Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president, has launched BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy.

BonaLeads is designed to prepare faculty and staff with the skills needed to contribute to the strategic growth of St. Bonaventure University. The program will help to grow and nurture the leadership capabilities of the participants to make a greater impact on both the university and their ultimate career paths.

Participants of the inaugural cohort were recommended by divisional vice presidents and approved by the president based on their dedication, talent and potential to contribute to the university’s mission and goals.

“Our faculty and staff are the cornerstone of a St. Bonaventure education, and their professional development is a key component to their continued success as well as ours,” said Gingerich. “The program represents an investment in our campus community, providing participants with the tools and knowledge they need to become leaders not only at St. Bonaventure, but perhaps elsewhere in the field of higher education.”

Inaugural participants of BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy:

• Dr. Pamina Abkowitz, School of Education
• Marty Blind, University Advancement
• Dr. Derien Braxton, Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions
• Ryan Clingan, Athletics
• Mary Coombs, School of Business
• Rob DeFazio, Student Affairs
• Melissa DeRose, University Advancement
• Beth Eberth, Marketing & Communications
• Dr. Kaplan Harris, School of Arts & Sciences
• Fr. Steve Kuehn, O.F.M., University Ministries
• Kyle Leslie, Human Resources
• Steve Mest, Athletics
• Adriane Spencer, Student Success Center
• Dr. Christine Uhl, School of Arts & Sciences
• Alexis Watson, Athletics
• Caitlin Webster, Events & Conferences
• Dean Whitcomb, Enrollment
• Tara Zak, President’s Office

The program will be led by the president and his wife, Betsy Gingerich.

The inaugural cohort of BonaLeads kicked off last month, with participants engaging in a series of sessions, activities and discussions designed to provide leaders with new insights into the inner workings of higher education. The program will conclude the week after Commencement.

Gingerich intends for the initiative to become an annual program, welcoming a new cohort of participants each year.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).