Transforming Lives and Leaders

Transformation.

With the beauty of changing leaves across the countryside, transformation is taking place nearly everywhere this time of year. While something as natural as photosynthesis may bring about a physical transformation, a transformation of mind and spirit can take place through a faith-based interactive approach to education.

Jessica Furjanic is a 2013 graduate of Geneva College's Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program, cohort 79. And Jessica can attest to the complete transformation brought about by the education she received. Before entering the program, Jessica was struggling with some life changes and questioning whether or not a master's degree was the right path for her. It wasn't until she learned that a great role model in her life had completed the MSOL program—hearing and seeing its positive impact—that Jennifer realized she had found the right path to take to become the leader she desired to be.

As Jessica struggled in the midst of great changes, entering the MSOL program initiated a transformative process in her identity as a leader. The education she received at the hands of seasoned professors gave meaning to theories and concepts of leadership that she had heard of all her life. She was able to determine what leadership meant to her as a professional. "MSOL has also helped me develop the skills I needed to be the leader that I want to be. It provided me with self-awareness and the ability to work as a leader through my relationship with the Lord."

Having experienced transformation herself, Jessica devotes her time and energy to helping others undergo transformation in their own lives. She is a unit supervisor for Transitional Services, Inc., which is a human services organization that helps those with mental disabilities to transition into the community. Jessica and her co-workers help clients focus on strength finding, skill building and empowerment for “defining and resuming life on their terms." In addition to her position as program supervisor at community rehabilitation residency, she also oversees the Activities and Events Committee, which oversees all activities for clients, and is a member of the Connections Committee that uses fund-raising events and social media to build stronger relationships in the community.

The impact in her community and the lives of her clients is profound. And much of her success can be tied to her growth as a leader through MSOL. "It is transformative for the mind and spirit. This transformation is not limited to the workplace. I feel stronger as a Christian woman and have grown in all aspects of my life as a result of my experiences with the MSOL program."

Are you ready to be transformed?

Did you know?

The Department of Leadership Studies at Geneva College has developed articulation agreements with the University of Pittsburgh, Regent University and Gannon University to benefit our students pursing doctoral studies. For more information on these articulations, visit the website or call the Department of Leadership Studies office at 724-847-2715.

Information Session

You are invited to a MSOL Information Session on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Regional Learning Alliance (RLA) in Cranberry Twp. Visit with us and learn more about the MSOL Program. For directions, visit www.theRLA.org. Please RSVP to msol@geneva.edu.

A Word From Dr. Dittmar

I am very pleased and excited to announce that Dr. Henry Cloud has agreed to be the keynote speaker for our annual Geneva College/MSOL Serving Leader Conference.  The conference will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, Cranberry Township. Here are some highlights from his biography:

• Dr. Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert and best-selling author. 
• Dr. Cloud has written or co-written over 20 books, including the bestseller Boundaries, which sold over two million copies. In 2009, Integrity was identified as “must read,” and in 2011, Necessary Endings was called “the most important book you'll read all year.”  
• In his leadership consulting practice, Dr. Cloud works with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike. 
• As a clinical psychologist and businessman, Dr. Cloud established and operated 40 successful medical facilities across the western United States. 
• As a speaker, Dr. Cloud has shared the stage with political and business leaders, including Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice, and Jack Welch. Dr. Cloud is also a regular contributor to CNN and Fox News Channel, among other national media outlets.

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Cloud speak at a conference in Florida last March.  He is a great communicator and knows leadership from both a theoretical and practitioner perspective.  You will enjoy what he has to say to us.

Please mark your calendar today—Thursday, April 10, 2014—and plan to attend this great event.

Jim Dittmar, Ph.D., Chair
Department of Leadership Studies
Geneva College

You are invited to a special web presentation of the World Leaders Group′s annual World Leaders Conference (WLC), which was held in March 2013 on the campus of Palm Beach Atlantic University. A diverse group of leaders from business, ministry and government came from across the globe to speak about their own servant leadership experiences. Visit webcast.worldleadersconference.com for more information.