Leadership Development Institute cultivates Rowan’s future leaders

Rowan University’s Leadership Development Institute continues to strengthen the University’s leadership pipeline by providing a transformative professional development experience for high-achieving, aspiring leaders across the institution.

Created and managed by the Division of Human Resources, the program launched in 2020 and graduated its fifth cohort on Monday, April 6. To date, the program has supported the development of 74 Rowan employees, positioning them for long-term leadership success and advancing the University’s talent development and succession planning goals.

The institute is designed for mid-level management employees, including associate directors, directors, assistant and associate deans, and department heads. Participants engage in a comprehensive learning experience that blends pre-reading assignments, a series of interactive training sessions led by subject matter experts, and applied project work focused on real-world University challenges. Through this structure, participants build practical leadership skills while collaborating and networking with peers from across Rowan.

Each year, divisional and department leaders are invited to nominate employees for consideration by submitting a nomination form to Human Resources. While not all nominations result in immediate selection, individuals may be considered for future cohorts. Ideal candidates include employees recently promoted into leadership roles, new managerial hires who would benefit from structured development, high-performing managers being prepared for future leadership opportunities, and individuals who demonstrate initiative, strategic thinking and a commitment to professional growth.

The program begins each October and culminates in a completion ceremony each spring. As the institute continues to evolve, it remains a cornerstone of Rowan University’s commitment to investing in its people and developing the next generation of capable, collaborative leaders.

The 2025-2026 Leadership Development Institute graduates include: 

Alexis Breining, Facilities, Planning & Operations

Project: Robinson Hall Renovation

Altonia Bryant, University Advising Services

Project: Self-Study: Rowan’s Internship Process for Students, Faculty and External Partners

Taruna Chugeria, Cooper Medical School Office of Engagement & Community Impact

Project: Aspiring Doctors Academy

Jay Dukenski, University Advising Services

Project: Morning of Belonging

Christy Gomez, Accounting Services

Project: Finance Fundamentals Training Toolkit for Non-Finance Employees

Tina Klemp, Office of Human Resources

Project: Staffing Critical Positions in Facilities

Lauren Kuski, Student Centers & Campus Activities

Project: Student Employment Model

Carmen McDonald, Department of Nursing

Project: New Faculty Orientation for Rowan Department of Nursing

Yusuf Mehta, Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems/Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Project: Internal Operational Policy Change to Increase Efficiency

Michael Mowery, Department of Family Medicine, Rowan‑Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Project: The Values of Diabetic Eye Exams

Christine Pickel, Office of General Counsel

Project: Self-Study: Rowan’s Internship Process for Students, Faculty and External Partners

Tom Praesel, Facilities, Planning & Operations

Project: Robinson Hall Renovation

Juliana Rausch, University College

Project: Self-Study: Rowan’s Internship Process for Students, Faculty and External Partners

Michael Sunderhauf, Rowan Online

Project: Rowan Online Course Development Dashboard

Uma Thayasivam, Department of Mathematics

Project: Establishing a CSM Career & Interdisciplinary Center

Anne Tomasello, Rowan‑Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Project: Centrally Standardized Clinical Faculty Orientation

William Whalen, Rowan Online

Project: “Tier 1” Financial Aid/Bursar Training for Advising Staff