Wabash Valley Leadership Institute Enrolling for Spring Cohort
Terre Haute, Ind. A popular professional development opportunity is coming back to West Central Indiana in May 2022.
The Wabash Valley Leadership Institute (WVLI), a partnership between the Chamber and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, is now enrolling for the next cohort. The week-long (Monday through Friday) program is hosted on the campus of SMWC and brings together leaders from both business and community organizations. The next cohort is scheduled for May 16-20 on the SMWC campus.
“We could not be happier to bring WVLI back,” says Chamber Executive Director Kristin Craig, a graduate of WVLI in 2015. “So many people have asked about the program returning because of its effectiveness in connecting talent to the community. The opportunity to strengthen leaders and provide ways to attract and retain talent is a big priority for both the Chamber and The Woods.”
Started in 2014, WVLI’s curriculum focuses on leadership skills with the intended effects of personal growth in leadership, organizational behavioral skills and potential community growth in a leadership capacity.
“This program was developed with intentionality to create community connections among participants while honing their leadership skills,” says SMWC President Dottie L. King, Ph.D. “As a member of the first cohort, I have first-hand understanding of the value of the week with other community leaders. We learned together and even enjoyed many laughs too!”
The program engages in a variety of ways including self-assessments, lecture, case study review, reflection, team building and peer coaching. Upon graduation, the participants will be capable of building a better team, using conflict resolution skills effectively and building personal leadership skills.
“We are looking forward to this year’s WVLI cohort and appreciate the partnership with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce,” says Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment management and institutional technology at SMWC. “WVLI is designed to help develop leadership skills and many Wabash Valley organizations have taken advantage of this opportunity for development with some of their employees. This year we will be able to utilize our new building, Les Bois Hall, and participants will enjoy the experience.”
Unique to other programs, WVLI is immersive for participants, requiring overnight stays Monday through Friday in Les Bois Hall, the College’s brand-new residence building. Adult learners from Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties are eligible to participate. Graduates of WVLI will receive three credit hours towards the Master of Leadership Development program or the Master of Healthcare Administration program.
