Valdosta State University’s Dr. Sheri Noviello, interim provost and vice president of the Division of Academic Affairs, is the latest Blazer to graduate from the University System of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Institute.

The 2023-2024 Executive Leadership Institute invited 34 faculty and staff scholars from 23 schools and the system office to participate in this annual leadership development program. Each participant was nominated by their university president.

“As one of the top public university systems in the nation, we are invested in supporting and growing the people already working hard right here in the university system,” said Sonny Perdue, USG chancellor.

Throughout the eight-month Executive Leadership Institute experience, Noviello had an opportunity to participate in multiple group learning sessions and assessments designed to encourage intense introspection, drive growth, and help her better appreciate her personality style and its influence on her effectiveness as a leader. She also attended cross mentoring group sessions for peer-to-peer mentoring, accountability, and opportunities to expand her network and and learn from diverse perspectives. 

“The cross mentoring group was my favorite part of the Executive Leadership Institute,” she said. “My group was instrumental in providing feedback and encouraging action and growth.”

Noviello came to VSU in April 2014 as associate dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She was asked to serve as interim dean of the college in July 2014 and named dean in January 2016.

In July 2019 she transitioned to Georgia College and State University, where she served as dean of the College of Health Sciences until May 2023. She returned to VSU a couple of months later to lead the Division of Academic Affairs. She is responsible for guiding VSU’s efforts to promote excellence in teaching, learning, research, and service. She collaborates with faculty and oversees the education of VSU’s undergraduate and graduate students, doing her part to ensure they have the opportunities necessary to develop the communication skills, connections, and critical thinking required to turn their ideas into their very own success story.

Noviello said participating in the USG Executive Leadership Institute has inspired her to continue to invest in the VSU Leadership Academy, which helps cultivate current and future leaders on campus.

The USG’s Office of Leadership and Institutional Development has hosted the Executive Leadership Institute since 2009.