Master Leadership

Dr. Lisa DeFrank-Cole is Director and F. Duke Perry Endowed Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University, widely known for her academic and practical expertise in women’s leadership. A leadership coach and author of the award-winning textbook Women and Leadership, Lisa overcame many stereotypes as a first-generation college graduate from Appalachia to reach where she is today. WV Living magazine named her a “Wonder Woman” in 2019, celebrating her for defying barriers and working towards uplifting West Virginia. She has 20+ years of experience working with academic and government institutions in West Virginia, including the Governor’s Office. As a Fulbright Specialist Scholar, she taught women in Bahrain about leadership and empowerment. Lisa has also conducted leadership workshops for women in Saudi Arabia.  Lisa’s insights on leadership have appeared in outlets including Forbes, London School of Economics Blog, La Razon daily newspaper in Spain, and KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh