(April 10, 2013)

Associate Dean chosen for state leadership program

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Council for a Better Louisiana has selected Melva Williams, Associate Dean of Centenary College, for its 2013 Leadership Louisiana program. The Council for a Better Louisiana promotes ideas for the betterment of Louisiana that cut across political, social and ideological boundaries.

"I'm honored to be selected with my classmates who are prestigious in their own right," said Williams. "I am thankful Centenary is supporting me, and I plan on being a better leader and a more enlightened participant in moving Centenary forward."

Leadership Louisiana is a one-year commitment to participate in six two-day sessions, scheduled approximately every other month. Major session topics include education and workforce training, the economy and strategies for growth, history and politics, news media, arts and culture, criminal justice, healthcare, and poverty. Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover graduated as an alumnus of this program in '92, as well as former Governor Kathleen Blanco '92, and Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne '94.

"I am gaining the ability to connect with others throughout the entire state and develop relationships with other professionals," said Williams. "It also fosters goodwill in people to know more about Centenary, and I hope that this is also a way to continue engaging Centenary with the statewide community."

In 2010, Dr. Williams was honored with "The Difference Award" for making a positive impact through education in her community. She is a founding board member of the Shreveport Charter Foundation, current board president for the Extensions of Excellence Arts Organization, and board member of the Odyssey Foundation that supports children with autism.