Dr. Marcus Chanay, Jackson State University’s vice president for Student Life, has been accepted into Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management, a program that’s known for training future university presidents and chancellors.
“Harvard has a number of institutes, but the IEM is probably one of the highest. I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received from the administration,” said Chanay, who received letters of recommendations from JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers, interim Provost James C. Renick and Vice President of Institutional Advancement David Hoard.
Chanay will attend the summer session of the institute, held July 14-26. The institute’s educational co-chairs James P. Honan and Joseph P. Zolner informed Chanay of his acceptance.
“The decision to offer you admission to IEM was based on a close match between your prior experience, current administrative responsibilities, and the IEM curriculum,” Zolner and Honan said in the acceptance letter.
The IEM helps senior-level leaders in higher education focus on the challenges of organizational change while providing opportunities for personal renewal. IEM addresses the critical stewardship role of senior leaders and provides a core set of conceptual tools for understanding both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of effective institutional leadership. The skills developed throughout the program helps higher education leaders articulate a compelling institutional vision that fosters meaningful and enduring institutional change.
“It’s a pretty intense two weeks. They have already started sending materials to me to read,” Chanay said.
As vice president of Student Life, Chanay oversees 12 departments and all facets of student life, including housing, student leadership and career and counseling services.
“I’m excited. I will have an opportunity to collaborate with other senior level executives from throughout the country in all fields, including student affairs, academic affairs and institutional advancement. I hope to bring back not only the knowledge I gain from the institute itself, but also from the collaboration with other university leaders. This knowledge will engage and increase the level of Student Affairs and contribute to the entire university.”
Chanay received his bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision and a doctorate degree in urban higher education from JSU.