GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College interim Vice President for College Advancement Roberta J. Leonard was recently named to the Thrivent Fellows Program—a rigorous 12-month executive fellowship.
The program develops the leadership capacity of staff members at colleges and universities affiliated with the Lutheran Church. It identifies, encourages, develops and equips participants for leadership roles at those institutions.
Leonard joined Thiel College in 2001 and has operated in many fundraising capacities, including serving as the executive director of the Thiel 2016 Campaign—the largest fundraising venture in the College’s history. Thiel 2016 has raised more than $62 million and continues through the end of this year.
The program selects candidates based on their dedication to the mission and distinctiveness of Lutheran colleges, seminaries and universities. Other considerations include a strong record of service to these institutions, a clear potential for top-level leadership and a sense of personal vocational call to lead these important institutions. Thiel College President Troy VanAken, Ph.D., nominated Leonard for the program.
“I am proud to work for an institution that is founded in the belief that a faith-based liberal arts education provides a strong foundation for our young men and women to build successful careers and thriving lives,” Leonard said. “I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this program and enhance my own professional development.”
The Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Concordia University System of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and the Congregational and Synodical Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America sponsor the fellowship. Through intensive retreats, seminars and executive coaching, fellows increase their knowledge and understanding of Lutheran traditions and values, and develop leadership and management capacities based on that knowledge.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.