WISCONSIN RAPIDS - Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) is pleased to announce that two employees, Dave Colby and Jo Ann Grode, recently graduated from the Wisconsin Leadership Development Institute (WLDI). The year-long program is created in conjunction with the Chair Academy for Leadership and Development to advance academic and administrative leadership in technical and community colleges.

Colby, Stevens Point, is an Associate Dean in the Business Division and based at MSTC's Stevens Point campus. Grode, Wisconsin Rapids, is an Associate Dean in the Service & Health Division and based at the college's Wisconsin Rapids campus. They began the Institute's program in July 2007, with a week of training which involved an individualized professional development plan. Additional components included a mentor program and a final week of on-site training regarding leadership issues. Topics covered included: The Complex Role of the Organizational Leader, Building Effective Work Teams, Strategic and Scenario Planning, Managing Conflict, Leading Change, Behavioral Work Styles and Appreciating Diversity.

Participants in the program are nominated by their individual colleges and selected to attend. Colby said his experience was invaluable. "The WLDI program's design creates a dialogue that leads to personal discovery, new knowledge, innovation and ultimately, individual and organizational transformation." Grode said attending the Wisconsin Leadership Development Institute was an excellent professional growth experience. "The chance to work with brilliant professionals throughout the state while learning what makes an effective leader provided skills I use every single day."