WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Nov. 30, 2015 — In just a little over a year, the 14 students in West Liberty University’s inaugural master’s in leadership degree program completed their classwork and are now looking forward to participating in formal commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12.
“We congratulate our inaugural class in this master’s program. They have worked hard and are ready now to benefit from their efforts. Our Master’s of Professional Studies graduates were genuinely pleased with the quality of our program and the convenience of earning a master’s so close to home. All of these students are working adults who had many demands on their time,” said Dr. Thomas Michaud, Dean of the School of Professional Studies.
The first cohort began its classwork in September 2014.
From left are Dr. Thomas Michaud, Luke Takosik, John White, David Sidiropolis, Kacey Orr, Stacey Francis, Adaira Rufer, Kathleen O’Connor, James Wilson, Mary Clark, Natasha Sheets, Harold Ellifritt, Laura Kane, Jill Murray, Larry Shepherd, Michael Bolen and Marina Munir.
David Sidiropolis, a December graduate and Wheeling resident, praises the MPS program saying that, “Two of its best attributes are its flexibility for working adults and its professors who have a robust knowledge of the competencies required for effective leadership in the 21st century.”
The 30-hour program meets at WLU’s School of Professional Studies, located at the Highlands Center and is geared toward working adults. It offers two tracks of study, one in organizational leadership and the other in justice leadership.
The MPS in Organizational Leadership track prepares graduate students to become competent leaders as they discover their own leadership style. It educates and broadens critical reasoning and offer skills needed to create positive change at every level of an organization. Students can complete the degree within 14 months.
The MPS in Justice Leadership track is designed for working professionals in the fields of law enforcement and justice administration. It focuses on history, theory, research, ethics and recognized best practices for leadership in the criminal justice system. With both Friday evening and Saturday classes, this is a 36-hour program.
“Many criminal justice agencies require graduate level education for career development and advancement and this is a perfect solution for professionals seeking an advanced degree in a convenient format,” Michaud said.
In addition to the new master’s degree, WLU’s School of Professional Studies offers undergraduate degrees that fit the busy schedules of working adults, including the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Administration (BLA), the Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) and the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).
WLU’s Highlands Center campus is located within the Highlands shopping complex, just across from the Marquee Cinemas building and features plenty of free parking.
For more information on the graduate degree and its entrance requirements, please call 304-217-2800 or email tmichaud@westliberty.edu.
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