Lindsey Mwene Appointed As Director of Global Honors Program at Roberts Wesleyan University

I think being willing to learn from the students, just as they anticipate learning from me, helps us work together in making the program great.

I really enjoy having a personal connection with students, so being able to learn as much as I can from them, even if it’s fun things like a new game, what they take in their coffee, or the newest trend.

My hope for students is that they feel excitement, a thrill for new adventure, and a joy of being a part of a community of world-changers ready to make a difference.

I think the program’s most underrated strength is how much you change as you go through the program.

When students start, they don’t fully understand the change that will happen within them as they navigate going to college for the first time. On top of that, they’re also taking special classes that challenge them intellectually, sharing the rich history of Rochester, and taking on a global perspective.

Of course, there is excitement about the trips, but I think the foundation of getting diverse perspectives, showcasing intercultural awareness, and applying a global perspective while truly understanding/demonstrating loving your neighbor as yourself is significant.

My mother was a true leader in all she did. She had a heart for wanting to help her community, whether it was helping survivors of domestic violence or creating a food pantry to help those in need of food. She valued connecting with others and being a servant leader.

When my brother and I were younger, she would always tell us, “We are the head and not the tail,” quoting Deuteronomy 28:13. She made sure that no matter the circumstance, we would be encouraged that God’s got our backs and we would continue to find favor in the things God delights in and leads us towards.

I’m always learning more about how to be a good leader. It tends to be shaped by the people I’m around and even sometimes the person people need me to be. I’m very empathetic, so I love listening and learning while guiding and developing others.

I also serve as the Alumni Council President, so I always want all of our students to graduate with a drive and desire to follow through with what God has called them to do, to serve their communities and workplaces ready to make a difference, being confident and courageous, and thoughtfully engaged in all they do.

When it comes to Honors graduates, I also want them to be culturally aware, curious, servant leaders, compassionate, resilient, adaptable, and creative critical thinkers, ready to change the world.

I hope that this program continues to grow and offer students opportunities to engage in our Rochester community’s rich history while infusing a global perspective throughout all of their coursework.

I’m a person that loves learning and experiencing new cultures, so I hope students continually get to explore new cultures. I’d love to see even more community partnerships in the first year and continued growth of the global immersion experiences.

This is a year of transition after many years of great leadership. So growth looks like continuing to bring new honors students in, growing the course offerings we have to better serve our students, and having opportunities for students to learn and serve locally and abroad. I’d love to have more student feedback in guiding some of the future growth opportunities.