Page 18 - august2017lifeinnaples

HODGES UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR

NONPROFIT EXCELLENCE

WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR

H odges University’s Center for Nonprofit by providing training and development opportunities, as well as providing
“Our vision is to enhance the nonprofit community within this region
Excellence is a valuable resource for professional
development in the Southwest Florida nonprofit
community, and as it continues to grow and evolve, the services to help nonprofits launch their missions,” Thomas said.
Throughout the 2017-2018 season, the center plans to host a variety
center is doing the same with a new mission and new of programs on its Naples campus, focusing on a wide range of topics. The
director at the helm. schedule is as follows:
In spring 2017, the center welcomed Dr. Noreen
Thomas as its new director. With more than 40 years of EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
experience working in higher education, she is actively
involved in Southwest Florida’s academic and nonprofit
communities. As the former executive vice president of
Edison State College (now Florida SouthWestern State
College), she retired in 2010 but continues to teach in the
Seminars and Institutes
doctoral program at National American University. • Indiana University’s Overview of Developing Major Gifts
Bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit governance
August 24 & 25, 2017
and leadership, Thomas is diligently working to grow the • Strengthening Nonprofit Board Leadership,
center in a way that will encourage collaboration among key
Governance and Accountability
stakeholders from various nonprofit agencies in the area, October 6, 2017
as well as continue to provide valuable programming at • Advanced Leadership Institute
Hodges’ Fort Myers and Naples campuses.
April 12 & 13, 2018
“Dr. Thomas’ extensive academic and collaborative • Management Institute for Nonprofit Managers
background is a great gift to the CNE at Hodges
June 7 & 8, 2018
University. We are pleased to have her expertise in engaging
both top level nonprofit leaders and organizing a broad Topic-Specific Morning Series ($35 per session)
spectrum curriculum that will provide tools for all of • What’s Your Story...Tell it to Your Donors with Focus and Ease
our nonprofit professionals to succeed,” said Katherine September 14, 2017
Caskey, chief development officer of the Marco YMCA • The Basics of an Annual Campaign
and president-elect of the Association of Fundraising October 12, 2017
Professionals (AFP) Collier-Lee Chapter. • Special Events Designed with a Strategic Purpose
Adhering to its new mission, “to support excellence in December 7, 2017
the leadership and management of nonprofit enterprises • The Why and How of Strategic Planning
through professional development opportunities, research January 26, 2018
and mentoring,” Thomas’ focus is to provide leadership
The Professional You Series ($35 per session)
development for boards and executive directors, as well as • Being at Ease with Public Speaking
stewardship and operations, and a service component for November 16, 2017
emerging and accelerated nonprofits in the area. • Leadership: Aligning Your Values and Finding Your Voice
Catherine Bergerson, director of communications February 15, 2018
and marketing at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, All sessions possess continuing education units (CEUs), certified
remarked of Thomas’ leadership skills, saying, “I have fund raising executive (CFRE) certification and/or lead to a Hodges
known Dr. Thomas professionally and personally for almost University Certificate in Nonprofit Excellence.
10 years, and we have spent time together on a variety of To view the entire schedule, visit www.hodges.edu/cne/
projects. She has a proven ability to lead in the classroom, For more information about the Center for Nonprofit Excellence,
in large organizations and throughout the community. The contact Dr. Noreen Thomas at nthomas2@hodges.edu
positive energy she brings to each project motivates and or call 239.405.7687.
inspires those around her to excel.”

18 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2017