College's Williams among new class of Women's Leadership Fellows

October 30, 2016 | Kristen B. Morales | Permalink | Kudos

One of the College's faculty members will learn from campus leaders over the next year as a member of the second class of UGA's Women's Leadership Fellows program.

Sheneka Williams, an associate professor in the department of lifelong education, administration and policy, is one of nine admitted to the 2016-2017 cohort, which includes representatives of eight schools and colleges, plus the Division of Student Affairs. Throughout the year, members will learn from senior administrators on campus as well as visiting speakers from academia, business and other fields.

Williams said this program aligns with her goals in academia, and will give her added insight as she advances in her career.

"I first entered graduate school thinking that I might one day lead a school district. Now I have thoughts that I'd like to lead in the university setting," said Williams, who came to the College in 2008 after receiving her doctorate in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. "I hope that this program will provide me with tools that will assist me in doing that—especially as a woman in academia."

Williams joins Phaedra Corso from the College of Public Health, Lisa Donovan of the Franklin College of arts and Sciences, Shelley B. Hooks of the College of Pharmacy, Charlotte Mason of the Terry College of Business, Shari Miller of the School of Social Work, Julie Moore of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Erin Richman of the Division of Student Affairs and Lori Ringhand of the School of Law.

The College of Education's Ellen M. Evans, a professor in the department of kinesiology and director of the Center for Physical Activity and Health, was among the inaugural class of fellows.

The Women's Leadership Fellows program was created in 2015 as part of the University's Women's Leadership Initiative. The program concludes with a weekend retreat in June that offers more in-depth learning.

"The members of this extraordinary class of Women's Leadership Fellows come into this crucial program with an amazing set of talents and experiences," said Pamela Whitten, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "They will leave it ready to tackle even greater leadership roles at the University of Georgia and throughout academia."