Tools for Success

Campus Begins Academy for University Managers and Leaders

September 23, 2008

By Pamela McLaren

A new professional development program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of campus leaders — whether new or experienced — has been established this year.

The University Leadership Academy begins this fall with the objective of strengthening skills that support individual leadership success and the advancement of the university, said Naomi Goodwin, assistant vice president for administration and finance and a member of the University Leadership Academy advisory board.

“The University Leadership Academy will allow us to not only develop and educate our next generation of university leaders, but will enhance strong connections among emerging and senior leaders across the campus,” said Kandy Mink Salas, dean of students.

The new academy will initially offer two core programs: a seven-month Leadership Development Program for managers with five or less years of leadership experience, those who are new to higher education or who have not previously participated in a formalized leadership development program; and a multi-day Senior Leaders Program designed for mid-level and experienced managers below the division head-level with more than five years of experience.

Leadership Development Program

Up to 30 participants, selected through an application process and division head nominations, will work together as a cohort, participating in interactive workshops and working in small groups to complete a project assigned by the President’s Administrative Board.

Starting in October, external leadership development professionals familiar with higher education and seasoned university leaders will lead the workshops, which will include assessment, presentations, case studies and discussion.

One such workshop titled “Leading and Managing Change in a Higher Education Environment” will be led by Brent D. Ruben, executive director of the Center for Organizational Development and Leadership at Rutgers University. The program will include topics such as:

• Utilizing collaborative leadership in successful change efforts
• Higher education and planning-based assessment
• Working with and through the institutional culture
• Strategic planning: a model for higher education
• Strategic communication for strategic planning

Applications and additional information regarding the program are provided at http://www.fullerton.edu/LeadershipAcademy. Applications must be submitted to division heads by Wednesday, Sept. 24; division head nominations must be submitted to the academy advisory board by Oct. 1. Participants will be selected and will be notified by Oct. 15.

Senior Leaders Program

Offered during the summer, the Senior Leaders Program will include workshops, discussions and case studies for cohorts of up to 25 individuals annually. The first program will be offered in July 2009. More information about this part of the Leadership Academy will be provided during the spring semester.

"This University Leadership Academy is an excellent way to cultivate the Titan team. It is vital to developing the university's future leadership,” said Owen Holmes, associate vice president of government relations and public affairs.

For more information about either program, call Naomi Goodwin or Susan Lasswell, interim director of organizational development, at 657-278-2115.