UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A group of 17 academic leaders from across Penn State recently completed the 2025 Excellence in Academic Leadership (EAL) program — an experience designed to strengthen leadership effectiveness and support ongoing professional growth.
The EAL program, coordinated by the Office of Faculty Affairs, offers a high-impact development experience for unit leaders, combining leadership theory, practical skill-building, and peer learning. Over several months, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions that explored topics central to effective academic leadership in today’s higher education environment.
Key areas of focus in the program included personal and employee wellness, conflict competency, strategic planning, change management, understanding institutional finances, and working with development. Leaders examined the psychology of change, assessed their units’ positioning within the broader academic landscape, and participated in a University budget session that provided tools for aligning unit priorities with financial structures and institutional goals.
Working in coordination with Penn State Human Resources Talent Management, the program also emphasized self-awareness and growth through tools such as CliftonStrengths, and one-on-one coaching was received.
An essential component of the EAL experience was the Critical Friends structure, in which participants formed small peer groups to share strategic goals, provide feedback on leadership challenges, and offer accountability and encouragement. This model fostered candid dialogue, reflection and collaboration across disciplines and campuses.
“This cohort of leaders brought deep experience and insight to each session,” said Ann Clements, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs. “Their commitment to learning from one another and elevating the academic experience for their units made this program especially impactful. We proudly support their continued growth and leadership at Penn State.”
- Thiru Annaswamy – professor and chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Hershey
- Shirley Clark – acting director of the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology; professor of environmental engineering, Penn State Harrisburg
- Alicia Decker – department head and associate professor of women's, gender, and sexuality studies; African studies; and history, College of the Liberal Arts, University Park
- Adrienne Dixson – department head and professor of education policy studies, College of Education, University Park
- Inginia Genao – vice dean of diversity, equity and belonging, College of Medicine, Hershey
- Daniel Hayes – department head of biomedical engineering; Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Nanotherapeutics and Regenerative Medicine, College of Engineering, University Park
- Melanie Hetzel-Riggin – director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences; professor of psychology, Penn State Behrend
- Brian King – professor and head, Department of Geography, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, University Park
- Allen Larson – interim director of academic affairs; associate professor of communications, Penn State New Kensington
- Sinfree Makoni – director of the African Studies Program; Liberal Arts Professor of African Studies and Applied Linguistics, College of the Liberal Arts, University Park
- Scott McDonald – professor of education (science education); director, Krause Innovation Studio, College of Education, University Park
- Peter Moran – associate dean for policy and planning; assistant teaching professor of law and higher education, Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences; Penn State Altoona
- Emily Rimland – head of Library Learning Services; information literacy librarian, University Libraries, University Park
- Ann Marie Stanley – director of the School of Music; professor of music education, College of Arts and Architecture, University Park
- Anibal Torres – chief academic officer, Penn State Lehigh Valley
- Raffy Luquis – interim director of the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education; professor of biobehavioral health, Penn State Harrisburg
- Donna Quadri-Felitti – Marvin Ashner Endowed Director and associate professor, School of Hospitality Management, College of Health and Human Development, University Park
These accomplished leaders are recognized not only for their commitment to their units but also for their dedication to shared learning and continuous leadership development. Through the EAL program, they have expanded their capacity to lead with clarity, compassion, and strategic insight.
