CoachDiversity Institute recognized Maryville for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the collegiate workplace by honoring the University with the prestigious Impact Award. Over the past several years, Maryville has intentionally worked toward building a more diverse campus community under the direction of president Mark Lombardi, PhD.
Maryville continually strives to bend the cost curve of higher education. Now an added focus is to break down other barriers for individuals desiring to attend college. To this end, vice president for student success Jennifer McCluskey, PhD, has effectively implemented a life-coaching model that takes a holistic approach toward positively impacting student success revealing above-average results in nearly all categories of University performance.
With an unprecedented enrollment growth again for the 2019-2020 academic year, Maryville University leads the nation in enrollment expansion and student success. The overall student population increased by 10 percent from the start of classes last year. This accomplishment is a tribute to the University’s laser focus on providing a quality education resulting in excellent student outcomes supported by its commitment to provide every student with professional coaching guidance in diversity and inclusion.
Coaching is the singular most cutting-edge tool that has led to the University’s expansive 97 percent career placement rate. Recent surveys also indicate it is a compelling reason why students are choosing Maryville University over other competing brands of higher education.
“It’s not just about numbers, Maryville University has a solid philosophy for building successful academic programs using life coaching as a foundation,” McCluskey said.
CoachDiversity Institute is proud to celebrate innovation at the intersection of coaching and diversity with the Impact Award to Maryville University. “Through this award, we seek to honor trailblazers who are uniquely leveraging the power of coaching through their work thereby empowering diverse communities,” said Towanna Burrous, president of CoachDiversity Institute.
At Maryville, McCluskey leads the Life Coach team in helping students every step of the way. Each student works closely with a life coach who serves as a knowledgeable academic adviser and a mentor. She ensures that every life coach is approachable and accessible to mentees. Life coaches are confidants and sources of support when concerns arise, and they are eager to celebrate successes above all. Maryville life coaches also guide students through academic and career planning decisions, helping to ease the personal transition into, during and beyond the Maryville experience.
Diversity and inclusion is a major focus at Maryville, thus contributing to great success. “Diversity and inclusiveness is a key component to Maryville University’s strategic plan. As trailblazers in our industry, the Maryville Life Coach team provides a holistic and comprehensive coaching experience for our diverse student body. We are thrilled to be recognized for our work with CoachDiversity Institute. The Maryville student experience has been transformed through the work our Life Coach team has experienced,” McCluskey said.