2019 ODC Conference

The Organizational Development Consortium (ODC) Conference came back to its original host location as we gathered at Wake Downtown and on the Wake Forest Reynolda campus for our 2019 conference. We were 43 participants representing 25 institutions of higher education from across the United States who gathered from June 11th through 13th to network and share best practices regarding organizational development, professional development, learning, training, and coaching.

The conference began with a welcome reception at Wake Downtown and a keynote offered by Alana James, Associate Director of Community Engagement. Alana shared the work that is taking place in that space to build on the strengths of the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities through mutual learning. It was both exciting and inspiring to hear the good work and collaborations taking hold there.

Attendees moved to Farrell Hall for the next day and a half to learn from each other regarding best practices and new initiatives happening in the organizational development higher education space. The following sessions were a part of our experience:

• Session One: Career Pathing: Building a tool to build a brighter future, by Wanda Hayes and Randall H. Lucius, Emory University
• Session Two:Supervisor Training Panel Discussion, which was put together by Maggie Denna and Josh Warren, University of Georgia. The panel moderator was Josh Warren and the panel  included:
  • Chris Dahlquist, Western Carolina University
  • Tanya Ladd, University of Cincinnati
  • Ken Pinnock, University of Denver
  • Maggie Denna, University of Georgia
• Session Three:Interrogating what we are doing; Discovering the next big thing, by LaTrese Ferguson, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Session Four: Creating the Workplace We Want, by Mark Trommer, University of Arizona
• Session Five: Developing an ODC Content Exchange, by Nathan Strong, University of South Carolina and Melissa Clodfelter, Wake Forest University
• Session Six: Ignite Sessions (5 minutes on a topic of the presenter’s choosing as 15 slides advanced automatically every 20 seconds), Topics and Presenters:
  • Perfection Prevents Progress, by Broc Edwards, Baylor University
  • A Manager’s Role in Wellbeing, by Ken Pinnock, University of Denver
  • Identifying the Causes of Team Performance Issues, by Nathan Strong, University of South Carolina
  • What?!? How is That a Technical?!?, by Ron Tredway, University of Tennessee System
• Session Seven: Fearless Succession Planning, by Carolyn Cullen, University of Virginia

Also scattered throughout the conference were Roundtable Discussions. Attendees placed post it notes on a wall and as time allowed, we held open discussions about a variety of topics from learning management systems to types of assessments used in our respective settings.

The 2020 Organizational Development Consortium Conference will be held May 18th through 20th at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina.

Institutions in Attendance: Appalachian State University, Baylor University, Durham Technical Community College, East Tennessee State University, Elon University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Penn State, Rice University, Samford University,University of Arizona, University of Cincinnati, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of Louisville, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of North Carolina Greensboro, University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee System, University of Virginia, Wake Forest University, Washington and Lee University, Western Carolina University.

Congratulations to the 2018-2019 Leadership Development Program cohort. This 19 member group of faculty and staff met six times over the course of the academic year to engage in content and rich conversation with each other. Members of the cohort also developed individual projects that were discussed in consultation groups developed within the cohort.

The members of the 2018-2019 cohort were:

• Phil Archer, Deputy Director, Reynolda House Museum of American Art
• Shannon Badgett, Assistant Vice President, Budget & Planning
• Allison Belton, Director, Procurement & Payment Services
• Steve Folmar, Associate Professor & Chair, Anthropology
• Shayla Herndon-Edmunds, Director of Diversity Education
• Derek Hicks, Associate Professor, School of Divinity
• Tanya Jachimiak, Director, Title IX Office
• Mary Beth Lock, Assistant Dean & Director of Access Services, ZSR Library
• Marianne Magjuka, Assistant Dean of Students, Executive Director, Pro Humanitate Institute
• Tony Marsh, Professor, Health & Exercise Science, Senior Associate Dean, Office of the Dean of the College
• Norma Montague, Associate Professor, School of Business & Associate Dean, Masters in Management
• Elizabeth Nolan, Director, Faculty Affairs, School of Business
• Gregory Parks, Associate Dean of Research, Public Engagement, and Faculty Development & Professor of Law, School of Law
• Olga Pierrakos, Professor & Chair, Engineering
• Stephanie Poskin, Director, Facilities Support Services & Operations
• Nick Reed, Director of External Reporting, Finance & Accounting Services
• Rob Smith, Director of IT Infrastructure
• Erica Still, Associate Professor of English & Associate Dean, ODOC
• Elaine Tooley, Executive Director of Presidential Communication

Baylor University served as the host of the 2018 Organizational Development Consortium (ODC) Conference as  attendees congregated deep in the heart of Texas.  39 attendees from 29 institutions of higher education from across the United States gathered in Waco, Texas from May 21st through 23rd to network and share best practices regarding organizational development, professional development, learning, training, and coaching.

The conference began with a welcome reception and dinner with a wonderful view of the beautiful Baylor campus and the Waco skyline.  Tami Nutt, Baylor’s Manager of Employee Experience and Engagement, provided insightful comments about Waco’s history and the origins of Baylor University which offered a depth of understanding about the host institution and our home for the next few days.

Tuesday found the group at the elegant McMullen-Connally Faculty Center and began with networking time and a review of ODC history, objectives, and aspirations.  The group was fortunate to be joined by Cheryl Gochis, Vice President of Human Resources at Baylor University, who offered words and welcome and provided a glimpse into her strategic plan for HR at Baylor.  The first session presenters were Susan Coan and Emily Wykle from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Their session, Moving from “Them” to “Us”:  Lessons from Lead UAB, provided a look back and overview of their leadership development program and ended with an interactive, forward-looking activity that gathered feedback and ideas from knowledgeable conference attendees.

Lunch was followed by an exciting new addition to ODC events, the ignite session.  Also called PechaKucha, these sessions featured higher education professionals speaking for 5 minutes on a topic of their choosing as 15 slides advanced automatically every 20 seconds.  Ignite session topics and presenters included:
Learning the Lingo of Higher Education – Lorinda Schrammel, Oklahoma State University
There’s No Crying in Higher Education – John Champlin, Wake Forest University
Staculty – Dr. Jon Singletary, Baylor University
Hospitality in Higher Education – PaToya Hall, Baylor University
The short, fast-paced sessions were an exciting deviation from longer sessions and were made even more engaging by Mary Stall (Southern Methodist University) who made intricate visualizations of each ignite session in real time.  Future ODC events will definitely feature the sessions in this format.

The afternoon concluded with Mark Trommer from the University of Arizona discussing how they have turned yearly performance reviews into career conversations that focus on significant accomplishments, key strengths, and plans for the future.  Attendees returned to the hotel before being let loose in downtown Waco for group dinners that allowed for further networking and relationship-building.

Wednesday began with a keynote from Baylor University’s President, Dr. Linda Livingstone.  She spoke to her professional background, the mission of Baylor, and the direction of higher education more broadly.  Breakfast (burritos, of course) was followed by a session by Texas Christian University colleagues: Rachelle Blackwell, Whitnee Boyd, Leigh Holland, and Aisha Torrey-Sawyer.  Their session, Breathing Room:  Fostering an Environment of Inclusion, spoke to their work in creating space for affinity groups on their campus that focus on various dimensions of wellness.

An HR/OD Interventions panel, facilitated by Tanya Ladd (University of Cincinnati), concluded the formal conference sessions.  Panelists included:
Greg Giesen, University of Denver
Melissa Clodfelter, Wake Forest University
LaTrese Ferguson, Georgia Tech
Nathan Strong, University of South Carolina

Many thanks to Broc Edwards, Tami Nutt, Drexel King, Nathan Sifers and the entire Baylor University Human Resources team for being warm and hospitable hosts and for organizing a fantastic event.  Also, thanks to all of the conference attendees who were constantly engaged in the content and the spirit of this event.

The 2019 Organizational Development Consortium Conference will be held June 11th through 13th at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

Institutions in Attendance: Baylor University, Brookhaven College, Brown University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Military College, Johns Hopkins University, Lamar University, McLennan Community College, Norfolk State University, North Central Texas College, Northwestern University, Oklahoma State University, Southern Methodist University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Arizona, University of Cincinnati, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, University of Virginia – Health Systems, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University

During a recognition luncheon on March 2, 13 members of the Wake Forest community were presented with plaques honoring their completion of the CORE program.  Colleagues and supervisors were in attendance to help congratulate the honorees.  This year’s plaques were made from reclaimed wood from an oak tree that stood on the grounds of the President’s Home.  Many thanks to the Facilities and Campus Services Construction Team for making these unique and special awards!

The 2018 CORE Honorees include:

Mark Anderson, University Advancement CORE Leader

Ashley Graham Phipps, Employer Relations

Sonya Izzard, Student Financial Services

Christy Lennon, Human Resources

Kayla Lisenby, LGBTQ Center (not pictured)

Sharon Lunsford, School of Business CORE AP

Travis Manning, Z. Smith Reynolds Library

Kim McGrath, University Advancement CORE Leader

Lisa Simmons, Employer Relations

Darlene Starnes, Intercultural Center (not pictured)

Lauren Trethaway, Student Financial Services CORE Leader (not pictured)

Cheryl Walker, University Advancement CORE Leader

Denise Williard, Residence Life & Housing

CORE, which stands for “Cultivating our Organization to Realize Excellence,” was launched in September of 2011.  CORE is built around 5 competencies that are meaningful and relevant to our campus:  communication, community, leadership, organizational acumen, and personal progression.

The 2017 Organizational Development Consortium (ODC) Conference welcomed a record number of attendees at its annual gathering hosted by Wake Forest University.  48 representatives from 36 institutions of higher education across the United States met from June 5th through 7th to network and share best practices regarding organizational development, professional development, learning, training, and coaching.

Michele Gillespie, Dean of Wake Forest College and Presidential Endowed Chair of Southern History, offered the opening keynote during Monday evening’s welcome reception.  Speaking to the organizational development professionals in the room, Dean Gillespie shared that “higher education has never needed your talents or vision more.” She continued,”through the training, the coaching, the talent work, the workshops, all the services and supports that you provide, you give people a wonderful tool kit with which to make higher ed rock and roll, and succeed – you help faculty and staff gain footholds and to focus and grow.”

Attendees were bright-eyed and eager to get started on Tuesday morning.  John Champlin, Assistant Director of Wake Forest University’s Professional Development Center, welcomed the group and offered a history of the conference and the goals and objectives of the ODC.  Shannon Seales from the University of Denver then took the floor to offer insight into her efforts to deliver an onboarding experience that is focused on engagement and retention of new employees.  The morning closed with a presentation from Bucknell University’s Lisa Adams-Verge and WFU’s John Champlin as they recounted their collaboration in designing and building a supervisor training that would prove useful on both campuses.  As their session concluded, attendees found collaboration partners in the room based on upcoming projects.

After lunch, Shemika Bell introduced and explained the three modules that make up Wake Technical Community College’s Leadership Program.  A rousing round of Speed Networking facilitated by Elizabeth Dam-Regier of the WFU’s Human Resources Project Office allowed attendees to get to know each other while introducing a fun and easy icebreaker.  Gail Napora lead a session that provided information about how James Madison University has recruited, developed, empowered, and rewarded 148 volunteer facilitators.  An assessments panel moderated by Melissa Clodfelter of Wake Forest University closed day one.  The panelists, Allie Cox, University of Georgia; Carrie Herrig, University of North Dakota; Nathan Strong, University of South Carolina; and Sherry Wright of Washington and Lee University, each spoke to an assessment that they frequently use on their campus for organizational and leadership development purposes.

Wednesday began with a session from Shayla Herndon-Edmunds from Wake Forest University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.  Shayla detailed WFU’s efforts to deepen intercultural understanding in the faculty and staff population.  The group participated in an activity that simulates communicating through layers before ending the main part of the conference with a large group Roundtable Discussion.  Topics covered in the discussion included marketing learning events, learning management systems, innovation in leadership development programs, integrating improvisation techniques in workshops, and more.  After lunch, some attendees participated in an optional debrief of the FourSight Assessment.  FourSight is a tool used at Wake Forest to help individuals and teams identify their creativity and problem-solving preferences.  FourSight generously donated the assessments for this event.  Learn more about how WFU uses FourSight here.

The Professional Development Center Team at Wake Forest University extends its deepest appreciation to our presenters and participants for the energy and enthusiasm they brought to this event.

The 2018 Organizational Development Consortium Conference will be held May 21-23 on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Institutions in attendance:  Baylor University, Bucknell University, Colorado College, Davidson College, Durham Technical Community College, Eastern Michigan University, Elon University, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Guilford Technical Community College, James Madison University, Rice University, Saint Louis University, The Citadel, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Arizona, University of Cincinnati, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina – Charlotte, University of North Carolina – Greensboro, University of North Carolina – Wilmington, University of North Dakota, University of Rhode Island, University of Richmond, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida – St. Petersburg, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest University, Wake Technical Community College, Washington and Lee University, Wayne State University, Western Carolina University

The 2016-2017 Leadership Development Program (LDP) Cohort completed their Capstone Presentation culminating the nine month curriculum that included developmental sessions, assessments, individual coaching, and collaboration across campus.  The 18 member cohort presented the findings of their capstone research at a gathering of university leaders on the campus of the Crossnore School and Children’s Home.  Members of the cohort engaged in asset mapping of community engagement activities across the Reynolda Campus, with the goal of informing and complementing the Pro Humanitate Institute’s efforts and providing context for community engagement projects, initiatives, and/or task forces now and in the future.

Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Leadership Development Program Cohort!

C. Mark Batten, Director of Creative Strategies and Admissions Operations, School of Divinity

R. Kriss Dinkins, Assistant VP, Recruitment and Operations, Human Resources

Sylvia DuRant, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, University Advancement

Adam Goldstein, Dean of Students, Associate VP of Student Life

Geni Holmes, Executive Director, University Events

Nina Lucas, Associate Professor, Theatre and Dance, Chair

Sandeep Mazumder, Associate Professor, Economics, Associate Chair

Nathan Plageman, Associate Professor of History

Jessica Richard, Associate Professor of English, Chair

Heidi Robinson, Assistant Professor of the Practice, Department of Counseling and Office of Personal and Career Development

Malika Roman Isler, Director of Wellbeing

Catherine Ross, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning Center

Dixie Ross, Director of Campus Financial Services

John Shenette, Associate VP for Facilities and Campus Services

Omari Simmons, Professor of Law

Derri Stormer, Major, University Police

Lori Wrenn, Director of Budget and Finance, School of Business

Tanya Zanish-Belcher, Senior Librarian, Director, Special Collections and University Archivist

During a recognition luncheon on February 24, 8 members of the Wake Forest community were presented with plaques honoring their completion of the CORE program.  Colleagues and supervisors were in attendance to help congratulate the honorees.

The 2017 CORE Honorees include:

Gail Bretan, Office of the Chaplain

Krista Davis, Information Systems

Deborah Hallstead, Office of the Associate Provost for Global Affairs

Joanna Hamilton, Department of Economics

Carol Ann Harris, University Advancement

Danette Johnson, Information Systems

Erica Schoen, Finance and Accounting Services

Deborah Snyder, Teaching and Learning Collaborative (not pictured)

CORE, which stands for “Cultivating our Organization to Realize Excellence,” was launched in September of 2011 as an outcome of the climate survey to offer more sustained developmental options for faculty and staff on campus.  CORE is built around 5 competencies that are meaningful and relevant to our campus:  communication, community, leadership, organizational acumen, and personal progression.

Dr. Melissa Clodfelter, Director of the Professional Development Center, and John Champlin, Assistant Director of the Professional Development Center presented during a concurrent session at the 2016 CUPA-HR National Conference held in Washington, D.C. September 25-27.  Their session, “Engaging the Liberal Arts in Leadership Development,”  spoke to innovative development opportunities for Wake Forest University leaders.  Melissa described the Liberal Arts and Engaged Leadership series, a set of four events that offered liberal arts-driven perspectives on leadership.  John described Human Resources’ Leadership Summit and its creative approach to assembling and developing top University leadership.  The sessions attendees, many of them liberal arts graduates or representing liberal arts institutions, were intrigued and engaged.

For the first time in the history of the Organizational Development Consortium (ODC), the annual conference left the campus of Wake Forest University and arrived at the foot of Pike’s Peak at beautiful Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  This begins a rotational model that will take the conference to new campuses on even-numbered years.  Wake Forest will continue to host the event on odd-number years.

Attendees were welcomed by conference organizers during a reception on Sunday evening.  Mingling and networking began as new and returning conference goers interacted.  Excitement grew for the days to come.

Monday morning began with a salutation from Colorado College’s Director of Human Resources, Barbara Wilson.  She then introduced event’s keynote speaker Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, Colorado College President.  Dr. Tiefenthaler powerfully spoke to the importance of professional development in Higher Education.  She outlined her efforts as Colorado College President to ensure that faculty and staff on her campus were nurtured and offered opportunities to better themselves.  The emphasized the importance of partnering with leadership and the critical nature of dynamic events and programs to keep engagement high.  Dr. Tiefenthaler previously served as Provost at Wake Forest University and was pivotal in the creation of the Professional Development Center.

John Champlin, of Wake Forest University’s Professional Development Center, offered a brief review of the mission of the ODC and the history of the conference, now in it’s 6th year.  Afterward, the People Development team from Denver University presented on their people development program based on the Colorado 14ers (peaks in Colorado that are at least 14,000 feet above sea level).  The breadth and depth of the offering impressed and inspired many in attendance.

Next, University of New Mexico’s Mary Farias spoke about mindfully and purposefully developing and retooling leadership development programs to fit the needs and culture of the university.  She reminded attendees, “You can’t teach leadership development.  But you can create experiences that allow individuals to engage in leadership.”

Following lunch and a campus tour, Dr. Melissa Clodfelter, Director of the Professional Development Center at Wake Forest University, offered a model of using coaching to benefit organizational inclusiveness.  She demonstrated how coaching, a growing service on campuses, can be a gentle catalyst for inclusion and social justice.  Melissa was followed by Dr. Paul Buckley who leads several of Colorado College’s diversity and inclusion initiatives for faculty, staff, and students.  Dr. Buckley, Assistance Vice President and Director of the Butler Center, provided context to their workshops around D&I and offered a simulation to those in attendance.

To close the day, a panel of representatives from Colorado College and Wake Forest University spoke to lessons learned from recent launches of campus-wide professional development programs.  Attendees then informally gathered and networked over dinner in downtown Colorado Springs.

Tuesday’s sessions began with Jillian Gonzales from the University of Mexico discussed how she uses Motivational Interviewing in her work to enhance staff engagement.  Motivational Interviewing is a tool the focuses on client-centered conversations that can generate deeper levels of understanding and support.  The final conference session featured Allie Cox from the University of Georgia and Andy Lang from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  They provided insight into how the UGA Training and Development team partnered with graduate students in the UGA College of Education to develop effective evaluation techniques for a leadership development program.

The conference concluded with the much-beloved Roundtable Q&A with topics covering assessments, Learning Management Systems, fees for workshops, faculty development opportunities, program evaluation, and much more.

Many thanks for the Jessica Bridge and Lisa Brommer for Colorado College for planning a wonderful event.  Additionally, thanks are owed to all of the fantastic presenters and every attendee.  Your participation and spirit make this event special every year.

The 7th Annual Organizational Development Consortium Conference will be held May 21-23, 2017 on the campus of Wake Forest University.

Institutions in attendance: Baylor University, Colorado College, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University – Global, Colorado State University, Columbia University, Grinnell College, Loyola Marymount University, Macalester College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, North Carolina State University, Pikes Peak Community College, Purdue University, Santa Clara University, St. Olaf College, Texas A&M University, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of New Mexico, Virginia Tech University, Wake Forest University, Wake Technical Community College, Washington & Lee University

During a ceremony at Graylyn International Conference Center on Friday, February 26th, 11 members of the Wake Forest University faculty and staff community were recognized for completing their CORE certification.  Guests and supervisors looked on as each honoree received their CORE plaque to rousing applause.

The 2016 CORE Honorees include:

Sara Blackburn, Financial Aid

Jeff Eller, Z. Smith Reynolds Library

Becky Fisher, University Advancement

Laura Jane Kist, Procurement Services

Kelly Larrimore, Pro Humanitate Institute

Mazie Lewis, Information Systems

Susan McFadyen, Finance Systems (not pictured)

Kim Robertson, University Advancement

Louise Schatz, Counseling Department

Kristi Verbeke, Teaching and Learning Center (not pictured)

The 2016 CORE Leader Honoree:

Keith Allred, Information Systems (not pictured)

CORE, which stands for “Cultivating our Organization to Realize Excellence,” was launched in September of 2011 as an outcome of the climate survey to offer more sustained developmental options for faculty and staff on campus.  CORE is built around 5 competencies that are meaningful and relevant to our campus:  communication, community, leadership, organizational acumen, and personal progression.