FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University has named 22-year military veteran and leadership educator Anton Shufutinsky the new director of its Ph.D. in organization development & change (ODC) program.
The ODC doctorate program focuses on the behavioral, social and basic sciences and their capacities to transform organizations, fortify communities, discover untapped potential and increase company-wide effectiveness and well-being. It prepares professionals across industries and sectors to advance in leadership and management in their field.
An expert in strategic change, leadership development, human factors and public health, Shufutinsky worked in various high-profile roles throughout his military career. He discovered his passion for management, talent development, conflict resolution and leading change during the latter half of his active duty service. Following his military career, Shufutinsky worked in the corporate pharmaceutical and defense industries where he led teams of engineers, health science professionals, environmental scientists and human resource specialists. His collective experience leading large teams in government, corporate and nonprofit organizations developed and honed his skills to effectively drive organizational success.
The Organization Development (OD) Network recently voted unanimously to name Shufutinsky winner of the Evolving OD Award, a tribute to successful leaders who inspire change in organizational development. He will receive the award at the annual OD Network conference in Cleveland, OH, in October.
Mark Beekey, College of Arts & Sciences dean, anticipates great strides under Shufutinsky’s direction. “His decorated and impressive career will help him guide this program and its members to new heights for years to come,” Beekey said.
In a question-and-answer interview, Shufutinsky discussed his plans to prepare students for becoming effective leaders in a changing world.
What attracted you to teaching at SHU?
I strongly believe in the principle of teaching from the heart. I sought an institution that values people, and promotes inclusion, belonging and innovation and Sacred Heart’s commitment to these principles is among the factors that drew me to the University.
SHU also places immense value on the student and faculty experience and is committed to inspiring personal and academic growth for all who study and work here, and that aligns closely with OD values. As an educator, knowing student success is the driving force at SHU was vital to me in accepting this role.
What are some goals you’d like to achieve in this position?
I strongly believe this program will quickly earn its place as a top destination for ODC education, and I’m here to help that become a reality. The program’s commitment to research will fuel its success. Our unique course offerings and teaching methods will enable students to explore subjects that similar programs do not touch upon, thus preparing them for expanded opportunities upon graduation.
How will your previous experiences help you excel in this new role?
I have worked across various fields and led diverse teams in numerous organizations throughout my career. Whether in the military, corporate sector or consulting, I’ve held roles ranging from entry-level to executive to consultant and coach. This diversity of experiences has afforded me broad perspective and a deep understanding and appreciation of workplace dynamics at every level. They have and continue to inform me and make me the practitioner, researcher and educator that I am today and will be in the years to come, and they will continue to help me drive the success of this program forward.
How will the Ph.D. in organization development & change program help working professionals?
It is an interprofessional and interdisciplinary program, bringing together many different professionals, from the highest-level managers with as many as 40 years of experience in the corporate world to junior managers who recently began their careers. Our carefully designed program bridges theory and practice, and our unique ODC labs will prepare highly capable ODC scholar practitioners. The program’s ability to connect professionals, no matter their status or role, is second to none. Students in the program are exposed to the best minds in the field of organization development, change, leadership and related fields. They will learn to lead and follow, even amidst chaos, and to effectively evaluate and improve organizational systems. Graduates will have received top-to-bottom organizational management, leadership, change and design training that will stick with them for the rest of their careers.
About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu