Seton Hall University Announces Four New Faculty Fellows App

Seton Hall University's Buccino Leadership Institute is proud to announce the appointment of four distinguished faculty members as Faculty Fellows for the 2024-25 academic year. These appointments will enhance the Institute's mission of fostering leadership excellence across disciplines by incorporating research, community building, experiential learning and project management into its leadership development framework.

The newly appointed Faculty Fellows are:

Juan Rios, DSW- Faculty Fellow for Research

Rios, an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, will focus on advancing research opportunities for leadership students. His expertise in social justice, community-based research and leadership in service will enrich the Institute's research agenda. Rios will lead initiatives that enable students to engage in scholarly research on leadership, ensuring they develop the skills to lead evidence-based solutions in their future careers.

Julia Mills - Faculty Fellow for Culture & Community

As a communications professional and an adjunct professor in the College of Human Development, Culture and Media, Mills brings her deep understanding of culture, media and community engagement to the Buccino Leadership Institute. In her role, she will spearhead initiatives to foster an inclusive, collaborative community within the Institute, creating a culture where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive as future leaders. Her work will emphasize leadership through community building and intercultural competence.

Jennifer McCarthy, MAS - Faculty Fellow for Experiential Learning

As director of simulation and clinical associate professor for the School of Health and Medical Sciences, McCarthy will drive the Institute's focus on experiential learning, creating hands-on leadership opportunities for students. With a background in corporate leadership training and professional development, McCarthy will guide students in applying leadership theories to real-world settings through workshops, internships and leadership simulations, preparing them to meet the demands of the global workforce.

Katherine Connolly, DNP - Faculty Fellow and Project Advisor

Connolly, a senior lecturer in the College of Nursing, will serve as the project advisor, offering strategic guidance on leadership capstone projects and student-led initiatives. With her experience in project management and student mentoring, Connolly will work closely with students to ensure their leadership projects align with the Institute's goals of innovation and cross-disciplinary impact, while also giving them practical tools to execute successful projects.

The appointment of the Faculty Fellows was announced by Executive Director of the Buccino Leadership Institute, Stanton Brown. He praised the appointments, stating, "We are incredibly excited to welcome these talented faculty members to the Buccino Leadership Institute. Each brings unique strengths and a passion for leadership development, and their contributions will enhance our students' ability to grow as dynamic, well-rounded leaders."

As we approach the 30th anniversary of leadership development at Seton Hall University, the Buccino Leadership Institute continues to refine its structure and learning models, aligning with global best practices to remain at the forefront of leadership education. Nationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive leadership programs, the Institute distinguishes itself through an interdisciplinary approach, drawing students from all eight schools and colleges at Seton Hall. Guided by esteemed faculty, professional mentors and industry leaders, our students receive a holistic leadership education that equips them to meet the complex challenges of the future.

Expanding on this success, the Institute is poised to extend its impact into the executive education space. Under the umbrella of the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, we have piloted leadership offerings for executive learners, beginning with graduate certificate courses. The inaugural course, Approaches to Contemporary Leadership, developed and taught by Andrew Simon, Ph.D., is a testament to our ability to deliver top-quality, customizable leadership programs for executives. As we continue to expand, Seton Hall stands ready to meet the growing demand for tailored, high-impact executive education, solidifying our reputation as a leader in leadership development. In addition, undergraduate students across disciplines are invited to take the new spring semester course Leadership and Peak Performance, also taught by Simon, which will develop marketable leadership skills and tools and allow students to earn a Buccino Leadership Institute eBadge upon completion.

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