Coleman feted

(Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

"Every time you convince a young woman to enter the Business School, you are doing your part to create the next wave of leaders," Coleman told members of the University community who gathered to honor her. "Leadership means being a leader at all levels of one's career," added Coleman, who said that as a University of Kentucky faculty member she didn't anticipate becoming a university president. Only after being asked to direct the University of Kentucky Cancer Center did Coleman discover she enjoys building programs and raising money. "Things happen in life that you never expect. Always be open to new possibilities that can lead to a totally different career," Coleman advised.

One significant lesson Coleman learned as president of the University of Iowa and in her first 20 months at U-M is that sometimes issues choose you. She cited leading Michigan in its landmark admissions case at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003 as an example. At other times, presidents choose the issues they will champion, Coleman said.

The Women in Leadership Award is sponsored by the Michigan Business School Women in Business Initiative and the Michigan Business Women.