Emerson Leadership Institute Wraps Up Leadership Development Program

05/02/2025

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Emerson Leadership Institute’s (ELI) Dignity-Based Leadership Development Program offered a variety of professional development workshops, including Fostering Dignity and Belong (three iterations), Formulating the Right Problem, Leading Change from the Middle, and Negotiating through Dignity and Belonging, all taught by Edward Jones Dean Jackson Nickerson, Ph.D.

The series also featured a signature Fireside Chat on Dimensions of Dignity with esteemed panelists: Harvard professor Donna Hicks, Nickerson, Vice President of Mission and Identity David Suwalsky, Ph.D., S.J. and Vice President of the Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement Rochelle Smith.

A cornerstone event of this year’s program, the 4th Be Heard – Women in Leadership Conference welcomed over 210 registered participants—more than half of whom were SLU faculty and staff—further highlighting ELI’s growing visibility, impact, and commitment to serving the SLU and St. Louis communities.

On Friday, April 23, ELI hosted the end-of-year meeting for the Provost-Faculty Senate Gender Equity Committee (GEC). Provost Mike Lewis, Ph.D., and Faculty Senate President Chris Rollins, J.D.,  attended the event, commending the committee for its impactful work over the years. Dean Nickerson also participated, sharing his reflections on the importance of fostering dignity and belonging through GEC initiatives across campus. 

In implementing this Dignity-Based Leadership Development Program, ELI has nurtured collaborations with academic units across the campus. ELI has also established close partnerships with corporate leaders such as Barry Wehmiller and The Gund Company, both representing industry champions of Jesuit values and humanistic leadership. 

The Emerson Leadership Institute 2025 Mid-Year Review can be found online.