experiences that address growth/learning in relation to women’s leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness.

Development and implementation of a Leadership Development Plan (LDP) and LDP-Review form that will be used each semester the student is in the program.

ABOVE: The Serenbetz family, along with President Emerita Judy Rogers, unveils the new Serenbetz Institute sign on October 25, 2014.

ABOVE: Dr. Carol Clyde (left), director of the Serenbetz Institue, along with student Tatenda Ndambakuwa (second from right) represent Cottey at the 6th annual McDonough Leadership

Conference, April 10-11, 2015, at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.

The four-level leadership certification program known as LEO is a way for Cottey student leaders to receive recognition and certification for their participation in and leadership to the Cottey community. Students engage in off-campus volunteer activities, participate in on-campus organizations, complete leadership seminars and workshops, attend enrichment events, and attend or participate in diversity events. After completing each requirement, students reflect on their experience through a leadership lens answering the question, how will this experience influence my leadership?

The learning outcomes of the LEO program seek to enable and encourage a student to

• Identify and develop a personal leadership style• Introduce students to a network of successful women leaders• Expose students to new experiences, ideas, and cultures

• Develop leadership skills that are transferable to personal life, community service, and future careers/professions.

LEVEL ONE: rIsINg LEaDEr

Rising leaders are active participants on the Cottey campus through campus organizations, events, and volunteer service. Students look at their experiences through a “leadership lens” and begin to observe the leadership around them. Students must

• participate in a campus organization or athletic team and its events for one semester • attend one leadership workshop or career development seminar • attend one enrichment event • attend one diversity event• perform five hours of off-campus volunteer activity or on-campus activity with a community-based group

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LEVEL TwO: EmErgINg LEaDEr

As emerging leaders, students begin to contribute their leadership to the campus community. Students actively engage in service to an organization or club by holding an officer position or serving on a committee. Students look at their experiences through a “leadership lens” and begin to reflect on their own leadership capabilities. Students must

• serve actively on a committee or athletic team, or as an officer of an organization for a full semester • attend one leadership workshop or career development seminar • attend one enrichment event • attend one diversity event

Credit-bearing Leadership Class

LEO students must take one of the following classes with a final grade of B or better to receive recognition beyond LEO Level 2: Emerging Leader.

◦WLS/WST 102: Foundations in Leadership◦WLS 205: Social Justice and Civic Engagement

LEVEL ThrEE: ENgagED LEaDEr

Engaged leaders are major contributors to the campus community through their leadership to a club or organization, chairing a campus committee, or serving as a Golden Key, Resident Assistant, or athletic team captain. Through this experience, students are able to practice their leadership and learn their strengths as a leader. Students will

• perform a job shadow, information interview or internship, or attend a career development seminar or leadership workshop• introduce an enrichment event, campus speaker, or workshop • serve as president of a student organization, chair of a project committee, or captain of an athletic team• attend one diversity event

LEVEL 4: ChaNgE makEr

As the final level of the LEO program, change makers reflect on their leadership journey at Cottey and present their leadership learning to the campus community. Change makers have the option of submitting a grant proposal to lead a major service project of their choice. Students will

• build a Leadership Portfolio including a one-page leadership résumé reflecting LEO and other leadership experiences • publicly present leadership learning to the Cottey community• Optional: organize and lead a major service project

To receive LEO credit for the above activities, students must log an observation report using the MOODLE course management software.

Leadership, Experiences, Opportunity (LEO)

LEFT: LEO celebrated 40 students who completed a

certification level

ABOVE: Cottey LEO students served as mentors to middle school girls from Kansas City, Kansas, as part of the 2014 International Day of the Girl.

LEO FIELD TrIps

Field trips are a highlight of the LEO programming and are structured in a way to complete at least one of the LEO level requirements. During the ‘14-’15 academic year, field trips included a leadership workshop at the Tucker Leadership Lab where students learned the importance of strategy, communication, and encouragement when they worked as a team, took calculated risks, and overcame challenges to complete a group goal.

A second field trip took LEO students to TEDxYouth@kC, a live TEDtalk at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. This enrichment event exposed student leaders to a variety of inspirational and educational mini-lectures. We returned to Kansas City in the spring for a global awareness Dinner and art walk at the Crossroads Art District. LEO students began the evening with a Global Awareness dinner, a simulation experience to raise awareness about disparity and hunger around the world. Following dinner, students explored the unique and imaginative art at the Crossroads Art District.

sErENBETZ ImmErsIONs

Serenbetz leadership immersion programs are intensive academic study or personal enrichment travel

experiences that directly relate to the areas of women’s leadership, social responsibility, and/or global awareness. Applications are open to individuals and groups to receive funding up to $1, 250 per student.

Four immersions were funded in spring 2015. Students travelled to a student anthropology conference in Springfield, Missouri; the National Student Leadership Diversity Convention in Chicago, Illinois; McDonough Leadership Conference in Marietta, Ohio; and a spring break leadership and service trip to Dallas, Texas.

Experiences

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NETwOrkINg wITh wOmEN

Networking with successful women leaders continues to be a strong focus at Cottey. Several programs are in place to bring women leaders to campus to expose our students to their expertise and leadership.

The Leader-in-residence program, organized by the Center for Women’s Leadership, allows students opportunities to observe and interact with women who have exceptional expertise in designated fields and who have emerged as leaders and role models. The leader-in-residence conducts formal and informal sessions with students to discuss issues in leadership, as well as information about their fields. In collaboration with assistant art professor Brianne Fulton, this year’s guest was Dr. Sara Orel. Dr. Orel has her M.A. and Ph.D. in Egyptian archaeology from the University of Toronto. Her A.B. in classical and near Eastern archaeology is from Bryn Mawr College. She is currently a professor of art history at Truman State University. While on campus, Dr. Orel spoke to classes and interested students and presented “Burials and Building Blocks: The Egypt Exploration Society Survey of the Gebel el-Haridiin.”

The Distinguished speaker series, organized by the Serenbetz Institute, brings renowned women to campus to discuss leadership from the perspective of their academic disciplines. Speakers deliver a keynote address to the campus community emphasizing the themes

of women’s leadership, social responsibility, or global awareness. This year’s speakers included the following:

mackenzie J. Lowry - “Do good well: Leadership and social Change”

Lowry is a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and a tobacco control advocate pursuing a career in public health and medicine.

Lyla perrodin - “Tales from the Journey: women’s Leadership in real Life”

Perrodin has held positions in accounting, information technology, corporate communications, and strategic planning.

Dr. Beth wheaton - “guiders: Leading The way By Closing The gaps”

Although she holds titles ranging from economist to professor to CEO, Dr. Wheaton is most vocal about the fact that you do not need a title, unlimited time, or abundant money to change the world.

Now in its third year, the Networking women workshop series is a three-session workshop to prepare Cottey students for networking opportunities both on and off campus. Students create business cards, develop and practice their elevator speech, discuss professional presence utilizing the clothes in the Cottey Career Closet,

and attend a formal table etiquette lunch. Following the workshop series, students are invited to practice their networking skills at networking events throughout the year. This year students were able to practice these skills at an alumnae networking event during Founder’s Day, several career fairs both on and off campus, and at a networking women luncheon with visiting guests from the Northwest Advisory Council of the Women’s Foundation of

Arkansas.

ABOVE: Students enjoy time in Dallas, Texas, over spring break, as part of a leadership and service trip sponsored by the Serenbetz Institute.

LEFT: Distinguished Speaker and tobacco control advocate Mackenzie J.

Lowry interacts with students following her presentation.

ABOVE: Leadership students learn about disparity around the world at the Global Awareness Dinner.

Outreach Beyond Our Campus

kIEkhOFEr wOmEN’s LEaDErshIp FUND, established in 2000 to honor the support of Dr. William and Mrs. Emily Kiekhofer, a member of DE, Oklahoma, past president of Oklahoma State Chapter, and past member of the Cottey College Board of Trustees. The earnings from this fund support programs for the Center for Women’s Leadership.

marJOrIE mITChELL LEaDErshIp FUND, established in 2000 by her nieces, Marjorie Mitchell Rose and Toni Mitchell Koski, Class of 1945, and nephew, Tracy Mitchell, in memory of their aunt, Marjorie Mitchell, president of Cottey College from 1938 to 1949. The earnings provide leadership opportunities and experiences at Cottey College.

marY LOUIsE rEmY LEaDErshIp FUND, established in 2001 to honor Mary Louise Remy’s leadership and service to Cottey College and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, by her sister, Edith Frances Greathead and her family. Mrs. Remy is past president of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and past chairman of the Cottey College Board of Trustees. The earnings of the fund are used for general operations of the Center for Women’s Leadership.

marJOrIE w. smITh LEaDErshIp sEmINar FUND, established in 1999 by Washington State Chapter in memory of Marjorie W. Smith, president of International Chapter of P.E.O. Sisterhood, 1979-1981, and president of Washington State Chapter, 1959-1960. The earnings from this fund are used to fund leadership seminars in conjunction with Cottey’s Center for Women’s Leadership.

aNDErsON LEaDErshIp FUND, established in 2007 by Dr. William M. Anderson and Mrs. Anna M. Anderson,

to commemorate their 30th wedding anniversary and to honor Anna’s service on the Michigan State Chapter board and the Cottey College Board of Trustees. The earnings from the fund are used to provide leadership opportunities for students at Cottey College.

CLass OF 1950 LEaDErshIp FUND, established in 2000 to commemorate their 50th class reunion. The earnings from this fund promote leadership activities for Cottey students.

CLark sTUDENT LEaDErshIp FUND, established in 1989 by Michael and Nancy Clark Hamisak in memory of her parents, Orville and Arva Clark. Dr. Orville Clark was a member of Cottey College Board of Trustees, 1969-76. The interest is used to pay for travel and other related expenses for outstanding students to attend regional or national conferences.

BarBara aNDEs LEaDErshIp ENDOwmENT, established in 2009 by Dr. Jerry P. Andes, California State Chapter, and friends in honor of Barbara’s many years of service to the P.E.O. Sisterhood and leadership on the boards of California State Chapter, Program for Continuing Education, and the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The earnings can be used to fund any activity or need associated with leadership, including, but not limited to, programs, speakers, travel, scholarships, and equipment.

shIrLEY aND BUrT ZEILEr spEakEr sErIEs ENDOwmENT FOr wOmEN’s LEaDErshIp aND sOCIaL rEspONsIBILITY, established in 2012by their sons, James D. Zeiler and Dr. Steven B. Zeiler. The earnings are used to bring guest lecturers to the Cottey College campus.

The leadership program is made possible by the generosity and inspired vision of these donors:

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Our SupportersWorking in partnership with other girl-serving organizations, the Center for Women’s Leadership reached out to develop leadership skills for area girls. A long-standing relationship with the Nevada Middle School Girl EmPOWERment Club exposes Cottey student leaders to area sixth grade girls. Each year, Cottey leadership students speak to the girls on the Power of My Education and host the girls for their final dinner in Raney Dining Room.

In 2014-2015, Denise Carrick Hedges, director of the Center for Women’s Leadership, and Priscilla Barrios, third-year leadership assistant, co-presented “The Anatomy of a Great Selfie” at the My-Life program for Nevada High School girls. Approximately 300 freshman, sophomore, and junior girls attended this day-long event to encourage positive life choices related to dating, relationships, and life. The day’s events focused on the value of one’s self and the worth of others.

Through the Going Places marketing initiative, strategic partnerships beyond the Nevada community became

a focus in this academic year. Cottey College partnered with the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City to weave leadership development into the Girls Grant Project, now renamed the Girls Leadership Program. Twenty-five young women from high schools across the Kansas City metro area are chosen to participate in this year-long program emphasizing philanthropy, grant-making, fundraising, leadership, team-building, program evaluation, and budgeting.

Twelve of the young women from the Girls Leadership Program attended the YOU LEAD retreat on the Cottey College campus. The students were hosted overnight in the Cottey residence halls and attended sessions on personal strengths, leadership, communication, and team-building.

Cottey College leadership students in partnership with Young Women on the Move provided major support for WE ARE WONDER WOMEN, a one-day workshop to celebrate and empower middle school girls in Kansas City, Kansas. This workshop connected the girls with teen and young adult mentors for a day of inspiration and education. Planned by girls for girls, the sessions focused on self-esteem, confidence, health, and planning for their futures. Approximately 150 middle and high school girls attended the workshop. Cottey student leaders and invited wonder women (community leaders) from the Kansas City metro area served as mentors for the day.

LEFT: The Center for Women’s

Leadership hosted 12 high school girls

from the Girls Grant Project on campus for a

leadership retreat. While on campus, they were housed in the residence

halls and attended sessions

to explore their ideas about leadership.

ABOVE: Cottey LEO students hosted the sixth grade Girl EmPOWERment club, their teachers, and sponsors for dinner in Raney Dining Room.

This report is a publication of WomanWord, an imprint of the Helen and George Washburn Center for Women’s Leadership at Cottey College.

For additional copies or other titles, contact: CWL, Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin, Nevada, MO, 64772

Direct email inquiries to CWL@cottey.edu Telephone: 417/667-8181, ext. 2116

Dr. helen Tomlinson washburn 10th President of Cottey College

On the occasion of Dr. Washburn’s retirement in 2004, the Center for Women’s Leadership

was renamed the Helen and George Washburn Center for Women’s Leadership.

We thus honor Dr. Washburn’s vision in establishing the CWL during her presidency

as well as the Washburns’ many contributions to Cottey College.