Mid-Level Professionals Institute 2025-26 cohort kicks off with energizing summer retreat

The Mid-Level Professionals Institute (MLPI) 2025-26 cohort launched their year with a two-day summer retreat in June focused on the theme “Learning Toward: Leadership & Followship.”

A group of people pose for a photo in a conference room — 2025-26 MLPI Cohort during their June retreat

The 2025-26 cohort of Elon’s Mid-Level Professionals Institute (MLPI) launched their yearlong leadership journey with a dynamic two-day summer retreat on June 17 and 18. Centered on the theme “Learning Toward: Leadership & Followship,” the retreat brought together mid-level professionals from across the university to explore core leadership competencies, deepen their understanding of higher education culture, and foster a strong sense of community among participants.

Held over two full days, the retreat offered a thoughtfully curated agenda of professional development sessions, team-building activities and strategic planning. It also marked the official start of a transformative experience designed to support mid-level staff as they grow in their roles and contribute meaningfully to Elon’s mission.

The objective of the Mid-Level Professionals Institute (MLPI) is to provide resources, individual and group professional development and a supportive cohort of colleagues for 16-20 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.

A Powerful Launch: Day One

The retreat began with a warm welcome from MLPI coordinators Vicki Blocker and Nita Skillman, who introduced the cohort to the purpose and structure of the MLPI program. The group also had the opportunity to meet Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, who shared her vision for leadership development at Elon.

A speaker presents to an attentive audience, pointing at a slide titled “Budget, Finances, Funding” with discussion questions projected on the screen. — Jim Piatt, senior vice president for advancement and external affairs, presents “Elon from a 50,000-Foot View,” during the MLPI summer retreat on June 16.

The morning continued with a strategic overview of the university, as Jim Piatt, senior vice president for advancement and external affairs, presented “Elon from a 50,000-Foot View,” helping participants understand the broader institutional context in which they lead. Lauren Bosselait followed with an engaging session focused on uncovering and utilizing personal strengths as a foundation for leadership.

After a collegial lunch, the afternoon turned toward introducing key competencies that will guide the cohort’s learning throughout the academic year. Participants explored five essential focus areas:

University Decision-Making, Politics, and Culture (facilitated by Kirsten Carrier)
Wellness and Well-Being (facilitated by Charlotte Williams)
Inclusive Excellence (facilitated by Kathy Ziga)
Mentoring (facilitated by Deandra Little)
Leadership and Followship (faciliated Pat Donohue)

These introductions set the stage for deeper engagement on the second day. Before wrapping up, participants took part in an interactive team-building activity led by Vicki and Nita, sparking collaboration and fun. The day concluded with a relaxed social featuring light appetizers and refreshments, an opportunity for the new cohort to connect informally and begin building lasting professional relationships.