Shortly after stepping into my first administrative position at a community college, I became acutely aware that my academic preparation for the promotion lacked any substantive direction in how to be a good manager, supervisor, or transformative leader.  I also knew that I had a responsibility to those whom I was to lead to be effective in my new role.  It was a year-long, cohort-based leadership development program which filled this gap in my own professional and personal development.  Now a college president, I continue to rely upon the lessons learned and insights gained.  Perhaps even more importantly, I still cherish the friendships I made with my fellow participants as we completed the academy experience together.