(PHOENIX, Ariz., April 27, 2005) - Nicola Perry, currently serving as Manager of Fitness and Wellness at Phoenix College, has been chosen to participate in the National Institute for Leadership Development, LEADERS program, an international program for administrators and faculty in higher education.

This year-long program, designed to enhance the skills participants need to assume major decision making roles in their institutions, includes institutional practice in supervisory and human relations skills, planning and budgeting, and organizational transformation as well as discussions with national experts on the issues confronting higher education during the next decade.

During the program, Nicola Perry will be mentored by Pete Kushibab, General Counsel for the District, currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. She intends to work on projects that will aid the institution and foster individual professional growth.

Nicola Perry completed her Master's degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from Arizona State in 1999 and has been working at Phoenix College since August of that year. She serves as Chair of the campus Wellness Committee, is active in the District's Wellness Maricopa Initiative, serving as one of the tri-chairs during '03-'04, and serves on the Healthier Phoenix Initiative, an Ad-Hoc Committee established by the Mayor and the City Council in December of 2004.

Nicola has participated in PC3, the Positive Climate Campus Program in Spring 2003, and the Strategic Planning Initiative at Phoenix College. She currently works on the Service Excellence Committee and the Staff Development Committee on her campus.

Prior to attending Arizona State for both her graduate and undergraduate degrees, Nicola attended Encanto, Clarendon and Central High School, before attending Phoenix College as a President's Scholar.

LEADERS participants are chosen for their professional abilities, their interests in advancement in higher education, and the quality of their proposed projects.

The National Institute for Leadership Development is internationally recognized by colleges, universities and businesses for its visionary, holistic programs that produce leaders who effectively challenge assumptions, eliminate barriers and create new pathways to successful solutions.

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