Lee: WU aided by enthusiasm of Board of Trustees appointees
Two newly appointed members of the university Board of Trustees are set to begin their terms this month.
Both Laura Ellsworth, a partner at Jones Day international law firm, and Mary Ann Meloy, a former associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison under President Ronald Reagan, will join the Board of Trustees this month after their election in September 2014.
Douglas G. Lee, university president, said the university’s mission and prospects attracted Ellsworth and Meloy, even though they aren’t university alumnae.
“Both of those women are well-respected leaders in the community,” said Lee. “What is exciting to me is that, though not having any prior relationship to Waynesburg, they are really enthusiastic about the direction of the school and the mission of the university, so much so that they’re willing to become part of this movement.”
Ellsworth has received abundant recognition for her work with Jones Day and was named one of Pennsylvania’s “Best 50 Women in Business.” In addition to her background in law, Ellsworth is vice chair of the board of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and is a board member with the Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh. She also delivered last year’s commencement address.
Ellsworth believes the size of the university community is one that promotes an environment where students “can really accomplish something,” and the Christian values emphasized at Waynesburg will create a great foundation for students to lean on after they graduate.
“I think there is a certain deliberateness about the vision, focus and planning at Waynesburg that’s tied to a celebrated past,” said Ellsworth. “The future vision of the school is so clear to the faculty and administration, and that vision is so student-focused.”
Meloy’s background is in government affairs and media relations. While serving on Reagan’s staff, she represented the president among numerous national and international organizations.
In her home state of Pennsylvania, she has served in numerous public service roles, such as deputy secretary of the Department of Community Affairs and deputy secretary of the Department of Aging.
“The school is one of Pennsylvania’s real gems,” said Meloy. “Students want to be in school; they aren’t there because someone is making them go there.”
Meloy said the greatest part of Waynesburg’s mission, in her mind, is the effort to create people who are true leaders in society.
“What’s most important is the vision to produce leaders [at Waynesburg],” said Meloy. “We can produce educated people like robots, but the step beyond that is to become a leader not just in your profession, but in your own life.”