LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College’s Education Department continues to enrich the preparation of future educators through Leadership Speaks, a professional learning series that brings local PreK-12 administrators and educational leaders to campus to share their expertise, experiences and perspectives with undergraduate and graduate students.
Designed to bridge theory and practice, Leadership Speaks provides students with authentic opportunities to engage with superintendents, principals, instructional leaders and community partners who are actively shaping today’s schools. Sessions are embedded within education courses and field experiences, allowing students to connect coursework to real-world leadership challenges and decision-making.
Each Leadership Speaks event focuses on timely and relevant topics such as instructional leadership, school culture, equity and inclusion, community partnerships and navigating the evolving landscape of PreK-12 education. The format encourages dialogue, reflection and professional growth through interactive presentations and question-and-answer discussions.
Over the past 18 months, the Education Department has welcomed the following local administrators to campus:
During the spring 2026 semester, the following administrators will be presenting:
Additionally, Turk will be a returning presenter in the spring 2026 semester.
“Leadership Speaks is an important component of how we prepare future educators at Saint Vincent College,” said Dr. Tracy McNelly, chair of the Education Department, housed within SVC’s School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “By learning directly from practicing leaders, our students gain insight into the realities of the profession and develop a deeper understanding of leadership grounded in service, ethics and collaboration.”
Participation in Leadership Speaks also supports students’ professional portfolios, as attendees reflect on what they learn and how it informs their current field placements and future classrooms. The series aligns with Saint Vincent College’s Benedictine values and commitment to forming educators who lead with integrity, empathy and a strong sense of purpose.
Through Leadership Speaks, Saint Vincent College strengthens its partnerships with regional school districts while fostering meaningful professional learning experiences that prepare students to become thoughtful, effective and values-driven leaders in education.
