OU scholar sees unique opportunity in prestigious ACE Fellowship

Through August of next year, she will expand both her knowledge of and contributions to higher education as a member of the American Council on Education Fellowship Class of 2013-2014.

"I feel very, very fortunate to have this opportunity. The high esteem in which the ACE fellowship is held among senior academic leaders is truly humbling, but at the same time, promises to offer an extraordinary experience," Jhashi said.

"I am looking forward to devoting uninterrupted time to studying significant issues in higher education, and also to building my own leadership capacity through a placement at another institution. There is so much to learn. And, as I grow through this experience, I hope to serve an institution as an effective, creative and astute leader."

With expertise and research interests in European modernism and early twentieth century Russian art, Jhashi plans to study the role and value of modern liberal arts education, as well as how arts and sciences programs can be strengthened in universities such as Oakland.

In addition, the fellowship will include a yearlong placement at another institution of higher education, where Jhashi will study the administrative roles and working relationships of the president and his or her senior leadership team.

Jhashi said she is particularly excited about this aspect of the opportunity, as she has enjoyed opportunities to advance the mission of higher education through leadership positions she has held.

"In administrative service I discovered a brand new world, where issues in higher education are addressed in ways that can have far-ranging, transformative effects – for the institution and ultimately for students and faculty."

In addition to her current leadership position, Jhashi has served as associate provost, and chief academic officer of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to coming to Oakland, she served in faculty positions at Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne; James Madison University; Hartwick College; and Maine College of Art.

Since joining OU in 1997, Jhashi has played significant roles on a numerous key university and committees, and was a key figure in coordinating the Oakland University Senate for a number of years. She has served a professional organization, the Society of Historians of Russian and East European Art, as well as the Executive Committee of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters. Last summer she participated in the Harvard Management Development Program, the ACE Leadership Academy for Department Chairs and the ACE Women's Leadership Forum.

In addition to her academic placement as part of the ACE Fellowship, Jhashi will participate in a number of conferences and retreats designed to foster an exchange of fellow learning experiences and an exploration of higher education issues that impact college campuses across the nation.

"Tamara has already demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and, in doing so, has helped advance the recognition and academic reputation of Oakland University," said President Gary Russi.

"I have every confidence that she will take advantage of this great opportunity to accomplish still greater achievements, both for Oakland and for our nation's higher education system in general."