Administration

Excellence in Academic Leadership workshop enrolling now

"Persistence is the twin sister of excellence,” wrote Marbel Morgan in "The Electric Woman." “One is a matter of quality; the other, a matter of time.”

Academic administrators with both the desire to improve their leadership quality, and the time to attend six full-day workshops this fall are urged to consider enrolling in the Excellence in Academic Leadership (EAL) program, sponsored by Penn State Human Resources in partnership with the Office of Academic Affairs.

Slated to begin Sept. 7, the EAL program will explore topics that include leadership competencies and style, conflict resolution, motivation and team development, creating a culture of inclusion and excellence, ethical decision making, talent management and change leadership. 

The last day of the program offers an in-depth look at ethical leadership and decision-making, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and the need for effective talent management within an organization.

“The EAL provides a unique opportunity for academic leaders to focus on their personal leadership development, network with other academic leaders, and learn from respected experts in the area of leadership and higher education,” Workplace Learning and Performance Director Sue Cromwell said. 

Currently enrolling, EAL program is offered free of charge to Penn State academic administrators with between one and five years of experience in their current position. The program welcomes both direct applications, as well as third-party applications from University leaders who feel an individual within their purview may benefit from the program.

All workshops take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the University Park campus on Sept. 7 and 8; Oct. 5; and Nov. 1, 15 and 30. The deadline for applications is July 29.

The program will provide academic leaders with the information and skills they need to create an ethical, inclusive and high performing workplace culture.  Content and discussions are organized around four general focal areas of leadership development: 

  • Personal Mastery: The ability to know oneself and learn from experience.
  • Interpersonal Mastery: The ability to communicate, influence, and work well with others, particularly during difficult conversations.
  • Team Mastery: The ability to develop and lead groups of individuals towards common goals while promoting a high performing work environment.
  • Systems Mastery: The ability to think systemically and lead the organization through a strategic change process in a way that develops commitment and learning.

This program offers a number of assessments to provide participants with insight to their personal leadership style. Using this information, participants will create a leadership development plan to help them extend their learning beyond the program workshops and apply it in the workplace. 

To apply to the program, nominate an individual for the program, or learn more about the program, contact Christy Helms at cwh19@psu.edu or, visit the EAL website.

Last Updated July 25, 2016