Elevate Leadership Program
The same inspiration driving Boston College’s Division of Student Affairs to provide programs and services that care for the whole student now extends to the employees of its 15 affiliated departments through a new, yearlong professional development initiative.
The Elevate Leadership Program—grounded in the key Jesuit value of cura personalis and launched during the 2024-2025 academic year—is designed to support Student Affairs’ early-to-mid-level professionals, according to Associate Vice President for Career Services and Integrated Learning Joseph Du Pont.
“The program blends leadership development, mentorship, and mission-centered reflection in a way that is uniquely aligned with our Jesuit, Catholic values,” he said. “It’s also part of a broader strategic effort to enhance staff formation, community, and ‘belonging’ across the division.”
Du Pont explained that Elevate, inspired by Management Development Perspectives and the Ignatian Leadership Development programs, and created by working closely with colleagues in University Mission and Ministry and Human Resources’ Office of Employment Development, builds leadership capacity while fostering reflection, community, and mission-driven practices.
The initiative includes new practices for integrating new employees, mentoring opportunities, and mid-career advancement pathways.
Student Affairs Vice President Shawna Cooper Whitehead
“This effort recognizes that supporting the development of our professionals is essential to fostering a thriving, mission-aligned campus culture,” he said. “Cura apostolica—care for the work—plays a significant role in the program. If our staff feels greater alignment with the University, it will translate into the work they do.”
“Part of the impetus for establishing the program was that our division is large and we cannot get all staff into Management Development Perspectives or the Ignational Leadership Development Program, both offered by Human Resources,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead. “If we demonstrate our commitment to our staff, we hope it trickles down to our student experience.”
“I’m so grateful for Elevate! This program has blown my expectations out of the water,” said Assistant Dean for Student Conduct Kylie Windecker, resident director at Walsh Hall. “I applied to the program hoping to become more connected by meeting new people, obtaining mentorship outside of my department, and to learn and grow as a professional. All the sessions left me with a lot to reflect on but feeling more connected to Jesuit principles and my own values. The connections I’ve made with division peers and leadership are invaluable to me.”
Associate Vice President Joseph Du Pont
The program’s objectives are four-fold: strengthen leadership skills through structured learning and mentorship; deepen the understanding of Jesuit values and student-centered work; foster collaboration and community among emerging leaders in Student Affairs; and promote professional growth through practical application and reflection.
The program kicked off last July with the New Heights Retreat, a two-day, off-campus getaway that included workshops on self-awareness, reflection, and personal leadership style; community-building exercises to establish trust and camaraderie within the group; and guided discussions on integrating purpose, vocation, and leadership within a Jesuit framework. The initial cohort included 17 participants, each selected through supervisor nominations or direct applications.
“More than just a program launch, this immersive retreat exemplifies our broader commitment to reflective practice and community building,” said Du Pont. “By offering staff the time and space to engage in deep contemplation, explore their vocational identity, and build relationships across departments, New Heights served as a model for the formative experiences we aim to expand throughout the division.”
“Every time we run a module, have another experience, or even host the retreat we learn something,” said Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Formation Colleen Dallavalle, who co-facilitated the program with Du Pont. “I’m excited to reflect on this year and continue to work with campus partners to innovate, design and enhance our program so it