Intensive Leadership Development Programs

Module 1.  Leading Change and Innovation

Change in any industry is difficult, but it is particularly problematic in higher education with its unique culture and history of shared governance. This module examines the history of innovation within colleges and universities, helps fellows identify opportunities for innovation on their own campuses, and examines the modern-day barriers to innovation within institutions. Fellows explore how, as leaders, they can create the conditions for change by learning about the nature of leading in higher education and expanding their own capacity to contribute to innovation within their institutions. This first course invites fellows to consider the current state and context of their own institutions and what possibilities and opportunities for innovation exist on their own campuses. 

Module 2. Understanding the institution as a system

The dominant model of higher education is rooted in an industrial age that favored a rigid, hierarchical system. The 21st-century economy demands a more flexible system, led with a focus on innovation, equity, collaboration and creativity. This module examines the institution as a dynamic system. Fellows will gain perspective on how to lead within and across the system, drawing upon the dynamics of organizational change. By learning how to better see the structures, cultures and realities of the organization, fellows will answer the question: What is my institution designed to do?  How do things actually "get done" on a college or university campus? They will look at systemic issues, seemingly intractable challenges, and will imagine what high-performing universities might look like in the future, as both teaching and research enterprises.

Module 3. Innovation within the University

By focusing on the unique strengths, qualities and aspects of their institutions and inviting a deeper inquiry into the design of the system and structures of the institution, fellows gain perspective on the innovation opportunities, landscape and readiness for change on their campuses. In this module, fellows bring their fieldwork into the program for rounds of feedback, redesign, rapid prototyping and collaborative work with their cohort. Fellows gain new perspectives on leading the innovation process and they further their campus based innovation ideas.  

Module 4. Becoming an innovative leader in higher education

Higher education is a disrupted field greatly in need of creative, forward-looking leadership, yet many institutional leaders find their communities stuck in the stasis of the past. Today external challenges, both domestic and global, place complex demands on college and university leaders. Talented faculty with the potential to become future university leaders express reluctance to leave the classroom or research lab to serve in leadership roles, and those who do often feel unprepared to navigate the challenging new landscape. This final course focuses on integrating the concepts presented in the previous three sessions while teaching fellows the powerful and strategic skills of developing and articulating a compelling vision. Each fellow will examine his or her own leadership journey and will develop a bold and meaningful vision for the future, while defining how to make the mindset shifts necessary to confidently lead the innovative university of the future. 

Dates and Deadlines

We are currently accepting application for Cohort 11 (2024-2025).

The application deadline is July 19,2024.