Humanities in Leadership Learning Series appoints postdoctoral and faculty fellows

The Humanities in Leadership Learning Series (HILLS) has recently appointed three postdoctoral fellows.

  • Vivian Laughlin, Department of Religious Studies, advised by Tim Beal.
  • Loron Benton, Department of Religious Studies, advised by Joy Bostic.
  • Luis Achondo, Department of Music, advised by Susan McClary

Each postdoctoral fellows are required to teach one course during their residency at CWRU in their respective departments.

Five faculty members were also selected to participate in the semester-long HILLS seminar. 

Faculty fellows for 2021-22 include: 

  • Daniel Goldmark, Department of Music
  • Kimberly Emmons, Department of English 
  • Brian Clites, Department of Religious Studies 
  • Peter Yang, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
  • Damaris Punales-Alpizar, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

This small community of HILLS Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows in the humanities, arts and humanities-related departments will come together through the seminars to identify and develop skills and aptitudes while exploring issues, challenges and opportunities for higher education leadership. The seminar is designed around the challenges and issues that administrative leaders, including chairs, deans, provosts and presidents will need to navigate in their careers. 

It includes areas like: 

  • budget management
  • recruitment and retention of diverse faculty
  • how to maintain a work-life balance

The challenges of leadership are addressed within the context of COVID 19, budget constraints, and demographics changes that existed before the pandemic. In addition, the opportunities, both professional and personal, are explored as HILLS participants learn the various paths of leadership represented by CWRU leaders.  

In addition to the HILLS Seminar, Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows have the opportunity to shadow Provost Vinson and Dean Ward by attending a Provost’s Advisory Council Meeting, Dean’s Council Meetings, and Renew and Reemerge Meetings.