Patterson graduates from prestigious MLI academic leadership-training program

by C.J. Gish
Media and publication writer
University Advancement
541-962-3585 / fax 541-962-3680

EOU Dean Anne Patterson completed the MLI course in June.

Being selected and attending a prestigious nationwide academic leadership training program has greatly benefited one of Eastern Oregon University's deans.

Anne Patterson, EOU's Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, was one of 24 participants in the 2003 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) Institute, sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) June 13-16 in Washington, D.C. The institute, now in its fifth year, is a leadership development program designed to strengthen the preparation and eligibility of individuals who may wish to advance as leaders in higher education and who are traditionally underrepresented in the role of university president or chancellor.

Following the intensive institute program, the 24 protégés are involved in a yearlong mentoring program. For Patterson, the mentoring program was one of the most appealing aspects of the institute. "The program matches protégés and mentors with similar interests. This is probably the most rewarding aspect of the training for me, since I've spent most of my career being a mentor for others. The opportunity for me to go to someone else for mentoring will surely enhance my own development as an academic leader," she said.

Participation in MLI is through a selective process in which AASCU member presidents and chancellors nominate promising senior administrators, who then apply for acceptance. Former EOU President Phil Creighton nominated Patterson for the program. "It was an excellent leadership training program." Patterson commented. "Even filling out the application was a good experience."

The application asked Patterson what institutional and individual administrative challenges she faced, what professional goals she had for the next five years, what "leadership" means to her, and what she expected to gain from participation in the MLI Institute.

Patterson answered her leadership question by stating, in part, "Leadership, in my view, has nothing to do with 'power,' and everything to do with responsibility-the responsibility to make wise choices, to communicate, to collaborate, to build consensus, and ultimately to make decisions; the responsibility to be informed, to be evenhanded, to promote the notion that what enriches one benefits all."

"This was not a difficult question for me," she says, because she truly believes what she wrote.

The MLI program provided the participants with a targeted curriculum featuring topics on working with governing boards, financial management, foundation of a presidency, communication, and personal leadership styles. Protégés had the opportunity to participate in interactive small-group discussions, to develop a self-assessed and advisor-guided professional development plan, and to meet with sitting presidents and chancellors one-on-one.

We were busy from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., said Patterson. "It was a really intense and wonderful experience.

Patterson credited the people who formed MLI.

"One of the most impressive things about the institute is that this group of academic leaders-presidents and chancellors-had the foresight to realize that the next generation of academic leaders needs to be prepared," she said. "They took the initiative to do this. University leaders need education, training, and operational skills beyond their academic disciplines. These people saw that and have invested a great deal of themselves in this process. People often don't think of university leaders as needing professional guidance. But we certainly do, and the MLI program is an excellent way of providing it," she said.

Two other people Patterson wanted to acknowledge were Creighton, who nominated her to the MLI program, and her husband, Michael Webster.

"My husband has been tremendously supportive of my move to academic administration. He has helped me in so many ways in getting here," she said. "I also appreciate Phil Creighton for recognizing whatever qualities that inspired him to nominate me to this program."

Participants in the 2003 MLI program came from across the U.S. and were chosen by the MLI presidential selection subcommittee. "I was pleased to be able to tell my colleagues about EOU at this prestigious gathering," Patterson said.

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