Dr. Misty Grayer and Dr. Jennifer W. Purcell Lead Innovative Session on Team Coaching at 2024 USG Staff Council Conference

Dr. Misty Grayer and Dr. Jennifer W. Purcell led an engaging and interactive session at the 2024 University System of Georgia Staff Council Conference.

KENNESAW, Ga. (Oct 16, 2024) —

On October 16, Dr. Misty Grayer, Assistant Professor of Public Administration and CETL Faculty Fellow for Learning-Centered Teaching, and Dr. Jennifer W. Purcell, Professor of Public Administration, facilitated a lively interactive session at the 2024 University System of Georgia Staff Council Conference hosted at the KSU Center. They were included among a stellar roster of featured speakers and presented their applied research on team coaching for collaboration effectiveness among colleagues representing institutions throughout the USG. Their presentation, "Cultivating a Coaching Culture: Improving Collaboration and Shared Decision-Making via Team Coaching," built upon a forthcoming chapter included in a volume on coaching in higher education.  
 
During the session, Grayer and Purcell introduced a novel campus-based collaboration simulation they developed to support leadership and institutional development on university campuses. Participants were assigned roles representing a variety of functional units at colleges and universities and challenged to develop a student success initiative to support retention, profession, and graduate rates at “Peach State University.” The simulation helped participants consider how a coaching mindset can help to improve outcomes among campus-based teams. 
 
All staff employees of the University System of Georgia were invited to attend the annual statewide conference which featured the theme “Elevate: Empowering U!” for 2024. The USG Staff Council unites leaders from across the University System of Georgia to share insights on strategic planning, economic development, and workplace improvement. Dr. Grayer and Dr. Purcell’s presentation and ongoing research are examples of the School of Government and International Affairs’ commitment to innovative research that advances society and efforts to bridge faculty research with external partners to enhance collaboration and innovation. 
 
Colleagues and community members interested in learning more about Dr. Grayer and Dr. Purcell’s research are encouraged to email Dr. Purcell at jwpurcell@kennesaw.edu. Interested undergraduate students are encouraged to explore Double Path Pathways to the Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree program, and MPA students are encouraged to register for: PAD750: Leadership and Ethics in the Public Sector (Purcell, Spring 2025 Hybrid).