April 28, 2021 — Northern Kentucky University’s Dr. Gannon Tagher and Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Mansoh have been named to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2021 Emerging Leaders Program. AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities and systems.
Each year AASCU recognizes 35 campus leaders who are championing student success and inclusive excellence at their institution. The development program is designed to strengthen participants’ leadership abilities and prepare them for greater responsibilities within their organization.
“Congratulations to both Dr. Tagher and Dr. Frimpong-Mansoh for being selected for this wonderful leadership opportunity,” said NKU President Ashish Vaidya, who also serves on the AASCU Board of Directors. “The pandemic has had a significant impact on higher education, and we will continue to face a number of challenges as we move past this tumultuous year. Through this opportunity, Dr. Tagher and Dr. Frimpong-Mansoh will be better prepared to lead in uncertain times and to further advance NKU’s path to equitable student success.”
Dr. Gannon Tagher
Dr. Tagher serves as interim assistant vice provost for Academic Advising and First-Year Experience at NKU. An award-winning author, Dr. Tagher continues to be recognized for her work in the pediatric nursing field. She has received numerous accolades for her research and teaching innovations at NKU, including the recently published “Pediatric Nursing: A Case-Based Approach” that earned two national awards.
“It's an honor to be accepted for AASCU’s program. I'm excited to learn how all aspects of the NKU community play an integral role in creating a collaborative environment and facilitating change,” said Dr. Tagher. “My goal is to utilize this insightful experience and work with campus leaders to implement a reimagined support system for our first-year students.”
Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Mansoh is the acting chair and professor in NKU’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Philosophy. He is a well-renowned scholar for his research focusing on bioethics and healthcare ethics, particularly from an African perspective. He recently published “Bioethics in Africa: Theories and Praxis,” and his work has been featured in a variety of international journals.
Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Mansoh
“I am humbled to receive this recognition. It affirms my conviction that NKU is an institution that nurtures professional growth,” said Dr. Frimpong-Mansoh. “As a member of the minority community, this recognition shows NKU's commitment towards inclusivity and diversity.”
As part of the program, each leader will execute an on-campus initiative that has a positive impact on the campus community. Dr. Tagher’s project emphasizes a comprehensive peer mentoring program as part of NKU’s coordinated care model. Dr. Frimpong-Mansoh is exploring innovative strategies that build and retain a welcoming campus community for all individuals.
For more information on NKU’s involvement with AASCU and the full cohort list, visit its website.
About NKU: Founded in 1968, NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of over 16,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky and bustling downtown Cincinnati. We are a regionally engaged university committed to empowering our students to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. While we are one of the fastest-growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students' names. For more information, visit nku.edu.
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