Dr. Mary O’Shea, the assistant dean of the Center for Learning and Leadership, is one of nine individuals who has been invited by the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) to be a Student Success Champion in the professional development program’s 2023 cohort. The two-year Student Success Champions Program is designed to support those who play key roles in student success projects in higher education.

An organization consisting of member colleges and universities, HEDS is committed to sharing data, knowledge and expertise to advance undergraduate liberal arts education, inclusive excellence and student success. The Student Success Champions Program aims to enhance student success efforts at HEDS’s member institutions as well as help professionals develop leadership and change-management skills for student success at their college or university.

Student Success Champions will work with, support and learn from an interdisciplinary community of practice focused on student success. In addition, they will design and/or implement a student success initiative at their institution.

“I am honored to be a part of the Student Success Champions Program,” said O’Shea. “Being in community with other college and university educators who are equally driven to work to close academic support gaps is inspiring and energizing. The opportunity to share ideas and learn from one another allows for the work I get to do here at SFC to be more effective, as we work to improve student experience and retention.”