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Deanna J. Leone Selected by National Education Board as a 2022 Emerging Leader

Cal State Fullerton professor selected as one of 36 leaders by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
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Associate Dean of the College of Communications at CSUF, Deanna J. Leone, will participate in the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program, a premier leadership development program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Leone will join 35 other higher education professionals also participating in the program. The program was created in 2015 to prepare early- to mid-career academics and administrative emerging leaders who aspire to advance to roles with greater responsibility and oversight.

“I am honored to represent CSUF by participating in the AASCU Emerging Leaders Program,” said Leone. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to expand my own professional development while using the project component to engage in both research and writing about leadership advancement in higher education.”

“I could not be prouder of Dr. Leone and her commitment to student success at Cal State Fullerton,” said Bey-Ling Sha, dean of the College of Communications. “Her leadership in this area is exemplary. I also look forward to seeing the findings from her research project, which I know will help our campus and others to better prepare future faculty leaders to serve our increasingly diverse students.”

“The diverse and motivated campus leaders in the ELP Class of 2022 reflect the strength and value of what happens when the AASCU network comes together,” said Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, former chair of the AASCU Board of Directors, and ELP coordinator. “We are pleased to bring the ELP cohort to Washington, D.C., for three days of in-person programming for the first time in three years and look forward to lively discussions and insightful learning experiences that will inspire and equip participants to shape our institutions to promote inclusivity, equity and student success. I look forward to a great year of learning and personal development.”

With a curriculum designed to develop the skills and competencies necessary for the next generation of higher education leaders, the 2022 ELP cohort will engage with a rich and experienced bench of faculty to cover topics such as equity and social justice leadership, navigating and leading through change, finance and administration, leading as a provost and more. The group will meet for an in-person retreat, monthly virtual workshops and small-group sessions for reflection and study of promising practices. Additionally, each member of the ELP cohort will demonstrate their leadership skills to their campus community by leading an on-campus project or initiative with the support of their president, chancellor or cabinet-level administrator.

About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs, and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a five-year $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.