Leadership is about more than a title, it's a commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and something greater than yourself. For many, this may mean embracing new challenges or simply striving to make a meaningful impact. At Union Commonwealth University, however, leadership also means investing in the potential of others by creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and collaboration at every level.
Lynn Smith, Executive Vice President for Human Resources at Union, has seen firsthand how leadership can be shaped through intentional development. Whether referring to students stepping into their first work-study role, staff members exploring new responsibilities, or faculty shaping institutional strategy, she has explained that “Union’s priority is to develop the talent we have on hand.”
[PHOTO: Lynn Smith]
One of the most visible examples of that commitment begins with students. “From a student perspective, Union has a lot of opportunities on campus for students who want to work while working on their degrees,” Smith noted. These on-campus roles are designed to mirror professional employment, complete with job descriptions and a formal application process that includes submitting a resume. Once hired, student workers complete the same core trainings as staff including Title IX, FERPA, and harassment prevention. The goal here, however, isn’t just employment. This is leadership preparation wherein students are given the tools to grow into confident, responsible professionals.
While Union offers extensive leadership development opportunities for students, its commitment to growth also extends to staff and faculty. Professional development programs and training are offered through various consortiums and partnerships, such as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), to help develop leadership skills and adapt to new policies. Smith emphasized that these opportunities are crucial for empowering employees at every stage of their careers. Whether they are new hires or seasoned professionals, leadership skills are relevant in both work and personal contexts.
