CPM Graduates Gain Additional Skills to Become Better Leaders in Alaska’s Business Industry

Submitted by Scott McCrea
Phone: (907) 474-1157
05/20/03

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tanana Valley Campus will award seven individuals the prestigious designation of Certified Public Manager and induct them into the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton will bestow this honor at the inaugural commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 22, from 2-3 p.m. in the Board of Regents Conference Room in the Butrovich Building on the UAF campus.

The CPM program is a nationally accredited management development program created by the American Academy of Certified Public Mangers and is currently being administered by the University of Alaska in partnership with The Alaska Municipal League and the State of Alaska Division of Personnel. The program is designed to develop management, supervision and leadership skills in the public and private sectors.

To complete the program, students must complete 300 hours of training modules taken from a variety of topics ranging from entry level supervisory skills to executive management skills and complete a practicum within a local organization. While the subjects being taught are diverse, program participants say that it all comes down to learning how to better lead people.

"This program is all about people, and how it is vital to have the skills to lead and also follow well," said program graduate Sonia Schumacher, office manager for Design Alaska.

Schumacher, who will be the student speaker at the ceremony, said the program would greatly benefit anyone in the role of manager, supervisor, or leader in an organization or community.

"In the business world, the current thinking seems to be that the bottom line always revolves around the dollars and cents," she said. "In reality, it is crucial that business leaders are aware of current trends in the workplace, and that they have an understanding of what motivates their employees to achieve success. If you do that, then the dollars and cents will come naturally."

In addition to Schumacher, other individuals who will be graduating from the program include Alicia Berka, executive director, Play-N-Learn; Debbie Ganley, general manager, The Alaska Club; Cheryl Laudert, right of way agent, Golden Valley Electric Association; Donna Rose, operations assistant, Golden Valley Electric Association; Patricia Thomas, capitol credits supervisor, Golden Valley Electric Association; and Christine Vaughan, administrative manager, State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

For information on the CPM program, or for a complete listing of fall seminars visit the CPM website at www.tvctraining.org or contact Program Coordinator Michelle Renfrew at 474-1133.

CONTACT: TVC Coordinator of Professional Development and Career Training Michelle Renfrew at 474-1133 or fnmmr@uaf.edu