NAGAP Leadership Academy Update

By Brett DiMarzo, MEd, Boston College, NAGAP Leadership Academy Program Lead

After several years of planning and discussion, NAGAP created a program in 2018 intended to provide GEM professionals an opportunity to develop their leadership skills through a yearlong structured curriculum. Deemed the NAGAP Leadership Academy, the first cohort met in New York City in fall of 2019 to kick off their program. Thirty professionals in the first cohort spent the next nine months participating in a host of activities, both in-person and virtual, and we were in the midst of planning their capstone project presentations for the 2020 Annual Summit when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Though the culmination of the first cohort program was cut short, the group successfully closed out their experience virtually. After a year hiatus, and with careful consideration and assistance from our curriculum partner, Management Concepts, the second cohort launched in fall of 2021, welcoming 12 new participants to this engaging experience.

After several days of in-person workshops on Boston College’s campus in September, the class participated in virtual webinars covering leadership topics such as adaptability, accountability and resilience, and making effective decisions. In addition, several guest speakers from areas across higher education joined the group in virtual sessions during the fall months. In October, NAGAP President Jeremiah Nelson led the group in a discussion on creativity and innovation in GEM, sharing his insight on how GEM professionals can use their creativity to lead efforts in graduate admission and seek innovative ways to address today’s challenges. In early December, the class heard from Kathy Anderson, associate vice president of student financial services at Berklee in Boston, about the basics of financial aid, some of the common challenges students face when exploring financing their graduate education, and how leaders in admission and financial aid need to work together at every stage of the process to

effectively serve students. In December, the Leadership Academy reached the midpoint of their program Throughout the program, participants in the class worked with seasoned GEM professionals who volunteer their time as coaches providing guidance to cohort members. During conversations, coaches and participants explore ways to use the results of their 360° assessment to inform their leadership development. Coaches also share insights on leadership, using their own experiences and expertise to help support participants in their growth as a leader.

With the beginning of the new year, the Leadership Academy will feature virtual sessions on topics such as managing conflict effectively and taking innovative thinking approaches in the workplace. In addition, participants will hear from experts in areas such as student services and diversity, equity, and inclusion, in addition to finalizing their capstone projects for presentation at the 2022 NAGAP Annual Summit in Chicago. The Leadership Academy committee looks forward to seeing everyone in April and can’t wait for the Leadership Academy class to share their work at Summit! n

Brett DiMarzo is the director of graduate enrollment digital strategy at Boston College in Massachusetts. A GEM professional for over 18 years, he has experience in graduate admission, financial aid, and enrollment management strategy. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration at Stetson University in Florida and his Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Massachusetts.

Throughout the program, participants in the class worked with seasoned GEM professionals who volunteer their time as coaches providing guidance to cohort members.