Additionally, Craven understands the value of partnering and collaborating with other university programs. “The center looks to bring in experts in various areas to the staff and students,” Craven said.
Staff members are always working from their strengths. Craven gives kudos to all of her staff members, and when asked to identify one who stands out in terms of leadership, she quickly explained that she could not choose just one. “Each person brings great gifts to the Center and contributes to the mission and vision of the CSL. To highlight one person excludes the great work of others. I really would not know how to choose.” Craven said. She views Laila Smith, as her “go to” person for operational concerns such as budget management and marketing, while she turns to Karen Boettler for big ideas on advanced leadership initiatives.
Students are encouraged to participate in any of CSL’s programs–including its Student Leadership Development Workshop Series, through which they will learn to lead effectively in various environments, strengthen their written and oral communication skills, and explore domestic and international travel opportunities.
Earlier this year, the CSL partnered with the Year of the Arabian Peninsula in the Division of Global Affairs to learn about that region of the world, with a focus on Oman. During the year, leadership students participated in a Women in Oman Conference, a scholarly
The center is positioned for growth and is currently conducting a search for an executive director. The new executive director will help to connect CSL with external communities. “We are looking for someone to help us with grant writing and fundraising. We are also looking for someone to champion the use of undergraduate research opportunities for our students," explained Craven. "I would like us to connect better with academic programs.”
Staff and students are encouraged to pursue certifications in leadership, such as StrengthsQuest (a program that affords participants insight into using their talents to achieve academic success, explore careers,
and promote leadership development), DISC (a behavior-assessment tool based on the DISC theory of psychologist William Moulton Marston), and True Colors (a model of personality identification).
One of the students, Brittany Pallaschke, shared her thoughts on Facebook: “It is bittersweet leaving Oman. I've created so many memories and have learned so much. About my views, my beliefs, the world. I have a whole new outlook on everything. I have been solidified. I am so sad to be leaving this beautiful country and beautiful people, but I am ready to come home and share my new- found look on life.”
symposium in Washington, D.C., Year of Arabian Peninsula events and lectures, and helped coordinate the annual film festival. The experience culminated in a two-week trip with KSU faculty, visiting historical sites in Oman and meeting students and faculty at Sultan Qaboos University.
Judy Craven and Karen Boettler