Distance Learners Unite for Commencement

The School of Leadership and Professional Advancement’s (SLPA) celebrated a milestone when it welcomed its first class of graduates from its Master of Science in leadership with a concentration in global leadership at its Aug. 6 commencement.

After completing their coursework entirely online, students traveled from Canada, Washington, D.C., Minnesota and Virginia to receive their diplomas at the ceremony held in the A.J. Palumbo Center.

“It was amazing to get the opportunity to meet and share with fellow classmates,” said Christine Taylor, who traveled from Minneapolis, MN, to attend commencement.

The program has drawn a diverse student population from several states as well as internationally.

“We’re seeing interest from people who work for global nonprofits and corporations with international offices as well as from other professionals who want to develop an ‘international literacy,’” said Dr. Dorothy Bassett, dean of SLPA, who developed the program.

The program has experienced increased enrollment since it began. “We started our first term in August 2009 with 16 students, and the program now has about 60 students,” said Bassett.