Daniel Cortese

Background

About Daniel Cortese

Are you looking for change management leadership through a transformation? Let's talk!#HigherEducation #EquityandInclusion #AcademicLeadership #TransformativeEducation As a seasoned academic leader with over 15 years of progressive experience at Governors State University (GSU), I’ve learned quickly how to effectively champion faculty, staff, and students through transformative times. Building Cohesive Teams: I foster collaborative relationships with other divisions, departments, and external partners to create synergistic educational environments. Cultivating Excellence: I promote a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement, recognizing and rewarding faculty and staff creativity and innovation. As co-creator and Program Chair for Anthropology & Sociology for ten years and Criminal Justice for three, I shepherded programs through approval processes twice, emphasizing growth and inquiry for students and faculty. Human-Centered & Data-Informed Learning: As a seasoned sociology practitioner, I employ human-centered strategies to interpret data and lead faculty, often through times of transition. I embrace mindfulness as a support practice to spur growth and innovation in alignment with student needs, faculty expertise, and staff support. Visionary Curriculum: Everyone plays an integral role in a student’s journey to completion and career advancement. As Program Chair for Anthropology & Sociology and Criminal Justice, I provided leadership and direction for the development, implementation, and review of their curricula, which was tailored to meet workforce needs and best practices. Empowering Success: In service roles, including Faculty Senate Vice President, Division Personnel Committee Chair, Illinois Board of Higher Education Faculty Advisory Council member, I have amplified equity, inclusion, and belonging ideals through transformative design and policymaking. Bridge Building: With a biethnic family and LGBTQI+ identity, I am intimately familiar with intersectionality theories, employing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices with empathy and joy. Lifelong learner: I continuously refine my teaching and collaboration skills, having studied comedy at Second City, winemaking in Sonoma, cooking in Rome, and a Reiki teacher in three Reiki lineages. Having traveled extensively to learn & practice these skills, I bring a global perspective and diverse ideas to the table, nurturing resilience in students, faculty, and staff.