Whiddon COM showcased nationally at the Assessment Institute

Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA

This October, Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., MPA, executive director of accreditation and continuous quality improvement in the Office of Accreditation and Planning, represented the Whiddon College of Medicine at the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis. She presented her session, “The EDGE Effect: Transforming Professional Development Through Leadership Growth,” highlighting the College’s innovative approach to developing leadership capacity among faculty and staff who do not hold formal supervisory roles.

The session shared key findings from the EDGE for Success program, an initiative created within the Whiddon COM to address a clear gap in professional development. Traditional models often overlook non-supervisory professionals, despite their essential role in communication, collaboration, and student support. EDGE was designed to meet that need by pairing structured skill-building with mentorship, reflection, and facilitation practice.

The research demonstrated measurable gains in leadership confidence, resilience, and general self-efficacy, reinforcing the idea that leadership can be cultivated at every level of an institution. “We identified a gap in professional development and created EDGE to address it,” Pierce sad. “It has been incredibly well received, and the data shows how meaningful it has been for both mentees and mentors.”

The presentation also connected EDGE to broader institutional priorities. The program reflects the University of South Alabama’s Strategic Plan, particularly its emphasis on student success, high-impact practices, and a supportive professional culture. Within the Whiddon COM Strategic Plan, EDGE directly supports goals related to staff and faculty success, educational excellence, and fostering a collaborative academic environment.

Presenting this work on a national stage allowed the Whiddon COM to share a scalable model for workforce development while highlighting the College’s commitment to continuous improvement, inclusive leadership, and investing in people. The EDGE Effect continues to demonstrate how intentional development, supported by strong mentorship and reflective practice, can elevate both individual growth and institutional effectiveness.