The University Leadership Program Class of 2012-13, set to graduate in May, has explored topics from technology transformation in education and health care to leadership styles and changes in culture.
As higher education experiences a significant transformation across the country, Northern Arizona University is looking to identify and nurture the next generation of leaders on campus who will serve as its stewards in the future.
Faculty and staff are invited to apply for the third class of the University Leadership Program, during which participants will discuss challenges facing the university and higher education across the nation, technological advances in education delivery, strategic planning and new funding models.
Employees with any depth of experience at all levels are encouraged to apply or nominate a coworker for the program. This next cohort begins in the fall and those selected will represent a wide variety of populations on campus.
Dan Kain, vice provost for Academic Personnel, leads the program sessions, which he said represents President John Haeger’s commitment to the long-term health of NAU.
“By encouraging the development of leaders, this program ensures a rich cadre of faculty, staff and administrators with both skills for leading and also deep understanding of NAU and our place in the state.”
Participants in the program’s second class, set to graduate in May, said the sessions have increased awareness of issues and shifted viewpoints to a bigger picture perspective.
“The University Leadership Program is the best professional development program I ever sought out for myself,” said Cynthia Anderson, director of Residence Life. “It affords an unprecedented opportunity to hear firsthand what our institutional leaders think about the state of our university, the internal and external forces impacting NAU and visionary perspectives on the near and distant future in higher education.”
Jamie Patton, director of Inclusion and Multicultural Services, said his participation in the program has led to self-reflection of his leadership style and an enhanced view of his role in larger efforts to meet university challenges.
“Through the program I’ve make stronger connections and built relationships with colleagues I did not yet know. I am encouraged by our discussions and to see that we share similar values and are committed to seeing students achieve and become global citizens,” he said.
The program kicks off with a two-day retreat in September in Sedona. Subsequent sessions will be held on campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on one Friday each month in October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Participants must commit time for preparation in addition to attending each session.
Applications must be submitted electronically by March 22. To submit an application or to acquire additional information, contact MJ McMahon, executive vice president, at (928) 523-6515.