Faculty at the University of Delaware are accustomed to leading class lectures and research labs — but recently 16 of them were back in the classroom as participants in the Presidential Academic Leadership Program, a new initiative designed to equip them with the foundational knowledge, tools and perspective shifts needed to navigate leadership roles in higher education. 

Participants in the inaugural cohort were nominated by senior leaders and selected to participate because of their leadership potential. The cohort met eight times during the academic year for full-day workshops. The mornings centered on personal and institutional leadership skills, and the afternoons focused on key issues in higher education, using activities and discussions to engage all members in developing and practicing skills. Each session included a lunchtime moment of reflection and discussion with a senior leader who shared their leadership journey, insights and significant lessons learned during their career.  

“The aim of the Academic Leadership Program is to provide faculty members with skills, tools, and a supportive network so that they can confidently take on a leadership role, formal or informal, at any level at UD,” said Provost Laura Carlson. “I am so proud of this first cohort. They dedicated their time, were vulnerable with each other, committed to growth and trusted the process. The final presentations showcased a depth of engagement, an array of learning, and a deep cohort bond that will be foundational to their journeys as leaders at UD.”

The workshop topics were wide ranging — from stakeholder communication strategies to the implications of artificial intelligence in academia, to emotional intelligence, active listening and multicultural competency. 

Mónica Domínguez Torres, professor in the Department of Art History, said that she was most intrigued by the workshop that focused on building a professional network. 

“I realized that even though I am extremely lucky to have a small group of colleagues and friends whom I can count on for advice and emotional support, my professional network is quite limited and I can expand it in various ways,” she said. “In fact, the connections made in this cohort have already gone a long way in the creation of meaningful connections.”

Regina Wright, professor in the School of Nursing, appreciated the time that she had in the workshops to reflect and plan ahead. Wright said that the Academic Leadership Program “provided time for me to understand my leadership style and how it aligns with my skill set; take inventory of what additional leadership skills I need to develop; and consider which mentors and sponsors I should align with to achieve my goals.”

Julio Carrión, professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, said that the significance of the Academic Leadership Program builds on his belief that leadership is not an innate trait but is a skill learned from both personal and collective experiences. 

“This program provided opportunities to learn from best practices, codified in articles and books, as well as from the self-reflections of the participants,” he said.

All participants were required to complete a final presentation in which they summarized and reflected on their experience. The final presentations showcased a depth of engagement, an array of learning, and a deep cohort bond that will be foundational to their journeys as leaders at UD, said Carlson.

To join the next cohort of the program, applications or nominations from a senior leader must be received by June 22. Prospective participants must be full-time faculty members who have been at UD for at least one year. To submit a nomination or learn more about the Academic Leadership Program, email Dana Veron, associate provost for faculty development.