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Benedictine University at Springfield
“Clearly, O.D. is a developing discipline of organizational change grounded in its
traditional values, seeking not only dignity and meaning in the work place, but
participating in building the global civic culture.”
Peter F. Sorensen Jr., Ph.D.
Recipient of the Organization Development Consultant of the Year Award
OD Journal, Volume 11 (2)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
in Organization Development
(O.D.) Program
Today’s leaders can generate a professional environment – where people
work together toward better solutions; where change is not only accepted,
but encouraged; and where high performance is achieved by building trust,
valuing teamwork and fostering employee development.
With a Benedictine University Ph.D. in Organization Development
(O.D.), you will join other committed and talented individuals who
In this brochure, we
are pioneering new paths and raising the standard of excellence
introduce you to the
in leadership to transform themselves and their organizations.
Benedictine University at Springfield offers associate,
bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including a
world-renowned Ph.D. in Organization Development,
on a beautiful 25-acre campus anchored by the historic
Brinkerhoff Home built in 1869 by George Brinkerhoff, a
close friend of President Abraham Lincoln. The campus
includes a library, a science building, an academic and
administration building and four residence halls.
Benedictine University at Springfield students are
not only from Central Illinois, but come from all
over the globe.
Benedictine University Ph.D.
in O.D. program, the leaders
who comprise the current classes,
and the faculty who will lead
them through this innovative and
important program.
Program Awards
We are proud of the ongoing achievements of our students and graduates.
Benedictine Ph.D. in O.D. students and faculty have received numerous professional
honors and awards including:
2013
2005
Frank Houston (Springfield) receives
Best Student Paper Award from the
AOM OD conference in Lyon, France.
2012
Lachlan Whatley receives Best Student
Paper Award from the AOM OD
conference in Lyon, France.
Enyonam Kudonoo receives Best Paper
Award from the International Society
of Organization Development.
Professor Peter Sorensen honored at
The Harvard Club by the Acadamy of
Managment-MC Division.
2011
Kathleen Schroeder receives Best
Student Paper Award from the AOM
OD conference in Lyon, France.
Professor Therese Yaeger receives
Benedictine University’s “Distinguished
Faculty Award for Research.”
Corinne Haviley receives Best Paper
Award from the National Academy
of Management.
2010
Professor Therese Yaeger receives
Outstanding Educator Award –
Southwest Academy of Management.
Academy of Management’s AllAcademy Showcase entitled “Dare
to Care: The Global Experience”
presented with Benedictine faculty
and students.
Philip Anderson receives Best
Corporate OD Award from the
OD Institute.
2009
Professor Peter Sorensen receives
Outstanding Educator Award –
Southwest Academy of Management.
Academy of Management’s AllAcademy Showcase entitled “CrossFertilizing IT Knowledge, Consulting
and Practice: From Evolution to
Greening of Technology,” presented
with Benedictine faculty and students.
Professor Therese Yaeger wins OD
Consultant of the Year Award from the
OD Institute.
2008
Professors Peter Sorensen and Therese
Yaeger receive “Sharing the Wealth”
Award from the National OD Network.
2007
Professors Peter Sorensen and Therese
Yaeger receive Service Award from
Southwest Academy of Management
in recognition of their contribution to
the Academy.
2006
Professor Ramkrishnan Tenkasi is
awarded a Fullbright Senior Scholar
Research Award for his work on the
software industry in India.
Alumnus Nazneen Razi becomes Chair
of Board of Directors of HRMAC.
Vincent Pellettiere receives Best
Paper Presentation Award from the
OD Institute.
2004
Kym Wong receives Outstanding
Student Paper Award from the
Management Consulting Division of
the Academy of Management.
2003
Kym Wong is co-winner of Best
Paper and Presentation Award from
the OD Network.
Deloras Jones is co-winner of Best
Paper and Presentation Award from
the OD Network.
2002
Thomas Griffin wins First Impact
Award for Outstanding OD Project from
the Chicago OD Network.
Deb Orr receives Best Paper
and Presentation Award from the
OD Network.
Kathleen Buchman honored as
recipient of the first Willis Harmon
Spirit at Work Award.
Bill Kohley receives Best Presentation
Award, OD Institute.
and Recognition
2001
1998
Therese Yaeger receives Best Paper
Award from the OD Institute.
Dale Spartz ties with Harvard
professor Michael Beer to win
Best Project of the Year Award.
1999
1997
Students from Motorola
Corporation and John Deere
and Benedictine faculty recognized
by the Academy of Management’s
All-Academy Showcase.
Kathleen Buchman wins Outstanding
Student Professional Presentation
Award from the OD Institute.
Mary Ferdig receives National
Science Foundation Grant involving
the NuclearPower Industry.
Robert Head named finalist for
ASTD’s Best Dissertation of the
Year Award.
Robert Head receives Best Paper
Award from the International
Management Association.
Deborah Shearer, Lucent
Technologies, named finalist for
the OD Project of the Year from
the OD Institute.
Marshal Chestmore, Gina Hinrichs
and Mary Lou Kotecki named finalists
for the OD Project of the Year Award
from the OD Institute.
Mary Ferdig named recipient of Best
Paper Award from the OD Institute.
Thomas Griffin named finalist for the
OD Project of the Year Award from
the OD Institute.
Linda Sharkey receives Best Paper
Award from the OD Institute.
David Jones receives Best Paper
Award from the OD Institute.
Akinyinka O. Akinyele with Therese
Yaeger named runner-up for the OD
Project of the Year Award from the
OD Institute.
Program Highlights
The Ph.D. in Organization Development (O.D.) program
prepares management professionals with state-of-the-arteducation in the field. The three-year program consists of a first year of
context courses, a second year covering some core OD knowledge areas,
and a third year consisting of advanced OD topics and the completion of
a dissertation.
The Ph.D. in O.D. program, launched on the main campus in Lisle, Illinois, was one of
the first graduate OD programs in the country. Benedictine’s Ph.D. program was brought
to the Springfield campus in 2006. It is currently one of the largest behaviorally-oriented
management programs in the nation and one of the top-rated graduate OD programs
internationally. In the first 17 years, O.D. program students and faculty published and
presented more than 500 articles, papers, presentations and seminars in OD academic
and professional journals and at associations, including conferences in Africa, Austrailia,
China, Denmark, Europe, India, Ireland, Mexico, Norway and South America.
Dedicated. Committed. State-of-the-Art.
Selection
Criteria
Built on more than 45 years of successful graduate-level OD
education, this program is intended for persons with extensive
experience and currently holding responsible positions either
in organization development, management or in a closely
allied field such as human resource management.
The mission of the Ph.D. in
Organization Development program at
Benedictine is to provide degree candidates
with broad-based knowledge of theory and
research with the intent of applying this
knowledge to practice. The program is
designed, in a cohort format, to furnish
instruction and professional supervision to
present and future OD practitioners and
scholars for leadership roles as consultants
(internal and external), senior level
managers and scholars in a variety
of settings.
Ove
rview
Historically, the Master of Science in Management
and Organizational Behavior program at Benedictine
was one of the first graduate level OD programs in
the country. It is one of the largest behaviorallyoriented management programs, and is one of the
top-rated graduate OD programs internationally.
Quality and quantity of relevant work
experience emphasizing significant
background in a position of major
responsibility as an OD consultant, in human
resources, line management or in other
relevant positions of responsibility.
Level of professional involvement in the field
including professional memberships, positions
held in professional associations, professional
recognition, publication and awards.
Level of position responsibility including major
administrative position, full-time external or internal
consultant work, human resource position, etc.
Master’s degree in OD, management or related area.
Students will also be selected for the program based on
their potential to model the objectives of the program in
terms of providing leadership in the field.
The Ph.D. in Organization Development (O.D.) program is committed to
providing its students with the most current information on the timeliest of
OD topics, mirroring the trends and activities apparent in management today.
As a result, specific topics and coursework in the curriculum may vary.
ulu
m
Coursework is designed for OD professionals who perceive the management
of change and the creation of high-performance organizations as a central
part of their career. It is designed as a full-time program (approximately eight
credit hours per quarter) to be integrated with and complimentary to full-time
work activities.
Cu
rric
The first year of the curriculum is devoted to context courses, including
Philosophy of Science and Organization Research and Theory. The
introductory context courses are concentrated on setting the tone
and developing sensitivity to the role of OD in terms of its social
responsibilities in the national and global arenas. These courses
review the nature of emerging problems and the role of
organizations and OD in responding to these problems.
The intent of the second set of context courses is to place
OD within management and to understand its strategic
role. The second-year curriculum is devoted to the
development of OD knowledge and selected advanced
topics covering state-of-the-art interventions. In the
first and second years of the program, there are
qualifying examinations to achieve candidacy status
in the O.D. program.
The third year consists of completion of the
dissertation. The third year also includes
participation in an international seminar.
The program is designed to provide a forum for
exposure to a wide range of contributors to the field
and approaches to OD. A core of permanent full-time
Benedictine University faculty and Visiting Distinguished
Scholars staff the program. Visiting Distinguished Scholars,
Fa
noted for their contribution to the field, are teamed with regular
faculty, particularly in advanced seminars.
cu
lty
Research is central to the O.D. curriculum.
Consequently, the dissertation is designed to
be an integral part of the program. Students are
encouraged to begin reviewing dissertation
possibilities upon being accepted into the program, and
to continue to explore and develop their dissertation topic
throughout their coursework. It is suggested that students
select topics consistent with the major research themes
first three years of the program.
If the research phase continues
beyond the candidate’s third
year, degree candidates will be
Tuition
Dissertation
Tuition remains fixed for the
charged half tuition annually
within the program.
until the dissertation is
It is expected that research topics be selected during the first
year as part of the initial research course. During the second
successfully defended. Tuition
year, it is expected that papers be presented at local and
regional professional meetings as part of the learning and
does not terminate until the
feedback process. In the final years of the program during
completion of the dissertation, students are expected to
degree is completed. Tuition is
present at national meetings and submit papers for publication.
billed quarterly.
The scheduling of classes (approximately 16 weekends per
year) is designed to combine full-time study with continued fulltime employment. Class sessions are held on designated weekends
(Saturday and Sunday) approximately every third weekend. The specific
period for completing the dissertations varies by topic and type
of study. On average, cohort members are expected to complete
their dissertations within a three-year period from the start of
the program.
“Benedictine University’s O.D. program helped me become a more thoughtful leader
who strives to constantly engage his employees and colleagues on organizational
effectiveness and excellence. ”
Dalitso Sulamoyo, Ph.D., President/CEO
Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
COHORT 1 STUDENTS
AIMEE J. ALLBRITTON, PH.D.
Vice President of Organization Development and Chief Learning Officer
Memorial Health System in Springfield, IL.
Dr. Allbritton serves on Memorial’s executive leadership team. She provides executive leadership for the following departments within
the Human Resources Division at MHS: HR Operations, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Relations, Employee Health, Employee
Development, Organization Development, Workforce Planning and Career Development and Recruitment. She is a Fellow with the
American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the American Society of Training and Development and the Organization
Development Network. She is a Certified Technical Trainer with CompTIA, a Franklin Covey Certified Facilitator and a Microsoft
Authorized Instructor and a Registered Organization Development Consultant, as well as being certified by the highest credential in the
human resources field, by earning her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) accreditation. Dr. Allbritton received her Master’s
of Science degree in Management of Organization Behavior as well as her PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University
in Springfield, Illinois.
AMY J. ALFERMANN, PH.D.
Learning and Organization Effectiveness Consultant Utility Industry
Dr. Amy Alfermann is currently a Learning and Organization Effectiveness Consultant at a St. Louis based utility company where primary
responsibilities include leadership development, talent management, culture, team facilitation and change management. Dr. Alfermann
has experience in building Organization Development and Training functions within various industries including financial services,
distribution, and agriculture. Currently, Amy serves as a Leadership & Organization Development Consultant. In addition to her role
as a practitioner, she stays connected with academia by being an adjunct faculty member at Maryville University, Benedictine University
and Colorado Technical University as well as attending conferences focusing on scholarly research. Dr. Alfermann enjoys researching
Corporate Social Responsibility and ways that organizations can make a difference for society and within their communities. The title of
her dissertation is The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Engagement in a Global Setting.
DEBORAH A. COLWILL, PH.D.
Associate Professor of Educational and Leadership Studies
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Trinity International University
Dr. Colwill served as Assistant Professor of Leadership and Director of Institutional Research and Evaluation Asbury Theological Seminary
- Wilmore, Kentucky before joining Trinity she served in a hybrid position of Assistant Professor of Leadership and Director of Institutional
Research and Evaluation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Colwill teaches in the areas of leadership, organization
development and philosophy of education. Her educational background includes a BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota,
an M Div and Ph.D. in Education from Trinity International University, and a Ph.D. in Organization Development from Benedictine
University. In addition to her teaching and administration positions, Deborah has served in a variety of leadership and consulting roles
within both profit and non-profit organizations. Dr. Colwill was recently elected to Russian Leadership Ministries Board of Trustees and
is in the process of having a book published with Information Age Publishing. Deborah has presented at national and international
conferences on the topics of leadership, organization development, and education. The title of her dissertation is Toward a Culture of
learning: The Impact of professional Research Doctoral Programs on Graduates’ Learning and Professional Development.
COHORT 1
JANET ANN KIRBY, PH.D.
Associate Dean Graduate and Adult Programs
Benedictine University at Springfield
Dr. Kirby is the Associate Dean of Graduate and Adult Programs for Benedictine University at Springfield. As the administrator for the
Benedictine University at Springfield PhD program she oversaw development of the candidates for the program and the successful
implementation of the program on the Springfield campus. She has taught American Government, Leadership, Team Building,
Strategic Management and Organization Change. In addition to her Doctoral work with Benedictine she holds a Master of Science
from Benedictine in Management and Organization Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts from Drake University in Public Administration and
Political Science. The title of her dissertation is Transformation in Higher Education: A Case Study of Successful Organization Change
and Rebirth.
DORIS LEE JACKSON MARTIN, PH.D.
Campus Dean, Strayer University
Woodbridge, Virginia
Dr. Martin is an educator educator and leader dedicated to guiding students and employees to succeed while inspiring an insatiable
passion for life-long learning. Dr. Martin has worked for such companies as JC Penney, Computer Sciences Corporation, Digital
Equipment Corporation, Tandem Computers, Compaq, Rockwell, and Motorola. She is an enthusiastic, creative, and passionate
organization developer, mentor and advisor who believe that all can learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating,
comforting, and appropriate to their unique talents and abilities. Dr. Martin is currently the Campus Dean at Strayer University in
Woodbridge Virginia. Dr. Martin earned a PhD in Organizational Development from Benedictine University in Springfield, Illinois. Her
dissertation was entitled The Emerging Paradigm of 21st Century Leadership:A Perspective on Leading Successful Change Through High
Engagement. She also holds an MBA in Information Systems and a MA in Education from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and a BBA in
Accounting from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
DAWN MARIE NEWMAN, PH.D.
Lean and Employee Involvement Consultant
Boeing
Dawn Newman, SPHR, ICF Associate Certified Coach received a Ph.D. in Organization Development at Benedictine University. Her
research interests include Leadership Development and capturing the ROI of Executive Coaching. She earned an MBA from St. Louis
University, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Statistics from SIU-Edwardsville, and professional Certifications in: ROI Methodology,
Executive Coaching, Organization Design, Lean Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management, Quality Engineering, and Human Resources.
Dawn has a multi-disciplined career background with an extensive consulting and coaching experience. In her role at The Boeing
Company she integrates knowledge of Organization Development, Executive Coaching, and Business Operations to create a high
engagement work environment. She enjoys coaching individuals and teams and supporting their success. Dawn serves as Distinguished
Affiliate Faculty at the St. Louis University School for Professional Studies. She is a member of the St. Louis OD Network, International
Coach Federation, ODN, AOM, MWAOM, and the American Society for Quality. The title of her dissertation is Executive and
Professional Coaching Provided by Internal Coaches: Analysis of Strengths and Impact on Clients.
COHORT 1
DALITSO SAMSON SULAMOYO, PH.D.
President/CEO
Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies
Dr. Dalitso Samson Sulamoyo is the President/CEO of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies was born in Lilongwe,
Malawi to a Malawian father and Zimbabwean mother. He attended primary school in Malawi and high school in Zimbabwe so that
he would have exposure to both his parents’ culture. He moved to the United States of America over 20 years ago. Dalitso is also the
President & CEO of the Illinois Community Action Development Corporation, a statewide affordable housing development corporation
and the Illinois Community Action Fund, the advocacy arm for Community Action in Illinois. Dalitso is a Senior Executive Scholar at
Benedictine University - Springfield. He teaches courses in Organization Development at the Masters level in Human Resources, Business
Research Methods and International Organization Development. He is also a distinguished visiting scholar for the PhD program.
Dalitso graduated from Illinois College (Magna Cum Laude) with a BA in Political Science and International Relations. Dalitso received
a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Labor Relations and two Masters Degrees in Political Studies and Public Administration with
a focus on non-profit management from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Recently Dalitso completed his Ph.D in Organization
Development from Benedictine University. The title of his dissertation is A Meta-Analysis of Organization Development (OD) in Malawi
and South Africa: The Measurement of Success Rates.
XING “KEVIN” WANG, PH.D.
China Program Manager
Benedictine University
Dr. Xing Wang he has more than 10 years of international program management experience, particularly in joint degree programs. He
has helped Benedictine University to build up 4 joint venture academic programs in various cities in China by partnering with local
universities, which all have been approved by both U.S. Higher Learning Commission and Chinese Ministry of Education. He also teaches
Organizational Behavior and Organization Development courses to various audiences in academic and corporate settings. He worked
at Shenyang Jianzhu University in China prior to joining in Benedictine team and he has been serving as a bridge between U.S. higher
education and Chinese universities since then. He helped SJZU built up the sister university relationship with more 70 universities in
over 20 countries. Under his work, the first SJZU Confucius Institute was founded in Romania. The title of his dissertation is A Descriptive
Study of Organization Development in China between 1978 and 2010.
TIFFANY ANN YATES
Doctoral Department Chair
Colorado Technical University
Dr. Yates leads as a visionary in faculty engagement, strategic organization design, and change management. Dr. Yates values
the important scholar-practitioner model of theoretical application within the workplace. Her research interests are in the fields of
management case theory, employee engagement, strategic organization design, innovation, organization development, and large
scale change initiatives. Specifically, her research is published within the Academy of Management, Midwest Academy of Management,
Southwest Academy of Management, ISEOR Division of the Academy of Management, American Society for Quality, and the
Organization Development Journal. Topics that she is currently pursuing include: employee engagement metrics for online adjunct
faculty, social media as a platform for large scale change interventions, and the impacts of global leadership
management curricula. The title of her dissertation is Developing a Culture for Continuous Innovation. Dr. Yates awarded a Ph.D. at
Benedictine University in organization development. Her dissertation is entitled “Developing a Culture for Continuous Innovation: A
Qualitative Study of Organization Development.” Her dissertation research examines how dimensions of organizational culture affect
continuous innovation.
COHORT 1
COHORT 2 STUDENTS
CARMEN ARMSTRONG, PH.D.
Organization Development Consultant
Dr. Armstrong brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit management and is recognized as a high-energy management
consultant in areas of fiscal management, program design and management, change management and organization design. Carmen
acquired in-depth knowledge and best practices from her professional consulting experiences with Booz Allen Hamilton and STG
International where major clients include the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Head Start. Her
research interests include organization development, change management, strategic organization design and performance management;
particularly in public sector organizations. Dr. Armstrong holds two Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Organizational
Leadership. She was also awarded a PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University. Her dissertation is entitled,
“Exploring Self-sufficiency: Organizational Factors for Social Sector Organizations. Her dissertation research examines organizational
factors that impact service delivery in social sector organizations.
GARDENIA BURKS, PH.D.
Visiting Professor in Business Management
Berry College in Rome, Georgia
Dr. Burks teaches undergraduate and MBA level students. Having had a successful career in various corporate management positions
spanning twenty plus years. Denie has used her corporate experience in mentoring middle and high school age girls, in building their
self-esteem. Denie recently completed seminar training in the Socio-Economic Approach to Management (SEAM) and has expectations
of using this new skill in working with educational systems in strengthening specific programs. Denie earned her undergraduate degree in
Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Kentucky an MBA in Business and Finance from Kennesaw State University and
a PhD in Organization Development (OD) from Benedictine University. Denie also holds certification in Supply Chain Management and
Project Management. The title of her dissertation is Building Mentoring Programs in Foster Care to Contribute to Women’s Self-Esteem
and Self-Efficacy: Implications for Organization Development.
REBECCA ELLIS
Change Management Lead
Ameren
Dr. Ellis has over 14 years of experience in corporate learning design and delivery, performance management and leadership
development in healthcare, financial services, and construction and energy sectors. Prior to Ameren, Rebecca worked in Learning and
Organization Effectiveness at Edward Jones. She has also led learning and development at FabickCAT and RehabCare Group, Inc and
has worked in the Center for Online Learning at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics
Education from the University of Evansville and an M.S.Ed. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. She is also
has a Ph.D. in Organization Development from Benedictine University. Rebeccahas presented her research on the cognitive impact of
change to international audiences at annual conferences for the Irish Academy of Management, International Society of Performance
Improvement and the Academy of Management as well as regional presentations at both the Southwest and Midwest Academy of
Management meetings. The title of her dissertation is Visual Communication in Organization Change: The Impact of Cognitive Load on
Understanding and Adoption.
COHORT 2
GEORGE FRANK HOUSTON, PH.D.
Assistant Dean for Instructional Technologies
Benedictine University at Springfield
George Houston, Ph.D., is the Assistant Dean for Instructional Technology at Benedictine University at Springfield in Springfield, IL.
Houston is the President of MindUniversity, Inc.—a small business providing productivity software and consulting services to K-12
education. Houston is an independent OD consultant with various businesses. Dr Houston was awarded the best English student paper
in the ISEOR academic conference of 2013. The title of his dissertation is Designing an Online Professional Learning Community in the
New OD Era.
LESLIE McKNIGHT, PH.D.
Economic Development Administrator
City of Peoria
Dr. McKnight, in addition to her work for the City of Peoria is adjunct faculty for Benedictine University and Robert Morris University.She
has over 15 years of experience in developing public-private partnerships for social and economic change. Leslie received her Ph.D.
in Organization Development from Benedictine University and Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Services Administration from
Spertus Institute, Chicago, Illinois. Her research interest focuses on OD consultant’s use of self in organization change. She has extensive
experience in change management, team development, performance measurement, and strategic culture change. She is an expert in
implementing new processes and sustainable ways of doing business which result in increased revenues and cost savings. The title of her
dissertation is Organization Development Consultants’ Use of Self in Facilitating Change: From Functionality to Mastery.
BARBARA O. RAGLAND, PH.D.
President
The Lydia Group
Dr. Ragland, President of The Lydia Group,is a mission-driven person whose professional dispositions are built upon a career that spans
more than 30 years in both the corporate and faith-based arenas. After having launched a corporate career in finance-related areas, she
resigned as Senior Vice President of World Wide Transitions at Northern Trust Bank to devote herself to the work of The Lydia Group,
an organization she founded to provide leadership development, process improvement, and capacity building services to faith-based
organizations. In addition to her PhD pursuit, Barbara maintains involvement in a number of professional organizations, including having
recently presented at the 2011 Southwest Academy of Management on the topic “Organization Development and Biblical Principles:
An Exploratory Conversation” and at the 2011 Management Consulting Division’s (of the Academy of Management) International
Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on the topic “Consulting to Churches: Understanding the Cultural Dynamics.” She served as
Discussion Leader for the 2011 Preaching as Leadership Conference sponsored by McCormick Theological Seminary
in Chicago and as a Reviewer for the Midwest Academy of Management. Barbara is a member of the Board of Quantum Faith, NFP,
a property management organization. Today, she devotes herself full-time to the work of The Lydia Group, serving congregations
and organizations across the country. The title of her dissertation is Integrating Strategic Management Practices and Organization
Development with Biblical Principles in Scripture to Increase Engagement in Congregations.
COHORT 2
BRONWYN RAINS, PH.D.
Internal Consultant- Change Management
State of Illinois
Having spent much of her career in leadership and client-facing roles, Dr. Rains has had the pleasure to serve in Director and Program
Coordinator positions for NPOs and for the State of Illinois Department of Human Services. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational
Development from Benedictine University at Springfield, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois-Springfield, and
a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. Dr. Rains’ expertise includes organizational development,
improvement and leadership; strategic and tactical planning; human capital development; operations, and budget management. Her
work is built upon inputs from administrative, clinical, operations and financial teams to create consensus and focus, transforming
organization in critical periods. Currently Dr. Rains is an internal consultant doing change management, organizational analysis,
organizational redesign, strategic thinking, contract review and human capital planning. The title to her dissertation is Emotional
Response to Workplace Change: A Comparative Analysis between Hierarchical Levels.
OUSAMA SALHA, PH.D.
Project Manager
Amazon (Contract – Slalom Consulting) - Seattle, Washington
Dr. Salha is an experienced Strategy and Operations consultant with over seven years global experience partnering with leading.
organizations such as Deloitte, Amazon, Walt Disney Company, Citi Bank and Microsoft. Salha’s projects spanned across the U.S., Asia,
and Middle East, in health services, real estate, manufacturing, entertainment and oil and gas industries. Salha presented an award
winning research on the values and belief structure of OD practitioners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The paper examined
the most used OD interventions in the studied region including the factors that influence the success and failure of OD intervention.
Furthermore, this study investigated the humanistic belief structure of GCC based OD practitioners.
HENRY WILLIAMS, PH.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Organizational Leadership
Purdue University North Central
Dr. Williams has 30 years of experience in operations management in the public sector. He served on labor contract negotiation teams,
handled hundreds of EEO claims, as well as grievance and unemployment hearings. During the past10 years he has also worked with a
variety of public and private agencies as a consultant delivering a variety of human resources services including labor relations, conflict
resolution and executive salary negotiations. He holds an MBA and Master’s degree in Psychology. Dr. Williams has been awarded the
PhD in organization Development from Benedictine University Henry has authored and co-authored conference papers and presentations
in the areas of leadership, executive coaching and mentoring. He is going to be the sole author on a conceptual study he is preparing for
publication, as well as, the first and second authors on two other studies he’s working on during year two of his doctoral studies. The title
of his dissertation is The formula for good public-sector managers: An Exploratory Sequential Study Using the Most Valuable Performer
Survey Data to Test the Competencies and Behaviors of Public Sector Managers.
COHORT 2
MEGHAN WRIGHT, PH.D.
Incoming Professor Texas Weslyan University
Dr. Wright will soon take a position as full-time faculty at Texas Weslyan focusing on small business entrepreneurs. She is a consultant
offering expertise in the field of organization development. Through this role she works independently with entrepreneurs to start, grow
and prosper and also does contract work the Small Business Development Center in west-central Illinois. She has played an integral
part of training and development for small businesses by developing technical skills as well as defining, planning and implementing
business solutions to assist with achieving strategic goals. This has been done through development of the individual employee as well
as development of the systems and processes of the small business. Wright has also applied her organization development knowledge
through consulting work specific to change management, talent management and strategic planning in larger corporations. She has also
been involved with not-for-profit organizations to creatively manage and integrate effective business strategies to foster sustainability.
Most recently, she was involved in writing a certificate entrepreneurship program and developing curriculum for a college in the Midwest.
Wright continues to conduct research in the areas female entrepreneurship and leadership which are a result of her personal journey as a
consultant. The title of her dissertation is Developments on the “Opt-Out” Phenomenon: Females Seeking Quality of Life.
JUDITH ZALESKI
Adjunct Faculty
Benedictine University
Robert Morris University
Judith J. Zaleski, Ph.D, LCSW, ACSW, continues to pursue her life-long dedication to learning through her current positions as an adjunct
faculty member for Robert Morris University, and Benedictine University. Dr. Zaleski is a retired statewide senior administrator from state
departments in Illinois with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is a licensed clinical social
worker. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from City University of New York-Herbert H. Lehman College and She has
been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organization Development from Benedictine University. Her dissertation is entitled “The
Secret Paradox: Women Administrators in Higher Education and Corporate America,” .She has presented research papers at the Academy
of Management National conference, the International Conference on Research Methods & Organizational Development and Change in
Lyon France, the Midwest Academy of Management and the Southwest Academy of Management. Her publications include “an Analysis
of Cultural Factors that Support Women Administrators,” Executive Coaching for Sustaining Women Business Leaders,” “Managing
and Leading for Sustainable Differences,” “Balancing Practice Challenges and Academic Standards” and “ The Secret Paradox: Cultural
Factors that Support Women Administrators.”
COHORT 2
COHORT 3 STUDENTS
TRINA DIEDRICH
Manager
Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
Trina M. Diedrich has a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas and a Master’s Degree in
Human Service Administration from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. She is an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and
Drug Counselor (ICAADC) and a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS). Ms. Diedrich works as the Mental Illness Substance Abuse
(MISA) Manager with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (IDHS/DASA). Ms. Diedrich
is a consultant and trainer on specialized integrated treatment and recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders. She
was the 2008 Illinois Recovery Delegate for National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Her professional affiliations include
membership on the Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance, past membership on the Mayor’s Taskforce on Homelessness, past board member
of the Springfield Chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Illinois Institute of Technology Board of Directors. She is
a member of the Academy of Management and the Organization Development Network. She has presented at the Southwest Academy
of Management in Houston, Texas on Organization and is a regular trainer and presenter on Integrated Organization Development
throughout the State of Illinois. Ms. Diedrich’s research involves organization change in mental health organizations in response to the
Affordable Care Act.
ROSLYN GRANT
Organization Development Consultant
Ms. Grant is formerly Manager, Organization Development of Missouri Baptist Medical Center, BJC Healthcare. BJC Healthcare is one of
the largest nonprofit health organizations in the United States delivering services to residents in the greater St. Louis, southern Illinois and
mid-Missouri regions. As the Organization Development Manager, Roslyn focuses on leadership development, talent management and
employee engagement. Prior to joining BJC Healthcare, she worked as a Human Resources Manager at Maritz Inc. Roslyn alsoprovides
strategic planning and consulting services for local and national faith-based nonprofit organizations. She has over 16 years of experience
in human resources, diversity and inclusion, training and development, performance management, strategic planning, change
management, and organization development. Roslyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Psychology from the University
of Missouri St. Louis and dual Master’s degree in Management and Human Resources Development from Webster University. Roslyn
shares her organization development expertise with several community boards and committees. She currently serves on the executive
team of the St. Louis Organization Development network. Roslyn’s research interests include cultural competence in healthcare, narrative
pedagogy and behavioral flexibility.
BRIAN R. HAMPTON
Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Mr. Hampton is a strategic human resource and change management professional with more than 7 years of specialized experience in
strategy and organizational design implementations. As a member of the United States Army Reserves, he holds the rank of Captain
and has received multiple awards and decorations for his global assignments. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from
University of South Carolina, a Master of Business Administration from American InterContinental University. Brian currently serves as
an adjunct faculty member teaching Human Resources and Management courses at Waubonsee Community College. Additionally, he
serves on the Diversity Advisory Council of the Chicago Federal Executive Board, and vice president of his local Toastmasters Chapter.
He is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and Chicago Organization Development Network. His research
interest centers on the psychological contract of dual status public sector employees.
COHORT 3
AARON SLATER
Independent Business Owner
Reisterstown, Maryland
Aaron is a native of St. Louis, Mo. He began his professional career with State Farm Insurance Companies in 1984, where he held a
number of positions, including Agency Field Consultant and Agency Field Executive. Recently, Aaron made the decision to become an
Independent Business Owner. Aaron currently resides in Reisterstown, Md. He holds a B.S. from CMSU, an MBA Lincoln University, and
a JD University of Tulsa. Aaron is also very active in insurance education and currently holds his CLU, LTCP and HIA designations. Aaron’s
research will focus on the possible impacts of OD on minority small business owners.
TIFFANY SLATER
Director of Human Resources
Hazelwood School District
Ms. Slater is a Human Resources professional experienced in multiple industries. As Director of Human Resources for the Hazelwood
School District she, along with her team of seven, is responsible for providing HR support to approximately 2500 employees located
in 35 buildings throughout the district. She has been with the district since July 2006. Prior to Hazelwood School District, Tiffany’s last
role was with the President Casino where she was the Director of Human Resources and one of the youngest members on the Executive
team. She was responsible for over 600 employees, had 7 direct reports, and two departments of direct responsibility. Tiffany is a St.
Louis native who went on to complete her undergraduate studies at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Tiffany completed her
Masters of Human Resources at Washington University and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Organization Development at Benedictine
University. She is an alumni of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative—Leadership Development program. Tiffany has also received her
certification as a Myers Briggs Type Indicator facilitator.
NAMPORN THANETSUNTHORN
Namporn is currently working on her doctoral degree in Organization Development at Benedictine University, Springfield IL. Her research
interests include theoretical and empirical advances in management and organization theory, organizational development in multi-cultural
contexts, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and leadership & ethics. Namporn earned master’s degree in political science from
University of Notthingham, UK, and bachelor’s degree in political science (international affairs) from Thammasat University in Thailand. In
the past, Namporn worked as full-time and part-time lecturer teaching for graduate and undergraduate programs in Thailand.
REGINA TROXELL
Director Organization Development
As director for Organization Development in a healthcare system located in the Midwest, Regina Troxell serves as the principal architect
of enterprise organization design and large-scale change management in order to help organizational members successfully navigate
a radically changing healthcare environment. With three decades of progressive experience, Regina’s extensive work with not-for-profit
hospital systems, clinical laboratories, and Fortune 50 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies has earned her a reputation as a
strategic organization development professional and trusted advisor. Regina’s scope of practice also includes lean six sigma process
improvements, metrics-scorecards, executive coaching, leadership and workforce development. A former clinical laboratory technologist,
Regina was a member of the management team that merged and redesigned 7 independent medical labs, which led to the creation
of a market share leader and one of the largest nonprofit central labs in the United States. Regina’s research interests include strategy,
mergers and acquisitions. The focus of her dissertation is acquisitions in healthcare.
COHORT 3
FRANKLIN “TANKER” WADE
Manager Memorial SportsCare
Frank “Tanker” Wade is the Manager for Memorial SportsCare in Springfield, Illinois. SportsCare is a division of Memorial Medical
Center. Tanker joined SportsCare after eleven years at Archer Daniels Midland. ADM is an agri-business and is ranked 28 amidst
Americas Fortune 100. During his time with ADM he performed various roles such as Benefits Analyst, Lead Exercise Physiologist,
Ergonomist, and College Relations Representative. Additionally, Tanker is currently an adjunct professor at Benedictine University in the
MBA program where he teaches Marketing in Health Care. Tanker is currently enrolled in the PhD program at Benedictine University in
the field of Organization Development. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Millikin University and a Bachelor
of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has two National Strength and Conditioning Association
certificates - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS,*D) and Certified Personal Trainer with Distinction
(NSCA-CPT,*D). His research interests include Organization Culture and Leasdership.
COHORT 3
Ms. Billie Alban
Alban & Williams, Ltd.
Dr. Philip Anderson
ManpowerGroup North America
Dr. Chris Argyris
Harvard University
Mr. Richard and Mrs. Emily Axelrod
The Axelrod Group
Dr. Frank Barrett
Naval Post Graduate School
Dr. Jean Bartunek
Boston College
Dr. Michael Beer
Harvard Business School
Mr. Geoffrey Bellman
The Community Consulting Partnership
Dr. Robert R. Blake
Grid International, Inc.
Mr. Peter Block
Author, Flawless Consulting
Dr. Cheryl Boglarsky
Human Synergistics
Dr. David Boje
New Mexico State University
Dr. Richard Boland
Case Western Reserve University
Dr. David Bradford
Stanford University,
Graduate School of Business
Dr. Bruce Buchowicz
National University
Dr. Anthony Buono
Bentley College
Dr. W. Warner Burke
Columbia University
Dr. Steven H. Cady
Bowling Green State University
Dr. Peter Cappelli
University of Pennsylvania Wharton
Center for Human Resources
Dr. John Carter
John Carter and Associates
Dr. Allan Church
Columbia University, Pepsico, Inc.
Dr. James Clawson
University of Virginia,
Darden Graduate School
Dr. Deborah Colwill
Asbury Theological Seminary
Dr. David Cooperrider
Case Western Reserve University,
Weatherhead School of Management
Dr. Thomas Cummings
University of Southern California
Marshall School of Business
Dr. Richard Daft
Vanderbilt University
Ms. Kathy Dannemiller
Dannemiller Tyson Associates
Dr. Mark S. Frankel
American Association for the
Advancement of Science
Dr. Wendell French
University of Washington
Dr. Frank Friedlander
The Fielding Institute
Dr. Ronald Fry
Case Western Reserve University
Dr. William Gellerman
Dialogue Associates
Dr. Kenneth Gergen
Swarthmore College
Dr. Mary Gergen
Penn State Delaware County
Dr. Robert Golembiewski
University of Georgia
Dr. Timothy Goodly
Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc.
Dr. Larry Greiner
University of Southern California
Dr. Mary Jo Hatch
University of Virginia,
McIntire School of Commerce
Dr. Thomas Head
Roosevelt University
Dr. David Jamieson
University of St. Thomas
Dr. Robert Keidel
University of Pennsylvania,
Wharton School
Dr. Gerry Ledford
Ledford Consulting Network
Dr. Fred Luthans
University of Nebraska
Dr. Michael Manning
New Mexico State University
Dr. Dorothy Marcic
Vanderbilt University
Dr. Robert Marshak
AU/NTL; Marshak Associates
Dr. Victoria Marsick
Columbia University Teachers College
Dr. Matthew Minahan
MM & Associates;
Johns Hopkins, Carey Business School;
University of Maryland, R.H. Smith School
Disting
VISITING S
and other Bene
guished
SCHOLARS
dictine Faculty
Dr. Philip Mirvis
Philip H. Mirvis Associates
Dr. Karen Whelan-Berry
Texas Wesleyan University
Dr. Susan A. Mohrman
University of Southern California
Dr. Diana Whitney
Saybrook Institute & Corporation for
Positive Change
Dr. Kenneth Murrell
University of West Florida
Dr. Ellen O’Connor
Stanford University; Chronos Associates
Dr. Deb Orr
Roosevelt University
Dr. Brian Peach
University of West Florida
Dr. Joanne Preston
Pepperdine University
Dr. Ronald Purser
San Francisco State University
Dr. Robert E. Quinn
University of Michigan
Dr. Ryan W. Quinn
Darden Graduate School of Business
Dr. John Redding
Redding Associates
Dr. Grace Ann Rosile
New Mexico State University
Dr. Denise Rosseau
Carnegie-Mellon University
Dr. Edgar Schein
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sloan School of Management
Dr. Charles Seashore
Fielding Graduate Institute
Ms. Edith Seashore
Former President,
NTL American University, NTL Institute
Dr. Peter Senge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Sloan School of Management
Dr. A. B. Rami Shani
California Polytechnic State University
Dr. William R. Torbert
Boston College
Dr. Peter Vaill
University of St. Thomas,
Graduate School of Business
Dr. Andrew Van de Ven
University of Minnesota
Dr. Glenn Varney
Bowling Green State University
Dr. Kala Visvanathan
John Hopkins University
Dr. Don Warrick
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Mr. Marvin Weisbord
FutureSearch Associates
Dr. Richard Woodman
Texas A&M University
Dr. Christopher Worley
University of Southern California,
Marshall School of Business
Dr. Dale Zand
New York University
International
Distinguished
Visiting Scholars
Dr. Marc Bonnet
Institut d’Administration des Entreprises,
University of Jean Moulin,
Lyon, France
Dr. David Coghlan
University of Dublin, Trinity School of Business
Dr. Bjorn Gustavsen
Work Research Institute, Norway
Dr. Geert Hofstede
Professor Emeritus
Maastricht University, Netherlands
Dr. Henrik Holt Larsen
Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Dr. Lee-Hsing Lu
President, Asia Enterprise Technology
Dr. Flemming Poulfelt
Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Dr. Thoralf Qvale
Work Research Institute, Norway
Dr. Ralph Stablein
University of Otago, New Zealand
Dr. Ralph Stacey
University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Dr. Dalitso Sulamoyo
IACAA & DSS Organizational Consulting
Malawi, Africa
Dr. Frans M. van Eijnatten
Eindhoven University of Technology,
Netherlands
, Ph.
D.
SEN
e Un
ivers
ity
REN
ened
ictin
ER F
.
ctor,
SO
B
Dire
PET
Peter F. Sorensen Jr., Ph.D., is professor and director of the Ph.D. in Organization Development (O.D.) program and the Master
of Science (M.S.) in Management and Organizational Behavior program at Benedictine University. He was instrumental in
developing one of the first master’s-level programs in O.D. in 1967 and one of the first Ph.D. programs in O.D. in 1996.
He has authored more than 300 articles, papers and books, including a number of best paper selections. His work has
appeared in the Academy of Management Journal, Group and Organization Studies, Leadership and Organization
Development Journal, Journal of Management Studies, and Organization and Administrative Sciences, among others. In 1996,
he was guest editor of a double issue of the OD Practitioner on Appreciative Inquiry. He was the invited guest editor for the
first New Millennium issues for both the OD Journal and the OD Practitioner. Sorensen’s most recent books include “Global
and International Organization Development” with Thomas Head, Therese Yaeger and David Cooperrider (5th edition),
and “Strategic Organization Development: Managing Change for Success” with Yaeger. He has worked with more than 100
organizations including the U.S. Food and Drug Agency, U.S. Steel, DuPage County Health Department, Commonwealth
Edison, Abbott Laboratories, Motorola, Scandinavian Air Systems, Novo Nordisk and CNA Insurance.
A former chair of the Organization Development and Change Division of the 18,000-member Academy of Management,
Sorensen serves on the editorial boards for the OD Journal, the OD Practitioner and the French journal, RSDG (Revue Sciences
de Gestion). He has spoken at international conferences in China, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden
and Switzerland. He was an invited distinguished scholar to the first Academy of Management Conference on Global Change.
In 1993, he received the “Outstanding OD Consultant of the Year Award” from the OD Institute. He is only one of few who
received awards from all three of the major professional associations: the OD Network, the OD Institute and Academy of
Management. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Management Consulting Division of the Academy of
Management and the Board of Directors for the International Society for Organization Development, and is a member of the
OD Education Association for the OD Network.
Sorensen earned a Ph.D. in Management from the Stuart School of Management, Illinois Institute of Technology.
THERESE F. YAEGER, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Benedictine University
Therese F. Yaeger, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Ph.D.
in Organization Development (O.D.) program and the Master of
Science (M.S.) in Management and Organizational Behavior program
at Benedictine University.
In addition to teaching and conducting research, Yaeger has
served in a number of managerial and director roles during
a professional career that spans more than 20 years. She
has authored numerous papers and articles including
11 books. Her publications include “Global
Organization Development: Managing
Unprecedented Change” with Peter F. Sorensen
and Thomas C. Head (2006), “Assessment of the
State of Appreciative Inquiry: Past, Present and
Future,” in Woodman and Pasmore’s Research in
Organizational Change and Development (Elsevier),
and “Strategic Organization Development:
Managing Change for Success” with Head
and Sorensen (2009).
Since 2006, Yaeger has been editor of the “Contemporary Trends in Organization Development and Change” (Information Age
Publishing) series, with six books in the series to date. She has been editorial associate of the OD Journal, an editorial member and
guest editor of the OD Practitioner, an editorial board member of Journal of Management Inquiry, and an editorial board member
and contributor to Revue Sciences de Gestion/Management Sciences (France) and OD Network’s Seasonings.
Yaeger is the recipient of various awards including the “Distinguished Faculty Award for Research” from Benedictine University
in 2011, “ OD Consultant of the Year” from the OD Institute in 2010, “Distinguished Educator Award” from the Southwest Academy
of Management in 2010, and “Share the Wealth Award” with Sorensen from the OD Network in 2008.
Yaeger has served on the Executive Boards of the Southwest Academy of Management, the Midwest Academy of
Management, and the Management Consulting Division
of the National Academy of Management. She is now a
Past President of the Midwest Academy of Management,
and is currently the Division Chair of the Academy of
Management’s Management Consulting Division.
Kirby is the Associate Dean of Graduate and Adult Programs
for Benedictine University at Springfield. As the administrator
for the Benedictine University at Springfield PhD program she
oversaw development of the candidates for the program and
the successful implementation of the program on the Springfield
campus. She has taught American Government, Leadership,
Team Building, Strategic Management and Organization
Change. In addition to her Doctoral work with Benedictine she
holds a Master of Science from Benedictine in Management
and Organization Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts from Drake
University in Public Administration and Political Science. The
title of her dissertation is Transformation in Higher Education: A
Case Study of Successful Organization Change and Rebirth.
Janet Kirby, Ph.D.
Associate Dean Graduate and Adult
Programs and Professor,
Benedictine University
at Springfield
For more information about the Ph.D. in O.D. program at our
main campus in Lisle, contact Phyllis Meyers at (630) 829-6208
or pmeyers@ben.edu. Visitben.edu.
Organization Development
For information about the Ph.D. in O.D. program at our Springfield,
Illinoisbranch campus, contact Dr. Janet Kirby at (217) 717-3519 or
jkirby@ben.edu. Visit springfield.ben.edu.
Benedictine University at Springfield is located in the state capital of Illinois. Founded in 1887 by the
Monks of St. Procopius Abbey, the University offers 17 undergraduate majors and four graduate and
one doctorate program on the Springfield branch campus. For more information, contact Admissions
at (800) 635-7289, springadm@ben.edu or visit http://springfield.ben.edu.
2014-2015
Benedictine University at Springfield • 1500 N. Fifth St. • Springfield, IL 62702