The Professional Development Center, located in E. H. Butler Library 181B, has been used for many  workshops and seminars since its opening on September 8.

“I’m very pleased to have this new space,” said Kevin J. Railey, associate provost and dean of the graduate school. “It demonstrates our commitment to the program.” Railey, who oversees the program, was charged with leading the campus’s professional development initiatives in response to a College Senate resolution.

The new facility is a technologically up-to-date room that features a “smart board” and Turning Technologies clicker capacity. It can accommodate 22 people, and the furniture can be configured to support different activities.

Marie Mance, director of leadership development, is the only full-time staff member. Mance was instrumental in establishing the college’s leadership development programs, including Emerging College Leaders and Achieving Success through Leadership. She also coordinates ongoing development workshops for leadership program alumni.

Janet Ramsey, SUNY distinguished service professor emeritus and dean emeritus of University College, provides development workshops for new faculty members and for new and continuing chairs of academic departments. Railey and Gail Wells, director of student life, present programs under the auspices of the National Coalition Building Institute, Leadership for Diversity Initiative.

Susan E. McMillen, professor of mathematics, directs professional development for faculty, while Ottilie Woodruff, counselor with EOP, is director of development for professional staff.

However, McMillen and Woodruff welcome both faculty and staff members to the programs they offer, which are listed on the office’s Web site and announced in the Daily.

The room is also available between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. for faculty members who would like a quiet working space; they need to bring their own laptops for computer access. Interested persons should contact Cara Angie to have their ID cards enabled to unlock the center.

Cara Angie, staff assistant for the Professional Development Office, coordinates the use of the room and provides logistical support. “Besides offering clicker workshops,” said Angie, “faculty members can borrow clicker equipment from us to try in their classrooms.” Angie, whose office is located in E. H. Butler Library 181D, manages the facility’s library, maintains the Web site, and supports the staff of the Professional Development Office.

“The space is wonderful,” said Railey, “and it’s important that the people who head up the specific initiatives have a space they can count on.”