“I have always thought that there can be no great leader without courage. There can be no change, no progress, without a courageous heart.”
These are the words of the esteemed President Mary Meehan, Ph.D., the recipient of the 2016 Courageous Leadership Award.
Dr. Mary Meehan, President of Alverno College, an independent institution of higher education in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the living embodiment of a courageous leader. For over ten years, she has led Alverno through tremendous growth. By expanding class offerings and student services, exceeding the recent $30 million capital campaign, and serving as an active advocate for students and education in the Milwaukee community, President Meehan has distinguished her legacy of courage and leadership not only at Alverno, but across the landscape of independent higher education.
Credo, a comprehensive higher education firm based out of North Carolina, presented Dr. Meehan with the Courageous Leadership Award at a special dinner during the Council for Independent Colleges 2016 Presidents Institute in Miami Beach, Florida. With over 80 presidents and friends in attendance on the rooftop of Ola Miami, Credo President and Co-founder Tom Gavic presented Dr. Meehan with her well-deserved award.
“We are so excited to present this honor to such a worthy recipient. Our partnership with Dr. Meehan and Alverno College sets the bar high, and provides a real-world example of what thriving independent higher education can aspire to be.”
With great respect for the transformative nature of Dr. Meehan’s presidency to date at Alverno College, Credo recognizes the elements of a strong leader that are essential to a thriving institution. To qualify for this award, a college or university president must meet the following criteria for consideration:
- At least five years in a leadership position at his or her current institution.
- Institutional growth across one or more key indicators: enrollment, fundraising, retention, etc.
- A proven track record of fostering collaborative relationships among individuals and teams within his or her institution.
- Acknowledgement by peers and/or within the field of higher education as an advocate and champion of private higher education.
- Articulation and execution of a clear vision for the future of his or her institution.
- Proven innovation in operations, academics, net revenue, strategic planning, student success, or other critical areas.
- Strategic, game-changing planning for and investments in campus spaces and places.
Credo proudly recognizes President Mary Meehan for her excellence across all the categories of consideration. We are honored and humbled by her courage in leadership, and wish her the best in all her future endeavors.