Truman Leadership Academy Offers Professional Development for Faculty and Staff

In an effort to support and develop leaders across campus, the University has created the Truman Leadership Academy for faculty and staff.

Now in its second offering, the Truman Leadership Academy is co-facilitated by Jonathan Vieker, assistant vice president for institutional effectiveness and assessment, and Tim Walston, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics. Through readings, class discussions and visits with senior leadership, participants strengthen their leadership skills while building a community together.

“Leadership training programs are common in the business world, but less common in higher education where new leaders must often ‘learn by doing.’ TLA ensures leaders have the support they need,” Vieker said.

During the semester-long program, participants read and discuss John Maxwell’s “The 5 Levels of Leadership,” hear guest presentations from President Sue Thomas and members of the Executive Leadership Team, discuss leadership challenges and opportunities, and take part in conversations around emerging trends and complex issues in higher education.

“The people who participate will be given tools to enable them to be stronger leaders. This can help them stand out and make a difference at the University,” Walston said. “The University benefits by having stronger leaders in positions across campus and by having a pipeline of individuals who are able and willing to step into future positions to serve the campus. Professional development of our current employees demonstrates an investment in making them into stronger professionals.”

Members of the president’s Executive Leadership Team – comprised of the University vice presidents and a few other key positions – are asked to nominate two individuals from their areas to participate in each Truman Leadership Academy session. Interested individuals should let their dean or supervisor know they would like to participate in the program. The Truman 101 class for employees is a suggested prerequisite for the Truman Leadership Academy.

Those who choose to participate in the program will be able to strengthen their leadership capacities in areas like collaboration, decision-making and problem-solving. They will also join a community of leaders from across campus and help develop leadership skills in others.

“The Truman Leadership Academy was an excellent opportunity to interact with other faculty and staff leaders on campus,” said Eric Dickson, associate professor of music and one of the members of the inaugural cohort. “Through lively discussions, we developed a greater understanding of what it means to be a leader, how leadership differs from management, and how to best apply leadership skills within a Truman context. I encourage anyone interested in growing their leadership skills to participate.”

For the University, the program offers professional development for employees, and it reflects elements of a liberal arts education.

“The TLA is partially about acknowledging that we’re all students, at every step of our careers. There’s always more to learn,” Vieker said. “It’s also a chance for Truman to showcase its culture of lifelong learning, and the TLA participants are examples of that culture embodied.”

For more information about the Truman Leadership Academy, including questions regarding participation, contact Vieker or Walston.