Professional News

College of Dentistry Associate Dean Accepted as ELAM Fellow

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 18, 2010) − Dr. Fonda G. Robinson, associate dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry has been accepted into the 2010 - 2011 Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program for Women at Drexel University College of Medicine. The program is dedicated to preparing women faculty for senior leadership at academic health centers. The new fellows join a diverse community of leaders and represent over 50 medical, dental and public health schools from across the United States and Canada.

 “
Dr. Robinson has a wonderful skill set, terrific work ethic, and is a strong performer already," said Sharon Turner, dean of the College of Dentistry. "This fellowship will help her solidify and enhance her ability to advance in academic dentistry. I am pleased that she will have the opportunity to participate in a very prestigious and highly regarded fellowship.”

The ELAM program adapts lessons in executive management and institutional leadership, such as strategic finance, organizational dynamics, and personal and professional effectiveness, to the academic health center environment. The program's mission is to increase the number of women in senior academic leadership positions and preparing them to help change the culture of academic health organizations in becoming more accepting of different perspectives and more responsive to societal needs and expectations. Some 20 percent of its 623 graduates currently serve in the highest-level leadership ranks, from associate dean through university president.

"Our 16th class of fellows is exceptional for their leadership experience and academic accomplishments," said Dr. Diane Magrane, director of Drexel University College of Medicine's International Center for Executive Leadership in Academics, which hosts the ELAM program. "ELAM's success relies upon the powerful partnerships that have developed among the program participants and faculty, its strong network of alumnae and the institutional leaders that provide continuing support. During their year with ELAM, fellows gain a broader and deeper knowledge of the challenges facing academic health centers through meetings with national leaders in the field, interactions with their peers in the program and interviews with a wide range of senior officers at their own institutions. Membership is a key force in enriching the fellows' departmental and institutional growth."

Robinson's appointment begins in May and will continue through to the end of the program in April 2011.