Dr. Beverly Rice McAdams, VP for Presidential Affairs at Anderson University, is one of 44 leaders from across the Upstate and surrounding areas selected to participate in the 18th Upstate class of the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI). “In its tenth year, DLI and the Riley Fellows have matured into a potent force to help move the state forward,” said Don Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. “The members of this class, with their extremely varied professional and community interests, will be a strong addition to the body of Fellows.”
Poised to join more than 1300 Riley Fellows from across the state, class members meet over the course of five months in a format driven by timely, relevant case studies and other experiential learning tools designed to maximize interactions and productive relationships among program participants. DLI is expertly facilitated by Juan Johnson, an independent consultant and former Coca-Cola Vice President. “DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs. In addition to the opportunity to develop new relationships and take part in positive action in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead increasingly diverse workers, clients and constituents,” said Johnson. As part of the program, leaders also work in cross-sector groups to respond to real issues and opportunities in their communities through capstone service projects.
Participants reflecting South Carolina’s demographics and representing the corporate, nonprofit, education, faith-based and government sectors are chosen by nomination and application. “The frames of reference and skills that DLI graduates share provide a remarkable platform for working together to help South Carolina compete in the 21st century,” Gordon said.