Register for popular Women’s Leadership Institute
UofSC to host free professional conference for women in higher education
Posted on: March 30, 2019; Updated on: March 30, 2019
By Nina Jackson, jacksc1@mailbox.sc.edu
Registration opens April 1 for 420 seats at this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference, which is set for May 1 in the Russell House University Union. Based on previous years, it’s expected to fill up in 24 hours.
For 16 years, the University of South Carolina has elevated the personal and professional needs of women in higher education by offering this free daylong conference. This year’s theme encourages women to make this experience “All About Me.”
Check-in begins on 8:30 a.m., and the conference runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A light breakfast
and lunch will be provided.
Leaders who are emotionally intelligent possess the capacity to inclusively inspire others, express themselves and navigate challenges with empathy and discernment — qualities that make all the difference when leading students, faculty and staff to greater success.
Joan Gabel, provost, University of South Carolina
This year’s conference keynote will be delivered by Amy L. Robinson, the founder and
lead for Robinson & Associates Consulting, LLC. Robinson’s speech will focus on how
women can achieve success through emotional intelligence — an “invaluable ingredient
in our efforts to advance higher education’s central values,” according to Joan Gabel,
provost of the University of South Carolina.
Gabel adds, “Leaders who are emotionally intelligent possess the capacity to inclusively inspire others, express themselves and navigate challenges with empathy and discernment — qualities that make all the difference when leading students, faculty and staff to greater success.”
In addition to the keynote, participants will also select from over 25 workshops during three concurrent sessions that cover a broad range of topics such as social media, technology, budgeting, politics in higher education, mental health, career advocacy, leadership … and even life hacks like couponing and shopping your closet.
This year, participants also have a unique opportunity to schedule appointments for free professional social media headshots.
No leader has been a more ardent supporter of the award-winning Women’s Leadership Institute than Provost Joan Gabel. Gabel has attended the conference during every year she has been in her position at South Carolina, and has graciously delivered the keynote address and served as a panelist. Under her leadership, WLI was also recognized with the 2018 ACE State Network Leadership Award for its support of women and advancing women’s issues in higher education.
“Becoming the leader you want to be is purposeful, and the Women’s Leadership Institute provides an important platform for women to develop the tools and strategies to walk this important path,” explains Provost Gabel. “I’m proud of the Institute’s work, and the leadership opportunities it provides to women at the university and across our state.”
Mary Alexander, assistant provost for academic administration, has led the Women’s Leadership Institute since 2011. For more information, please email Mary at malexand@mailbox.sc.edu.