Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) chair of the Department of Agricultural Sciences for the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology recently graduated from the University System of Georgia’s (USG) 2023-24 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI).
Dr. Hari Singh is among 34 faculty and staff members from 23 USG institutions and the University System Office to earn this achievement. This year’s cohort convened on Aug. 29, 2023, and is the 14th group to complete the program.
“This group includes some of the best among our faculty and staff across Georgia,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “As one of the top public university systems in the nation, we are invested in supporting and growing the people already working hard right here in the university system. With this professional development, USG wants to help them reach their full potential.”
Since 2009, USG has hosted ELI for faculty and staff to develop new leaders within the university system and offer professional development opportunities to help them grow their careers in Georgia. University presidents nominate academic and staff leaders to participate. From the nominees, individuals are selected for the program and participate in a leadership development curriculum that includes content, personal reflection, job shadowing and cross-mentoring.
Singh expressed his key takeaways from participating in the leadership program, describing the experience as enriching.
“It provided a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving my leadership capabilities,” he said. “The program’s design allowed for deep self-reflection, helping me to identify my strengths and areas for growth.”
The FVSU researcher and professor noted he gained a renewed understanding of himself as a professional, the identification of his potential for success, and the preparation for assuming leadership roles.
“The opportunity to shadow an established leader offered invaluable insights into effective leadership practices, further enhancing my ability to lead with confidence and competence,” he added.
To enhance his role at FVSU, Singh plans to promote respect and openness within his team by actively listening and fostering inclusivity. He also looks forward to developing his strategic thinking skills through leveraging data and technology. Furthermore, he is prepared to set and communicate clear goals and expectations and build high-performance teams by providing mentorship, fostering accountability and promoting collaboration.
His aspiration to participate in ELI was driven by his desire to enhance his leadership skills and professional growth.
“I recognized the need to deepen my understanding of effective leadership practices to better serve my team and organization. The USG offered this unique opportunity, and I am thankful to President Dr. Paul Jones and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Olufunke Fontenot for recommending my candidacy from the university’s applicant pool,” he commended.
Singh advises for those interested in ELI to approach the program with an open mind and a commitment to self-reflection.
“Be ready to embrace learning opportunities and actively engage in networking with peers and mentors,” he said. “Fully commit to the program’s activities and assignments to maximize your growth.”
He added, “Plan to implement the knowledge and practices you acquire in your current role to see immediate benefits. ELI offers a transformative experience for those dedicated to enhancing their leadership skills.”
The agricultural professor declared he was deeply impressed by the commitment and time dedicated by Perdue, whose presence and vision on the institute were truly inspiring. He is also grateful to Dr. Brendan Kelly, president of the University of West Georgia, for providing an outstanding shadowing experience and Dr. Wendi Jenkins, USG’s associate vice chancellor for Leadership and Institutional Development, for her exceptional leadership in guiding the institute’s activities.