Cleveland State University encourages a culture of leadership, innovation, and transformation in the student body. So it should come as no surprise that CSU's newest enrichment program encourages the same ways of thinking in university faculty and staff.

Out of those who applied, only 14 were chosen for the inaugural class. We're proud to report that two of Washkewicz College's own were chosen for this distinctive program.

Dr. Sathish Kumar, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Ms. Erin Elosh, Sr. Manager of Cooperative Education, were both selected from a wide pool of applicants.

According to the program's website, "Cleveland State University’s new Leadership & Innovation Fellows for Transformation (LIFT) Program is an opportunity for faculty and staff to explore how they can create the conditions for positive change by learning about and practicing leadership and innovation. Through this program, Fellows will expand their capacity to drive innovation in their respective fields and across the institution."

"Presented by The Beth E. Mooney for Transformative Leadership and the Weston Ideation Lab, the LIFT Program is an eight-month intensive, highly-focused opportunity for up to 12 Fellows, combining engagement with internal and external leaders and innovation theory research with opportunities to practice what is learned in the higher education environment. An external field trip will connect Fellows to best practices and showcase innovation."

As Washkewicz College strives to achieve a positive impact on our community, we applaud these changemakers on their acceptance to this program and for their commitment to innovation and transformation through positive leadership.