Top 25 Women in Business: Mari King, Ed.D., Educator Helps Grow New Leaders
By Butler, Jennifer
Mari King, Ed.D., fives by the three “R”s-respect for self, for others, and responsibility for all decisions. As vice-president of academic affairs at College Misericordia, King says she must retain the ability to listen, reflect and come to fair decisions.
Accident-prone as a child, she made many visits to the X-ray department Inspired by her experiences, she earned her degree in radiologic technology from College Misericordia in 1975. Within months she was teaching in the program. Thirty years later, after earning a master’s of public administration degree and doctor of education degree, King remains a key member of the Misericordia family.
“I enjoyed teaching because I was passionate about learning and wanted to share my knowledge,” she notes. While teaching full time she earned an advanced certification in bone densitometry and kept her skills current working at Mercy and Moses Taylor hospitals. She has served in numerous academic leadership positions at Misericordia. After a national search, she was selected as vice president of academic affairs.
“My strong internal connections to the college and roots as a long-time faculty member have given me an ability to connect with the faculty, staff, students and alumni. I believe one of my most valuable qualities is my ability to advocate for the faculty within the context institutional perspective,” she explains.
She balances her personal and professional life with the support of her family, “My parents, Leroy and Elizabeth Phillips, bestowed on me tireless support and understanding throughout my personal and professional endeavors” she says. “And, ray husband, Dave, and daughter, Reagan, are truly the ‘wind beneath my wings.’”
King advises women who are new to higher education that “an experienced col league can be an invaluable mentor.” As president- elect of the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, one of her goals is to strengthen efforts to identify potential educators and grow new leaders by offering them the mentoring opportunities they need.
The rewards for her are watching Misericordia grow in acclamation both regionally and nationally; and seeing students achieve more academically than they thought possible. She notes, “One of the largest challenges is leading the pursuit of University status to preserve the solid reputation for personalized education enjoyed here while opening up greater opportunities for students and faculty as a university.”
Copyright Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal Mar 01, 2007
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