Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is a professional development program designed to equip mid-level managers, such as AVPs, Deans, Directors, and Department Heads, with the leadership skills needed for higher responsibility. Aligned with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Competencies for Community College Leaders (4th Edition), the Academy provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on critical leadership aspects in higher education, preparing participants to navigate challenges and opportunities in their roles.
Outcomes
The Academy will include the “AACC Competencies for Community College Leaders (4th Edition)," and participants will:
- Understand leadership goals and AACC Competencies to guide their development.
- Recognize AI’s impact on education and leadership.
- Evaluate how evolving industry needs influence educational pathways and institutional strategies.
- Strengthen financial planning skills by exploring budget management for effective strategic planning.
- Understand the impact of legislation on higher education through a focus on policies at local and state levels.
- Contribute to student success discussions with a focus on leadership’s role in education outcomes.
- Assess the impact and benefits of academic partnerships.
- Engage with System leadership to gain insights into higher levels of responsibility.
- Apply strategies to balance upward and downward communication for better organizational alignment.
This schedule is provided for planning purposes. Detailed agendas will be provided to participants before each session.
| October 23-24, 2025 | Session 1 (In-person) Introduction + Foundations of Leadership + Academy Project Intro |
| November 13-14, 2025 | Session 2 (Virtual) Leadership Skills For Modern Challenges (AI and Workforce Development) |
| December 4-5, 2025 | Session 3 (Virtual) Budget + Risk Management + Data-Driven Decision Making in Strategic Planning |
| January 22-23, 2026 | Session 4 (Virtual) Effective Communication + Discussions with Experienced Leaders |
| February 5-6, 2026 | Session 5 (In-person) Governance, Local, State, and Federal Policy |
| March 26-27, 2026 | Session 6 (Virtual) Student Success + Academic Partnership Collaboration |
| April 23-24, 2026 | Session 7 (In-person) Leadership Essentials + Final Project Session |
| May 14, 2026 | Final Session (In-person) Graduation |
Presidents or their designees should submit nominations via the online form no later than April 28, 2025. Presidents may also name an alternate.
For More Information
Contact the Division of Academics, Student Affairs and Research at (803) 896-5361 or [email protected].
