Kristine Coll (center) receives the John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award from Tom LaPenta, chief human resources officer, and Lynn Okagaki, dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

Leadership award

CEHD's Coll receives John Warren Award for superior leadership

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12:28 p.m., Sept. 30, 2013--Kristine Coll, senior assistant dean for student services in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) was awarded the University of Delaware’s John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award on Sept. 20.

The award, created in 2011, recognizes supervisory staff members who have achieved significant accomplishments over the previous academic year.

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Coll oversees advisement for undergraduate students and student support services for graduate students in the college and was nominated by Dean Lynn Okagaki for her successful reorganization of this vital unit within CEHD.

Over the past year, Coll has reorganized the undergraduate student services and incorporated the graduate student services for both the School of Education and the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Previously, the graduate and undergraduate sections were handled separately, and the graduate programs were each handled by their individual departments. Combining them all into one unit was a major change for the college. 

Tom LaPenta, UD’s chief human resources officer, presented Coll with the award at a CEHD reception. During the presentation, Okagaki explained how Coll’s diplomacy and positive attitude led her to be nominated for this honor.

“Kristine’s efforts greatly exceeded my expectations,” said Okagaki. “I had asked her to consider our options and within several months, she’d developed a plan, implemented a training program, transitioned staff, coordinated an advisement strategy that saved us money, and most importantly, developed a system that better meets the needs of our students.“

The reorganization required a significant culture change but the transition was remarkably smooth. Laura Glass, associate director, School of Education, explained why, saying, “Kristine stayed in contact with the faculty advisers, sending updates on new procedures and techniques. She was always inclusive in the discussions, thoughtfully considering multiple ideas before making decisions, and her creative solutions ensured it went smoothly. She has helped to create a solid foundation upon which we can build and thrive going forward.” 

The award recognizes significant accomplishments and notable contributions in leadership by University supervisory staff. A Warren Award also was presented earlier in the year to Mark Isaacs, center director for the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown.

Article By Alison Burris

Photo by Duane Perry

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