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Thirty-four ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employees gathered June 2–3 at The Inn at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ to officially launch the Mid-Level Professionals Institute (MLPI) 2026–27 program year during the cohort’s annual Summer Retreat.

Designed to support the growth and development of emerging and established leaders across the university, MLPI brings together professionals from a wide range of departments and divisions to engage in leadership development, networking, and collaborative learning. This year’s cohort includes 27 members of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community representing diverse functional areas across campus.

The program is co-coordinated by Nita Skillman and Vicki Blocker, with facilitation support provided by Charlotte Williams, David Stout, Kelly Reimer, Laura Igaune Hill and Laura Kappert. Throughout the two-day retreat, participants began building relationships, exploring leadership concepts, and establishing a foundation for the year ahead.

Retreat programming featured several campus leaders and subject matter experts. Collier Lumpkin, associate director of career development for graduate school in the Student Professional Development Center, led a session titled Strengths as a Leader, helping participants explore how individual talents can enhance leadership effectiveness and team performance. Rochelle Stojnic, director of the Office of Professional Development, provided an introduction to the office and highlighted opportunities for continued professional growth across the university. Jim Piatt, senior vice president for advancement and external affairs, concluded the retreat presentations with ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ “from a 50,000-foot view,” offering participants a broad perspective on the university’s history, strategic priorities, and future direction.

Throughout the program year, participants will engage with six core competencies that serve as the foundation of the MLPI experience: inclusive excellence, leadership, building meaningful relationships and mentoring networks, skills development for higher education professionals, wellness and well-being, and understanding university decision-making and culture. These competencies are designed to help participants strengthen their leadership capacity while expanding their understanding of the institution and their impact within it.

As the cohort begins its year-long journey, participants are encouraged to challenge themselves, build meaningful connections, and embrace opportunities for growth that will enhance both their professional development and contributions to the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community.