Metropolitan State University of Denver’s inaugural Community Collab Summit on Aug. 29 took a new approach to professional development, aiming to build campus community by having tough but necessary discussions and providing thoughtful and strategic leadership-development sessions. The event drew 200 employees, and anonymous postevent surveys showed that many attendees enjoyed the honest dialogues and the new approach to professional development.
Attendees found the most value in the lunchtime keynote conversation between Katia Campbell, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and Matt Makley, Ph.D., chair and professor of the History Department. The two faculty members, who have each previously served as Faculty Senate president, reflected on culture, communication, othering and building a sense of belonging.
Summit attendees also commented on the value of the speed-networking session that allowed participants to engage senior leaders in quick, unstructured conversations. Some discussed budget concerns and parking questions, while others used the opportunity to draw attention to programmatic successes or outstanding colleagues and students. Several commenters also appreciated the opportunity to interact with colleagues from other areas of campus, while others said the event helped build a sense of trust.
“We should be doing this regularly so we get in a cadence of learning with and from each other. … This is what will help us create an even stronger MSU Denver team,” one commenter noted.
“Everyone’s enthusiasm for the day reinforces the need for community on campus, the need to engage with colleagues in a meaningful way and the need to continue uplifting the voices on campus,” said Faculty Fellow Kelly Evans, Ph.D. “Thank you all for believing in this idea. I’m so excited for next year’s Summit!”
