Academic leadership academy
Program objective and mission
Wayne State University (WSU) is committed to developing effective academic leaders who empower others by working with them collegially to achieve common goals, build a community of scholars, teachers, and practitioners, and sustain a high level of morale and engagement. To this end, the Office of the Provost has created the Academic Leadership Academy (ALA) to support the development of the leadership skills and capacity of WSU faculty, academic personnel, and staff. ALA aspires to increase the number and broaden the impact of skilled leaders at WSU who can contribute to the mission of the University and enhance the lives of its students, employees, and surrounding community members.
The ALA is a one-year program designed for represented faculty and staff who have some knowledge and experience working toward the mission of WSU and in their areas of expertise and are prepared to build their capacity to be more effective leaders at WSU in their disciplines, departments, schools/colleges/units, and/or communities, in either formal and informal leadership roles. Program participants, known as ALA Fellows, will build on their emerging leadership skills by applying what they learn during the Academy to their current roles as well as to a leadership project or special focus of their choice.
Apply for the ALA | ALA in the News | Frequently Asked Questions | 2024-25 Program Curriculum
Program components
- A one-day leadership retreat in August to orient Fellows to the work of the Academy
- Monthly in-person seminars of approximately 3 hours (September through May, held on a Friday)
- Monthly meetings with project sponsors and ALA coaches
- Digital peer mentoring sessions
- A Hogan Personality Inventory assessment, with a debrief led by the Department of Psychology
- Fellows should identify a specific aspect of their current role that they will apply their ALA experiences to, with the goal of becoming more effective leaders in that particular area, OR design a leadership project that aligns with the WSU Strategic Plan to improve some facet of WSU life, with the goal of practicing and demonstrating leadership skills discussed in the ALA.
- ALA Fellows will be invited to continue their leadership development after the one-year program by participating in future ALA seminars and offerings.
Apply for the ALA 2025-26 (look for a new application later this year)
News about the Academic Leadership Academy
2024-25 ALA cohort announced
2023-2024 ALA cohort announced
2022-23 ALA cohort announced
Academic Leadership Academy welcomes new cohort, diverse group of collaborative projects
Academic Leadership Academy announces second cohort
Inaugural Academic Leadership Academy Launches First Cohort
Needed: Leadership Training for Faculty and Academic Staff (Inside Higher Ed)
Contact information
If you have any additional questions regarding the academy, please contact:
Sara Kacin
Assistant Provost for Faculty Development and Faculty Success
Director, Office for Teaching & Learning
skacin@wayne.edu