Bree Holtz is an associate professor in the department of AD+PR. She researches the intersection of health communication and information communication technologies here at ComArtSci. She has been recognized by MSU as a recipient of the Teacher-Scholar Award, the Faculty Impact Award, and an Adams Academy Teaching Fellow.
Bree Holtz discusses her latest induction as a 2023-24 Academic Leadership Fellow and what she is most looking forward to in her first year in the program.
Congratulations on being names the 2023-24 Academic Leadership Fellow! How did you feel when you found out you were selected? And can you tell me a bit about the application process?
I was thrilled to find out I had been chosen for this program, and am looking forward to learning about university leadership. The application process included writing a letter about my leadership goals and thinking about some of the institutional priorities I was interested in. I highlighted my interest in Sustainable Health and Stewardship and Sustainability from the MSU Strategic Plan. I also had to have two letters of support from colleagues.
What first interested you in being a part of the Academic Leadership Fellowship program?
Our former dean, Prabu David, was a mentor in the program and encouraged me to apply. In this program, you are placed with an academic mentor and have the opportunity to join in some administrative meetings. It gives you a chance to learn about the different types of leadership opportunities that are available.
Who is your mentor and what do you hope to learn from them?
My mentor is Dr. Judith Stoddart (Vice Provost for University Collections and Arts Initiatives). I am hoping to learn more about how to make hard decisions fairly and ethically while taking into consideration everyone involved. When you have to decide on something, everyone isn't going to get everything they want or even what they want at all. I am also looking forward to the project that the Fellows have to do during the year. I will be working with Dr. Stoddart to collaborate with folks from Health and Wellness to think about ways to integrate the arts into wellness.
What advice would you have for someone considering applying to become a fellow?
If someone is considering a role in university leadership, then I would encourage you to explore this unique avenue and explore the various programs offered by the Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development. There are numerous pathways to leadership, and this program provides a chance to explore a diverse range of options.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of this year's Academic Leadership program?
I'm interested in learning more about how the university works as a whole. My experiences have been at the department or the college level. I am also looking forward to connecting with people who are currently in administration along with other fellows in the program.
How do you hope your experience in the Academic Leadership Program will impact your future research?
My research focuses on information communication technology and health Dr. Stoddart and I have brainstormed different ways art can be connected to health. I think this project will provide me with new ideas about how to integrate arts, health, and technologies.
By: Miles Sloan