Photos courtesy of Sky Saylor Dynamic
Owosso, MI — Baker College celebrates Dr. Voula Erfourth, Chief People Officer, on being named the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient by the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRCC).
Dr. Erfourth was surprised with the announcement during a special gathering attended by fellow ATHENA recipients, members of the SRCC Board of Directors, colleagues, and friends from Baker College. The honor was presented by 2025 ATHENA Award recipient Hannah Gottschalk.
The ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes individuals who exemplify professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to helping women achieve their full leadership potential. Named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage, the award celebrates leaders who inspire others through collaboration, mentorship, and service.
“Voula’s leadership extends far beyond her role at Baker College,” said Dr. Jacqui Spicer, Baker College President and CEO. “She has dedicated her career to empowering others, creating opportunities for growth, and strengthening the communities she serves. This recognition is a testament to the profound impact she has made on countless individuals throughout Shiawassee County and beyond,” Spicer said.
As Baker College’s Chief People Officer, Dr. Erfourth leads strategic initiatives that support employee engagement, talent development, organizational culture, and leadership growth. Her influence also reaches throughout the region through her service as a member of the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as Board President of the Memorial Healthcare Foundation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Erfourth has been a passionate advocate for mentorship, education, and women’s leadership. Colleagues describe her as a collaborative leader who invests deeply in the success of others while fostering meaningful relationships across organizations and communities.
The ATHENA Leadership Award is guided by eight principles of leadership: living authentically, learning constantly, building relationships, fostering collaboration, acting courageously, advocating fiercely, giving back, and celebrating others. Dr. Erfourth’s commitment to these values has earned her widespread respect as a leader, mentor, and community champion.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Erfourth. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside dedicated leaders who believe in lifting others up. This award reflects the collective impact of those relationships and the importance of creating opportunities for others to thrive.”
Dr. Erfourth was formally recognized during the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the historic Lebowsky Center in downtown Owosso. The event celebrated outstanding leadership, service, innovation, and community impact across Shiawassee County. This recognition adds Dr. Erfourth to an esteemed group of community leaders whose dedication has strengthened the region through service, mentorship, and visionary leadership.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.