November 18, 2022

Columbus State University’s Tamara Jenkins Wade and Dr. Bryan Banks have been selected to participate in the University System of Georgia’s 2022-23 Executive Leadership Institute program. They will be joined by 33 faculty and staff members from 25 USG institutions and the University System Office.

For over a decade, USG has hosted ELI for faculty and staff to develop new leaders within the university system and offer professional development opportunities to help them grow their careers in Georgia. The presidents at each USG institution nominate participants to represent their colleges or universities.

“This is about supporting and growing our own people within the university system,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Many times, the best talent is already among us. We want to give our people the best opportunity to experience this kind of professional development so they can reach their full potential.” 

After 13 years in various human resources positions at Columbus State, Wade was appointed CSU’s director and chief human resources officer in October 2021. Her current duties include providing leadership for the Office of Human Resources, ensuring that all human resources programs and initiatives align with institutional and system goals and objectives, and supporting and serving on a variety of employee-facing committees and programs. Wade holds a master of human resource development degree from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis on human resource management, from Hawaii Pacific University. 

Banks currently serves as the interim director of the Faculty Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and as an assistant professor in the Department of History & Geography. A member of the CSU faculty since 2018, his academic interest areas include eEarly modern European history, comparative revolutions, religious studies and digital humanities. He is currently completing his book manuscript, tentatively titled Huguenot Refugees: Protestant Enlightenment on France’s Frontiers, 1680-1800. He serves on the board of the Consortium on the Revolutionary Era, 1750-1850 and is a member of the Southern Historical Snell Prize Committee. Banks holds a bachelor of arts degree from Georgia State University, as well as a master of arts and a doctorate from Florida State University.

The Executive Leadership Institute is a 120-hour, six-month, development program that includes various training sessions focused on group learning sessions, job shadowing and cross mentoring. To be eligible, participants must hold a current title of vice president, chair, dean (or equivalent) or higher, and demonstrated potential based on the USG leadership competencies.

For a complete roster of the USG Executive Leadership Institute’s Class of 2022-23, visit the USG news site