The objective of the Mid-Level Professional Institute (MLPI) is to provide resources, individual and group professional development and a supportive cohort of colleagues for 20-24 mid-level staff members across the university. MLPI learning and development focuses on topics relevant to participants’ current roles as well as the development of strategies for future professional growth and advancement.

The program will begin in summer 2023. Applications for facilitators and participants for the 2023-2024 cohort are now closed. 

Who is coordinating MLPI?

Co-Coordinators:

TJ and Jenny will provide continuity to the program and logistical support.

Facilitators:

Lauren Bosselait (she/her/hers) serves as the Director of Internships in the Love School of Business. She has been at Elon for almost 5 years. Lauren graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Public Administration and the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Additionally, Lauren is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. Lauren has lived in 5 states and loves to travel in her free time. She will talk about fitness or show you photos of her nephews or pups any chance she gets!

Dr. Janelle Ellis-Holloway (she/her/hers) joined Elon in 2008 and had served in varying directorship capacities since. She is a 20+- year higher education career professional who has served faculty, staff, and students in the professional development areas of teaching, mentoring and sponsorship, executive coaching, leadership, advising, and mental health advocacy.  She is CEO and Founder of The Flourish Experience, LLC, an executive and leadership development coaching firm; a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, Applied Positive Psychology Practitioner, Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Coach and Social Justice Educator.  She is also an ‘empty nester’ who resides in Durham, North Carolina with her husband. Her favorite places are any beach or island and being in the quiet and stillness of home to reflect and hone her mindfulness practice. She also enjoys watching movies, visiting new restaurants, and is an avid reader.

Larry Mellinger came to Elon University in 2015 as the Director of Campus Recreation. He received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management and a Master of Education in Counseling and Higher Education, both from Ohio University, and has worked at four other institutions over his 20-year career in higher education. Larry has been a member of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation since 1999 and has held a variety of leadership roles in the association, including chair of the NIRSA School of Collegiate Recreation, advisory task force member and exam item writer for the Certification for Student Affairs Educators Recreation Specialty Exam, and currently serves as the president of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. In his time at Elon, Larry has co-chaired the Student Wellness and Well-Being Workgroup, led the integration of Campus Recreation with Health Promotion to become Campus Recreation and Wellness, and serves on the executive team for the University Council on Wellness and Well-Being.

Nita Skillman (she/her/hers) joined the Elon community in 2012, she serves as the Director of the School of Health Science’s Interprofessional Simulation Center. She is also a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), and a member of several national simulation associations. Nita completed her M.B.A. at Elon University in 2017 and is determined to complete her Ph.D. in the spring of 2024. Nita is passionate about elevating others while they align their professional and personal growth goals.

Eric Storsved (he/him/his) arrived at Elon in 2007 and serves as the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine.  In this role he oversees the health and wellness of all Elon student-athletes. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist graduating with B.S. of Athletic Training from North Dakota State University, M.S. in Kinesiology from Indiana University, and his M.B.A. from Elon University.  He is married to Dr. Lynda Butler-Storsved professor at Elon in the School of Education and has 2 children, JJ and Addison.

 

The facilitators are responsible for overall curriculum development and the programmatic aspect of the program. They will serve as small group leaders and lead the cohort through their experience. For more information about them please see their brief biographies here.

Who is this for?

The Mid-Level Professional Institute is designed for staff members with at least five years of professional experience. Supervising other staff members is not a requirement for entry into the experience. Professional staff applying for the institute should have significant professional experience, whether supervising, managing a divisional or university committee, project management or working with their national governing body. Supervisor support and approval are required as part of the application process.

How will I benefit?

Curriculum for the MLPI centers around the development of the following six competencies. Participants will learn more about each competency area, while identifying two competencies around which to create a plan of growth for their own development.

  • Inclusive excellence
  • Leadership
  • Building meaningful relationships and mentoring networks
  • Skills development for higher education professionals
  • Wellness and well-being
  • University decision-making and culture

How is the program structured?

Participants will attend a one-and-a-half-day off-site retreat experience (no overnight stay included) followed by monthly small group or group sessions throughout the academic year and a 360-degree evaluation process facilitated by a professional OLPD coach. Staffing includes:

  • 2 overarching MLPI coordinators working with OLPD to coordinate program
  • 20-24 participants across the university
  • 5 advanced level facilitators (per 5-6 participants) who lead sessions, meet with participants, etc.

MLPI Calendar 

  • Early June – Supervisors of participants meet with coordinators and facilitators
  • June – Off-site retreat (1.5 days- June 13-14th *attendance is mandatory)
  • July – Participants meet one-on-one or small group with their facilitator
  • August – Group program; gather after president’s address; EECI meet by division with vice president
  • September – Group workshop
  • October – Participants meet one-on-one or small group with their facilitator
  • November – Group workshop
  • Early December – Supervisors of participants meet with coordinators and facilitators
  • January –mini-retreat (half- or full-day off-site retreat)
  • February – Participants meet one-on-one or small group with their facilitator
  • March – Group workshop
  • April – Group final program and wrap-up (celebration with supervisors, VPs and participants)

How do I apply?

MLPI is an optional experience based on participant interest and supervisor approval. Applications include an acknowledgment that supervisors have been consulted. Each participant’s supervisor should be involved and attend supervisor meetings to foster communication and on-going learning between sessions. For information on how to join the Mid-Level Professional Institute, contact program coordinators Jenny Larson, interim director of campus recreation and wellness, or TJ Bowie, equal opportunity and human resources compliance manager.

*Note applications for the 2023-2024 cohort are closed. Future cohort application information will be updated in early 2024.