Leadership Institute Officially Opens

The Institute, under the direction of Dennis Heinle, will forge community and corporate partnerships for leadership development providing linkage opportunities for faculty, staff and students. The Institute will also provide a variety of student internships opportunities for MU students.

“The Leadership Institute will coordinate all leadership activities across the campus,” MU President Maravene Loeschke told the gathering. “We will be threading leadership throughout the curriculum as the elements are designed and implemented by faculty. We’re looking at the residence hall as labs for leadership training. We will forge partnerships for leadership development with the community region and state. We are here to b e a model of how effective leadership can be developed and nurtured.”

State Senator Roger Madigan told the crowd that, “Leadership training is important in rural areas. When entrepreneurs get an idea for a business they need assistance to help them succeed. Mansfield University’s Leadership Institute will do that and will be important in the continual development of the entire region.”

“What you’re doing is going to influence your future and the future of others,” Tioga County Commissioner Erick Coolidge said. “We need examples to show us and guide us and we’ll look to the younger generation. We’re never too old to learn from others.”

Jay Sidhu, CEO of SidhuAdvisors and former chair and CEO of Sovereign Bank Corp, was the guest speaker. An internationally recognized professional in authentic leadership and emotional intelligence, Sidhu talked about his elements for success in life and business.

“You must have a dream and a plan to attain it,” he said. “Success only comes from being emotionally and spiritually healthy. To be a good leader you must be a good person. You must know yourself. You must exceed expectations in whatever you’re doing today. Focus on today because tomorrow has many more opportunities. And you must be a constant lifelong learner and be committed to helping others.”

Sidhu also urged the students in attendance to travel, learn another language and to “be passionate about your hobbies. Let’s open our brains to limitless learning.”

For more on Mansfield University’s leadership initiatives, click here.