Faculty leaders expand their skills and network through USG’s Executive Leadership Institute

By Amanda Respess

G eorgia College & State University once again sent top leadership talent to the University System of Georgia's prestigious Executive Leadership Institute. Dr. Harold Mock ('06), director of Georgia College Leadership Programs and interim assistant vice president for international education, and Dr. Joanne Previts, professor of middle grades education and interim dean of the College of Education, were selected as ELI scholars for 2025-2026.

The ELI program strengthens leadership capabilities through a combination of group learning sessions, assessments, mentoring, job shadowing and reflective practice over a nine-month period. This year's ELI cohort completed the program in May with a final forum hosted by GCSU.

"The quality of the program itself was excellent," Mock said. "As a teacher myself, I welcomed the opportunity to be in the classroom as a student."

Mock is an alumnus who earned dual degrees from Georgia College - a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Bachelor of Arts in history - before earning his master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Virginia. Mock has taught history at the high school and college level. He returned to Georgia College in 2017 and maintains a faculty position as assistant professor of history in addition to his administrative roles.

Previts holds a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame College, a Master of Education degree from Cleveland State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Kent State. She joined the faculty of GCSU's John H. Lounsbury College of Education in 2009.

Previts said the ELI experience provided dedicated time to invest in her leadership growth.

"The ELI program provided scaffolded, reflective learning experiences that promote introspection, goal setting and growth, both professional and personal," Previts said.

During the ELI program, Mock was paired with Dr. Kyle Marrero, president of Georgia Southern University, as his mentor. Previts was mentored by Dr. Karie Davis-Nozemack, senior vice provost for Academic & Business Operations at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Both Mock and Previts say they gained skills and new relationships with their USG peers that will benefit them in their roles at GCSU.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and get to know dozens of colleagues across the USG, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come," Mock said.

Previts explained that one leadership exercise helped her focus on the future.

"One learning experience required us to compose our 'legacy statement,' which I will continue to use to guide my work: My greatest contributions are not what I build or solve, but who I help others become - people rooted in integrity, led by joy, and strong enough to lead others the same way," Previts said.

Header Images: The 2025-2026 ELI Scholars celebrated their completion of the program in May with a reception hosted by the USG in GCSU's Magnolia Ballroom. University System of Georgia Chancellor Dr. Sonny Perdue and Georgia College President Cathy Cox spoke to the ELI scholars during the event. (Photos: Anna Gay Leavitt)