Childers Named ELATES Fellow in National Leadership Program
A University of Arkansas at Little Rock mathematics professor has been selected for a national leadership program that promotes women in academic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Dr. Annie Childers, associate professor of mathematics and interim associate dean of the Donaghey College of STEM at UA Little Rock, has been selected for the Class of 2024-2025 of Drexel University’s Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES) program. This national leadership development program promotes women in academic STEM fields, and faculty allies of all genders, into institutional leadership roles.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to have been selected for Drexel University’s ELATES program,” Childers said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with other leaders in STEM and to develop skills that will help me grow both professionally and personally. I look forward to learning from the distinguished faculty and my cohort as well as applying those lessons to benefit my institution and the STEM community.”
This year’s cohort has 46 faculty members from more than 35 institutions of higher education across the U.S. and Canada. The ELATES Fellows include experts in engineering, mathematics, and science, all of whom have significant administrative experience on top of their scholarly accomplishments.
Childers was nominated by senior leadership for this intensive, yearlong program, which includes eight to 10 hours per week of personal and leadership development work as well as three series of on-site work in the Philadelphia area.
“Through the ELATES program, I hope to enhance my leadership effectiveness, particularly in strategic finance, resource management, and leading change initiatives within higher education,” Childers said. “I’m eager to gain new perspectives on organizational leadership and to expand my network of colleagues who are committed to advancing women and diversity in STEM fields. Ultimately, my goal is to apply what I learn to foster growth and innovation at my institution and within the broader STEM community.”
Facilitated by leaders in the fields of STEM research and leadership development, the ELATES curriculum is focused on increasing Fellows’ personal and professional leadership effectiveness, from the ability to lead and manage change initiatives within institutions, to the use of strategic finance and resource management to enhance organizational missions.
“I would just like to express my gratitude to UA Little Rock for supporting my participation in the ELATES program and for fostering an environment where faculty development and leadership growth are encouraged,” Childers said. “I’m excited to bring back what I learn to further support our mission, and I look forward to contributing in even more meaningful ways.”
The program pairs online instruction and discussion with intensive, in-person seminar sessions. Fellows are encouraged to apply what they have learned at their home institutions. Ultimately, it aims to create a network of exceptional faculty who bring broad organizational perspectives and deep personal capacity to the institutions and society they serve.
“We are excited to welcome one of our biggest classes of Fellows into the ELATES community,” said Dr. Sharon Walker, executive director of the ELATES program and dean of Drexel University’s College of Engineering. “Each Fellow participating in the 11th cohort of ELATES brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience as well as a unique perspective that will enhance and enrich the overall experience of the program and further our mission of advancing and supporting women as leaders in STEM.”