Three members of the Edwards School faculty have been awarded scholar positions as part of the Grandey Leadership Initiative.  Congratulations to our Grandey Leadership Scholars: Dr. Dionne Pohler, Dr. Norman Sheehan and Dr. Chelsea Willness.

Dr. Willness is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior.  Since joining the U of S in 2010, she has revised an undergraduate Leadership course to emphasize community service-learning.  Through field trips, her students have learned both the daily and ongoing leadership challenges faced by the Saskatoon Food Bank directors.  Currently, Dr. Willness is working with the community of Landis to develop ways to secure the town’s economic viability.  An accomplished researcher with several publications, her scholarly work focuses on corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Dr. Pohler joined the U of S in 2009 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior.  Her research explores the intersection between leadership, the environment, strategy and organizational systems.  This scholarly work has led to published articles in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.  A recipient of a USSU Teaching Excellence Award in 2011, Dr. Pohler has demonstrated consistent contributions to leadership through her teaching and curriculum development and has served as a case competition coach for Excalibur and JDC West.

An Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting, Dr. Sheehan joined the U of S in 2001.  His scholarly work focuses on how business leaders can set a course for the organization, obtain employee buy-in for the organization’s vision, and hold others accountable for their actions.  He has produced 26 refereed articles - some of which have been re-published in forums aimed at practicing leaders – and won numerous teaching awards within Edwards and the Accounting profession.  Dr. Sheehan plans to complete the Director Education Program through the Institute of Corporate Directors.

The Scholar Award Management Committee based their selection on leadership training, academic achievement, the capacity to contribute in meaningful ways to the Grandey Leadership Initiative and credibility in the academic community. The scholar positions are five year terms beginning July, 2012.

Once again, congratulations to our new Grandey Leadership Scholars.