Due to the cold weather scheduled for January 23rd, we have postponed this session. Please see below for updated details.
When? Friday, February 6, 2026, 9:00 – 10:00 AM CST
Where? 1965 Room, University Union (in-person presence is preferred, but a remote option will be available for those who register as a virtual attendee).
This session will help supervisors:
- Learn practical strategies and tools to lead change successfully
- Understand how to minimize resistance and keep teams engaged throughout the process
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to management, this session offers valuable tools to help you lead in an ever-changing work environment.
About the session:
This session is designed for UW Green Bay leaders who are guiding teams through real, on-the-ground change such as new processes, shifting priorities, staffing adjustments, or rolling out systemwide initiatives, while simultaneously keeping student success and daily operations at the center. In higher education, change often feels personal, and people tend to focus on what they might be losing, not just what is new. Resistance is a normal part of the process, not a sign you are doing it wrong. We will explore the typical transition path people move through, and the leadership amnesia trap, when supervisors forget that others learn about and process change later. You will leave with a clearer read on what your team may be experiencing and how to lead steadily through uncertainty.
You will also gain practical tools you can use right away at UW-Green Bay, including how to explain the “why” in a way that connects to mission and strategy, listen to understand, reduce avoidable surprises, and acknowledge concerns without letting the team get stuck. The session highlights effective push and pull approaches to change, strategies for working through resistance, and ways to build individual and team resilience so people can adapt without burning out. We will focus on what supervisors can do at each stage to build trust, support change champions, communicate progress, and help new ways of working take hold so change does not just roll out, it sticks.
About the Presenter:
Melissa Nash is a higher education leader with extensive experience guiding people, systems, and culture through transition. She currently serves as Assistant Chancellor for Talent and Technology and has spent the past 14 years in progressive HR roles at UW Green Bay. In her work, she partners with campus and UW System stakeholders to align workforce strategy with UW Green Bay’s institutional priorities.
Her change leadership portfolio includes facilitating large-scale, high-stakes transformations, notably including the UW Title and Total Compensation Project, organizational restructures, institution-wide compensation programs, the COVID 19 workforce response, and most recently an HRIS migration from PeopleSoft to Workday. Across these efforts, Melissa has built strong stakeholder engagement, strengthened HR’s shared governance partnerships, communicated through ambiguity, and supported leaders and employees through role evolution and new ways of working.
About Bite-Sized Leadership
This learning initiative is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your leadership skills in today’s dynamic environment. The new learning series is ideal for new leaders or those who would like a refresher on essential leadership skills.