Dr. Wilson

Homepage Wilson

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Academic Information

1980 Ph.D. Education-Evaluation, Measurement, Administration of Higher Education
Michigan State
1975 M.A. Curriculum Development, Communications
Michigan State
1966 B.S. Education
Michigan State
Research Interests

Leadership, empowerment, relational leadership, creating and maintaining active learning organizations, planning for change.

Professional Experience

1982-present Associate Professor, Gonzaga University
1998-1999 Associate Dean, School of Education, Gonzaga University
1990-1996 Department Chair, Doctoral Program, Gonzaga University
1982-present Committee chair for 90 dissertations, Gonzaga University
1979-1982 Director of Testing and Evaluation, Central Valley School District Spokane, WA
1978-1979 Evaluation Specialist, Ingham Intermediate School District, Ingham, MI
1976-1979 Evaluation Specialist, Instructional Development and Evaluation Assoc., MI

Representative Publications


Wilson, S.M., Mapetla, M., & Power-Drutis, T. (2008). Global initiatives and local leadership: The role of leadership in eradicating poverty in Lesotho Africa. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 10 (2) 51-84.


Wilson, S.M., & Ferch, S. (2005).  Relational practices in the workplace that enhance individual and organizational resilience to change. Organizational Development Journal, 23, 45-60.


Wilson, S.M., & Ferch, S. (2004).  The practice of caring relationships in transforming organizational life.  Journal of Leadership and Business 6 (1) 70-85.


Wilson, S.M., Iverson, D, & Chrastil, J (April, 2001).  School reform that integrates public education and democratic principles. Equity and
Excellence in Education (34), pp.64-70.


 Recent Evaluations/Consultations
  • Our Lady of the Lakes University: Review of the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies (January 2010).
  • Art Center College of Design in Pasadena CA: Evaluation of Saturday High and Art Center at Night programs for at risk youth and young adults (funded by James Irvine and Surdna grants) (2005-2009).
  • Washington State Office of Public Instruction: Research design for teacher professional development programs in the state of Washington (September 2007)
  • Washington State Office of Public Instruction: Research design for community partnership programs in the state of Washington (August 2007)
  • Spirituality in the Workplace, a retreat held at St Joseph’s Family Center (August 2007).
  • Authentic Leadership and Relational Wholeness, a workshop presented to local business leaders through Gonzaga’s Continuing Education Program and St Joseph’s Family Center (February-March, 2007).
  • Arkansas State Department of Education: A review of a Leadership Studies Program for the University of Arkansas (January 2007).
  • The Spokane Alliance Community Organizing Project for Schools in Eastern Washington (2002).
  • Forming Teacher/Parent Partnerships (funded in part by the Mott Foundation). (2000-2001).
  • Creating Democratic Schools (funded in part by the Mott Foundation) (1998-2000).

 Recent Community Service

Board of Directors: the Spokane Diocese Catholic Charities (2001-2008 , Chair of the board 2003-2008).


Board member and member of the Personnel and Finance Committee: the Second Harvest Food Bank (2000-2004).


Spokane Board for the Women's Opportunity Fund program (An international association that establishes trust funds for women to start their own business -- a way for women to help themselves, in community with other women, to make life better for themselves and their children) (1999-2001).