Nursing School Chair Nic Webb Named to AASCU Emerging Leaders Program

A  Unviversity of Central Missouri educator who has worked in and helped prepare students for nursing careers, Nic Webb, DNP, will visit Washington, D.C., this week as a participant in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities'  (AASCU) 2022 Emerging Leaders Program.

WARRENSBURG, MO – Nic Webb, DNP, an associate professor and chair of the  University of Central Missouri School of Nursing, has been named to a new cohort of higher education professionals across the nation who are participating in the 2022 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Webb, who travels to the nation’s capital June 15-17 to participate in the program, is one of 36 individuals who are part of this premier leadership development initiative established by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Since 2015, the program has sought to prepare early to mid-career academic and administrative emerging leaders who aspire to advance to administrative roles with greater responsibility and oversight.

“The diverse and motivated campus leaders in the ELP class of 2022 reflect the strength and value of what happens when the AASCU network comes together,” said Dr. Charles L. Welch, president of the Arkansas State University System, former chair of the AASCU Board of Directors, and ELP coordinator. “We are pleased to bring the ELP cohort to Washington, D.C., for three days of in-person programming for the first time in three years and look forward to lively discussions and insightful learning experiences that will inspire and equip participants to shape our institutions to promote inclusivity, equity, and student success. I look forward to a great year of learning and personal development.”

According to information provided by AASCU, the ELP curriculum is designed to develop the skills and competencies necessary for the next generation of higher education leaders. To accomplish this goal, the 2022 ELP cohort will engage with a rich and experienced group of faculty members to cover topics such as equity and social justice leadership, navigating and leading through change, finance and administration, leading as a provost, and more. The group will meet for an in-person retreat, monthly virtual workshops, and small-group sessions for reflection and study of promising practices. Each member of the ELP cohort will demonstrate their leadership skills to their campus community by leading an on-campus project or initiative with the support of their president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator.

Webb said she was encouraged to participate in the application process for acceptance into the ELP by Jeff Robertson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health, Science and Technology (CHST) at UCM.  As she prepares to begin her duties as associate dean of CHST on July 1, Webb is excited about the opportunity this program will provide toward her professional growth. In addition to spending a few days in Washington, D.C., the ELP will provide future opportunities for participation, including online discussions through December 2022. Robertson will serve as Webb’s mentor throughout this program.

“It is really important to me,” she commented about her acceptance into the ELP. “It recognizes what I’m doing personally and professionally. It will be an inspiration for me to be surrounded by others who might share similar visions, or are leaders in their areas.”

While it is still in the developmental process, she said she is working with Robertson toward the creation of the ELP on-campus project. She will look for ways to connect the hiring of new CHST faculty and staff to diversity, equity and inclusion at UCM. 

In addition to this project, members of this ELP cohort will also learn from experienced AASCU senior leaders and national experts in leadership about student success. They hope to develop critical skills that can be applied to help lead institutional change and build a strong network of peers.

Webb joined UCM approximately three years ago. In her role as a school chair, she provides oversight and leadership for all of the university’s nursing programs, which include opportunities in Warrensburg and in the Kansas City metro area. In addition to her work with nursing students, Webb is also a member of UCM’s President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Her professional career includes more than 11 years of experience in higher education nursing programs with positions at institutions such as serving as an adjunct faculty member and assistant professor, which enabled her to provide teaching and clinical instruction; facilitating online nurse practitioner courses; serving as a nursing program track coordinator and assistant program director. She also brings to higher education a wealth of professional experiences that include serving as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Senior Clinical Strategist, Legal Nurse Consultant, Registered Nurse (RN), RN Team Leader, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. 

About AASCU:

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions Delivering America’s Promise.