FPU dean selected for National Lilly Network Leadership Institute

Michelle Bradford, Psy.D., dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Fresno Pacific University, has been selected to participate in the Lilly Network Leadership Institute, a new initiative that equips emerging leaders in Christian higher education.

Bradford was one of 13 administrators chosen from a pool of 27 applicants nationwide. The two-year program includes five conferences and an ongoing mentorship program.

For Bradford, the opportunity is about growing as a leader to better serve Fresno Pacific University and its students.

"One of the things I value most about higher education is that there is always room to grow," she said. "The best leaders never stop asking questions, refining their perspective and becoming more effective in the way they lead. I see this as an opportunity to strengthen my leadership so I can better support the Fresno Pacific University community."

Bradford said she is eager to collaborate with colleagues from Christian colleges and universities as they navigate the opportunities and challenges facing higher education.

"Christian higher education has a unique calling, and I look forward to engaging with leaders from across the country to see how they are living out that mission in meaningful ways for their students, faculty and communities," she said. "I'm especially interested in exploring leadership models, organizational systems and innovative practices that help institutions remain both mission-centered and sustainable. My hope is to bring those ideas back to Fresno Pacific in ways that strengthen our community and enhance the experience of our students."

Bradford also said she was grateful to FPU Provost Alison R. Noble, Ph.D., and President André Stephens, Ph.D., who have both "consistently championed academic excellence and leadership development."

Noble said Bradford's selection reflects her commitment to both students and FPU's mission.

"Michelle daily demonstrates commitment to mission-centric leadership and academic excellence," Noble said. "We are thrilled for her to engage in this development opportunity and look forward to the ways it will shape her leadership and contribute to our university community and the mission of church-related higher education."

Bradford hopes to return with new ideas and is excited for the ways in which this program closely aligns with the values of FPU.

"One of the things I appreciate most about Fresno Pacific University is that we are a community that values both faith and learning," she said. "This program aligns closely with that vision, and I look forward to sharing what I learn with our faculty, staff and leadership team as we continue working together to serve our students and strengthen our university."

Though there is much she hopes to gain from this experience, her largest goal is to benefit the students and the university.

"Ultimately, if this experience helps us better serve students and advance Fresno Pacific University's mission, it will be time well spent."

Lilly Network

Founded in 1991, the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities (formerly the Lilly Fellows Program) seeks to strengthen the quality and shape the character of church-related institutions of higher learning through a variety of fellowships and regranting efforts. The Lilly Network is based at Christ College, the interdisciplinary honors college of Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana, and is sustained by the generous support of the Lilly Endowment Inc.

Michael Hammond
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