Fouse selected to CPE Academic Leadership Development Institute

The Council on Postsecondary Education announced today the fifth cadre of its Academic Leadership Development Institute (ALDI) program, which aims to prepare minority faculty and staff members for leadership roles in Kentucky higher education. The 21 participants were chosen from Kentucky’s public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. 

Patricia Torres Fouse, assistant professor of mathematics, was selected to participate from the Madisonville Community College faculty. Fouse holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Arts from Murray State University. She has also completed several graduate-level courses at Murray State University and Western Kentucky University. Fouse is originally from the Republic of Panama and has centered her studies on serving non-English-speaking students.

 “Patricia is an outstanding educator who is dedicated to the institution and the community,” said MCC Provost Dr. Sid Hill. “She is an excellent candidate for the program, and I have no doubt that she will serve with excellence.  She is already a leader, and this program will only enhance the amazing skills that she utilizes on a daily basis.”

Dr. Dawn Offutt, executive director for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Council, is facilitating the program with her team.

“This year’s participants are a dedicated and talented group of leaders who are already doing great things on their campuses,” said Offutt. “This program will help empower them to further their efforts and help equip them to be the higher education leaders of the future.”

ALDI, a yearlong leadership development program, aims to build the skills of early career, underrepresented minority faculty and staff who are on track for professional advancement. Participants are nominated based on their leadership ability, interest in career advancement, and dedication to higher education.