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Dr. Alyson Paul and Dr. John Leyba graduated recently as part of the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's (USG) 2023-24 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) cohort. The cohort included 34 faculty and staff members from 23 USG institutions and the University System Office.

Paul is the vice president of Student Engagement and Success and has worked at the University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) since 2004. Paul served as interim vice president for Student Affairs since September before being named to her current role in April. She has held various pivotal roles, including leadership positions in Residence Life and the Dean of Students office, in her 20 years with ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ. 

"Participating in ELI provided purposeful time to learn, grow and reflect with a variety of other professionals in the USG," Paul said. "Being afforded this opportunity was a demonstration of USG and ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's commitment to developing leaders from within."

Leyba is the dean of the College of Science & Mathematics. Before that, Leyba served as associate dean and head of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. 

"The USG ELI was an incredible experience. Going into the program, I did not anticipate how profoundly it would impact me as a person and as a leader," Leyba said. "The ELI experience was beyond my highest expectations."

This year's cohort convened on Aug. 29, 2023, and is the 14th cohort to graduate from the program.

"This group includes some of the best among our faculty and staff across Georgia," USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. "As one of the top public university systems in the nation, we are invested in supporting and growing the people already working hard right here in the university system. With this professional development, USG wants to help them reach their full potential."

Since 2009, USG has hosted ELI for faculty and staff to develop new leaders within the university system and offer professional development opportunities to help them grow their careers in Georgia. University presidents nominate academic and staff leaders to participate.

From the nominees, individuals are selected for the program and participate in a leadership development curriculum that includes content, personal reflection, job shadowing, and cross-mentoring.