Advanced Leader Program

In the Advanced Leader Program (ALP), a select group of current academic administrators will build upon previous experiences and existing strengths as they learn from senior administrators, experts in leadership development, and peers. Fellows will expand their professional networks and gain a more nuanced understanding of effective leadership in higher education.

Competencies

ALP Fellows will enrich their leadership practices through professional development across four competencies: personal, interpersonal, team, and system.¹ More precisely, ALP Fellows will interact with select offices and administrators from across the university, expanding their network and understanding of the operations of our institution and the university system. Sessions cover such topics as effective communication skills, team development, financial management, data-informed strategic thinking, and leadership pathways in higher education. Fellows will interact with speakers and engage in activities designed to augment knowledge and skills.

Audience and Selection Process

Participants will be UGA faculty holding an administrative position at the level of department head, academic program coordinator or director, assistant vice president, or above. Alternately, participants will have experience in a titled leadership role in a professional organization related to their academic appointments. Nominations by deans and other senior administrators are welcome, as are self-nominations.

Application Packet

The application packets should include the following documents (to be uploaded on or before Monday, October 20, 2025, in the online application:

1. A brief transmittal letter from a dean or senior administrator indicating support for the application. Self-nominations do not require this letter. (1-2 pages. Address to the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Office of Faculty Affairs, 225 New College, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.)
2. A letter of interest from the applicant that outlines experience in leadership to date and a vision for what the nominee may accomplish with the support of the program (1-2 pages. Address to the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs, Office of Faculty Affairs, 225 New College, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.)
3. Current curriculum vitae.

ALP is administered by the Office of Faculty Affairs as part of the leadership development opportunities under the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. If you have further questions, please contact the program manager Ms. Sherri Bennett, assistant to the vice provost, at [email protected]. You may also contact the program director Dr. Mary Carney, senior director of faculty and leadership development, Office of Faculty Affairs, at [email protected].

Calendar

The program operates on the calendar year with a kickoff in January and a final celebration in December.

Spring: The program will include monthly meetings and a two-day retreat. The dates of the monthly meetings are chosen with input from the cohort. The 2026 spring retreat will be held at the Founders Memorial Garden on March 26 (1 – 5 p.m.) and March 27 (8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

Summer: Participants may attend two optional summer group coaching sessions (two hours each). The dates will be determined by the cohort during spring semester.

Fall: Participants will attend monthly meetings in fall semester. Dates for fall sessions will be chosen by the cohort during spring. Group coaching opportunities will continue in fall semester.