The Principle-Centered Leadership Programs are offered to public and private sectors around the state in partnership with other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
The program which allows the Leadership Institute their greatest impact on the future is the Leadership Institute for High School Students. The intense, week-long, residential program for high school leaders is based on the best-selling book 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.
“Over the past four years, we have had 140 students from 46 high schools in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin attend,” said MacDonald, “and the feedback we have collected from parents and school administrators shows these students have become even better leaders.”
The Leadership Institute plans to expand its programs to draw upon the unique expertise of Winona State’s colleges and individual faculty members. MacDonald said this will allow the Leadership Institute to build on WSU’s history as a leader in education and leadership development.
“With these types of leadership programs, not only do people come to us,” said MacDonald, “but we go to them and customize programs for their specific needs.”
As the Leadership Institute program continues to work with learners throughout the community, WSU continues to expand its means to serve that community by offering more opportunities for conferences throughout the year.
Peg Ivanyo is a consultant working with WSU to help increase Winona State’s outreach efforts. The plan to increase the partnership between Winona State and the community was enhanced with the purchase of the Tau Center from the St. Teresa Campus in 2003. During the 2003-2004 school year, the Tau Center was used as a residence hall. However, beginning in September of 2004, the Tau Center became a dual-use facility, serving as a residence hall for students and a conference center to host conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as receptions, banquets and small meetings.
“Having a conferencing facility,” said Ivanyo, “helps fulfill Winona State’s outreach portion of its mission in providing a venue for the exchange of knowledge between the community and the university.”
Throughout the past year, the Tau Center has undergone many renovations from cosmetic changes, including new carpeting, furniture and artwork, to logistical changes, such as upgrading the electrical system and renovating the kitchen to support catering in the facility. Those improvements have enhanced the facility and made Tau Center a desirable place to hold a conference. The results of an increase in conferences will have a direct impact on the students.
“The Tau Center focuses on the desire for the university to expand its conference operation with the hope that it will increase funds for student scholarships,” said Barajas. “It will also be used as a tool to strengthen relationships with external organizations and, through that, it will build the image of Winona State.”
The goal of the Continuing Education and Conference Services unit, who will be supporting programs in the Tau Center, is to facilitate a conference from beginning to end. The Tau Center provides services ranging from audio-visual support to coordinating food and lodging.
“We offer complete conference support services from needs assessment,” said Ivanyo, “through the facilitation of the conference to the final evaluation of the program.”
Together, the Tau Center and the Leadership Institute are working towards building and improving Winona State University’s already successful leadership programs.
"The vision for both of these programs,” said MacDonald, “is to support the outreach efforts for the university constituents.”
For more information on the Tau Center, call 507-474-3900.
