First Cohort of ADAPT Participants Graduate from 9-Month Program

Dec 8, 2023 8:00 AM

On Thursday, Dec. 7, the inaugural cohort of the ADAPT (Administrative Development and Professional Training) program at FSU graduated after nine months of both in-person and online learning. Designed in 2021 by the Office of the President in partnership with the Department of Human Resources, the program provides professional development opportunities to administrative professionals across campus and aims to enhance skills that support employee development and FSU’s strategic plan.

The first cohort of participants in Frostburg’s ADAPT program included Jennifer Chisholm '98, Toni Hathaway, Katie Miller, Kelly McDonagh, Jesse Puffenberger '19, Alec Edwards '18, Denise Arnold and Lori Kimble. Present at the ceremony in support of the program were the graduates’ supervisors and other administrative staff.

Over the course of the program, this group of administrative professionals focused on building and strengthening their hard and soft skills to enhance their job performance, gaining knowledge about Frostburg’s policies and systems and promoting their personal values and work styles. In addition, they had the opportunity to interact with colleagues from different departments to build professional relationships.

Any employee in an administrative professional role at FSU is eligible to participate in ADAPT. Applications for the 2024 cohort are currently being accepted and are due by Jan. 22. Qualifying employees may apply online.

Donnell VanSkiver, ADAPT Program Coordinator and Executive Administrative Assistant to the President said, “ADAPT is offered at no cost to departments or the university and is currently being fully funded by campus administrative professionals, which is incredible! It shows a commitment by FSU’s admin community to growth and professional development opportunities which are typically difficult to come by in our profession.”

VanSkiver continued, “Admins are, at heart, individuals who love to help others, and this is no different. It would be remarkable to see donations from across the campus community to show support for those who work so hard to provide support services to the university every day.”  

Several members of the inaugural class showed their appreciation and support of future classes with a $225 contribution at graduation. Those wishing to contribute to the program can make a donation online and search “ADAPT”. All funds go directly to support program content and materials.