Professional Development Center Archive

Batten named assistant dean at School of Divinity

July 5, 2017

C. Mark Batten

This is a guest post of the School of Divinity:

C. Mark Batten has been named assistant dean of admissions and strategic communications at the School of Divinity.

“This appointment acknowledges Mark’s creative leadership at the school,” said Shonda R. Jones, associate dean of admissions and student services at the School of Divinity. “He has helped us in every way possible to expand the prominence of our programs and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students so that all aspects of our communications and marketing, across departments, tells a genuine story about our innovative and evolving theological education environment.”

Since 2011, Batten has led the communications and positioning strategy for the School of Divinity, leveraging social, print, and digital technologies to connect a variety of populations to the school in creative, new, and compelling ways. He has also streamlined the school’s admissions processes to enhance how prospective students move through the school’s recruitment funnel while also strengthening the application and admissions technology the office uses.

“Having the opportunity to enhance the reputation, promotion, and visibility of the School of Divinity has been one of the highlights of my career in higher education,” Batten said. “Not many have the privilege to be a part of a professional community that is as forward-thinking and responsive to the needs of people today, or one that intentionally creates an educational structure that supports the many ways the next generation of leaders desire to make an impact in our communities.”

Batten’s involvement at Wake Forest extends to other areas of the university. He was a member of the latest cohort of the Leadership Development Program, sponsored by the Professional Development Center (PDC) supporting senior leaders and faculty members through personal coaching and group dialogue on critical leadership and management topics. He is also active with Information Systems, aiding the implementation of Workday as a Change Management Partner and is participating in conversations about the evolving nature of student technology and digital experiences at the university. Batten works closely with members of the university news team to broaden the school’s reach by tapping into specific media channels and resources. He also works with the digital and print creative services teams to ensure the School of Divinity remains brand consistent with the larger University initiatives.

Prior to Wake Forest, Batten served as the admissions analyst and manager of admissions programming at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Before his work in theological education, he served in congregational ministry in North Carolina and Georgia, as a prison chaplain, and with human resources and finance for NSTAR Global Services, a semiconductor service company. He also teaches introductory religion courses at Campbell University and regularly preaches at congregations across North Carolina.

Batten earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Campbell University and a master’s of divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.

CARE Team presentation to be made on April 4

March 31, 2017

A presentation about the University’s CARE Team will be made April 4 at Reynolda Hall, Room 301.   Faculty, staff, students and others are invited to the presentation, which will run from 2 to 3 p.m.

Registration is available through the Professional Development Center.

The overview about the team will be presented by August Vernon, the University’s emergency manager, and Sarah Tooley, case manager for the team.

Formally known as the Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Team, it “serves the University community by evaluating and responding to disruptive, troubling, or threatening behaviors brought to the attention of team,” according to its website.

Discussion session on internationalization of WFU to be held March 16

March 8, 2017

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a discussion focused on the internationalization of Wake Forest.  The event offered through the Professional Development Center is called “The Internationalization of the Wake Forest Community: Transcending Campus Spaces by Transforming the Institution.”

It will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. March 16 at Wingate Hall’s Lower Auditorium.  Afterward, a reception will be held until 6 p.m.

The following is a guest post about the discussion session from the sponsors–the Office of the Dean of the College and the International Students and Scholars Division of Global Programs and Studies:

Join colleagues from around the Reynolda Campus as we discuss and expand on the Internationalization of Wake Forest University, particularly our student body.

The past decade has seen rapid growth and change in our campus community, leading to transformative and sometimes challenging experiences in the classroom and throughout campus spaces. As the student body has become more international in scope, so have efforts throughout campus to support our international students and scholars. This session, as part of the College’s MIMA (Maximizing Inclusivity + Minimizing Apathy) series, will present information and knowledge on the experiences of international students and scholars as they seek to become active members of our community and campus climate.

Furthermore, specific classroom and student services best practices will be shared. The session is designed to allow for ample questions and discussion throughout the three-hour workshop, and a reception will immediately follow. As with other MIMA workshops, attendees are welcome to come when they can and stay as long as they can.

Finally, this particular session will be co-sponsored by the International Students and Scholars Division of Global Programs and Studies and the Office of the Dean of the College.

Training offered this week on responding to work place violence

December 6, 2016

The University will offer a class titled “Active Shooter Response (Run, Hide, Fight)” on Dec. 8 to students, faculty and staff.  The class is intended to instruct people on how to respond to an active shooter incident or other types of work place violence.  The class stresses awareness, preparation and rehearsal, which are considered by experts to be key to safety in such situations.

The class will take place from 1-2:15 p.m. in Reynolda Hall, Room 301.

It will be taught by Wake Forest Emergency Manager August Vernon (verona@nullwfu.edu) and University Police Sgt. Lesia Finney (finneylg@nullwfu.edu).

Registration is encouraged.  To register, visit the Professional Development Center website.

Free flu shots being offered now to faculty, staff, retirees

October 11, 2016

Wake Forest is sponsoring free flu shots for faculty, staff and retirees much of October. Registration through the Professional Development Center (PDC) is encouraged.

Spouses, partners and dependent children (at least four years old) who are enrolled in the University’s Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plan are welcome to participate.   They are not required to register.

All receiving the shot are asked to bring their Blue Cross Blue Shield card to verify coverage.

The shots are being offered through October 20 at various University locations. Location details are available on the registration site.