As the University of Chicago Leadership & Society Initiative (LSI) looks forward to welcoming its inaugural cohort of 20 fellows in the autumn of 2023, LSI Director Diana Petty announced two new staff appointments on her team.
Shannon Morrissey has been appointed LSI’s Assistant Director for Curriculum. In this role, Shannon will oversee curriculum development and the experiential learning components that help fellows apply their skills and contribute to positive social change.
Prior to joining LSI, Shannon worked with the Chicago Studies program at the University of Chicago, helping students apply their classroom learning to think critically about issues facing the City of Chicago. She also served as a program director for a national service-learning nonprofit and worked as a strategy and research consultant for mission-driven organizations. Shannon holds a BA in Sociology from Whitman College and an MA in the Social Sciences from the University of Chicago where she has also done advanced graduate work in Sociology.
Sarah Wilson has been appointed LSI’s Assistant Director for Engagement. In this role, Sarah will support LSI fellows in their selection of courses and through building connections with faculty, centers, and students across campus to maximize their fellowship experience and to support their unique learning goals.
Prior to joining LSI, Sarah managed the Adult Education program at the Newberry Library, where she administered hundreds of seminars in the arts and humanities for adult learners. Sarah also supported adult education initiatives through the Odyssey Project at Illinois Humanities and the Detroit Mercy Education Project. Sarah holds a PhD in Medieval English Literature from Northwestern University, where she taught literature and composition classes. She also holds a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of North Texas.