Program Overview

The Core Leadership Program is a transformational leadership experience designed for new and emerging leaders in higher education across all roles—faculty, staff, administrators, coordinators, managers, and aspiring leaders preparing for expanded responsibility. Rooted in research, reflection, and real-world application, the program equips participants to grow into leadership with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

At its core, the program invites participants on a journey of self-discovery and development, helping leaders better understand who they are, what they value, and how they lead. Participants explore foundational leadership theories and research-based practices while learning to find their voice, strengthen decision making, and build the confidence needed to lead with integrity and influence. Through intentional learning, reflection, and dialogue, leaders begin to see themselves not only as contributors—but as change agents capable of shaping culture and advancing mission.

The program takes a systems approach to transformational leadership, emphasizing that leadership is not simply a position—it is a practice. Participants learn how to lead in complex environments, navigate challenges, and integrate essential concepts from social and behavioral science, adult education, and organizational leadership, building proficiency in selecting and applying tools that support leadership effectiveness across the higher education landscape.

This is not a one-time workshop; it is a year-long experience that unfolds over time through structured learning, guided practice, and real-world application. Leaders are supported through mentoring and coaching, along with ongoing conversations that keep participants connected to the learning, to each other, and to a broader community of practice. This sustained design ensures leaders grow in ways that are meaningful, measurable, and lasting.

A Transformational Leadership Experience for
New & Emerging Higher Education Leaders

Core Leadership Program

Who Should Participate

This program is ideal for:

Emerging-to-mid level leaders in higher education
Faculty, staff, and administrators stepping into leadership roles
Individuals who influence teams, culture, or projects—formally or informally
Leaders seeking to strengthen their confidence, voice, and leadership identity

Program Goals

The Core Leadership Program is designed to help participants reflect deeply, build new skills, and take purposeful action.

Participants will:

Strengthen leadership identity through self-awareness, reflection, and intentional growth
Develop a curious, resilient, and growth-oriented mindset that supports continuous learning and adaptability
Build the capacity to lead change and positively influence organizational culture at all levels
Apply research-based leadership frameworks to real challenges and opportunities within higher education

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants who complete the Core Leadership Program will strengthen their ability to:

Lead with self-awareness and credibility by applying evidence-based development in emotional intelligence, strengths, and leadership style to build trust, presence, and effectiveness.
Communicate and decide with clarity by strengthening practical skills in communication, judgement, and people leadership aligned to the realities of community college environments.
Build resilient, high-performing teams by motivating and engaging others through purpose, accountability, and adaptive leadership practices that sustain performance through change.
Collaborate across systems and functions by strengthening cross-functional influence, shared accountability, and productive conflict skills that improve teamwork and support student success and institutional goals.
Lead strategically with creativity and execution by translating vision into priorities, aligning resources and values, solving problems through strategic creativity, and driving continuous improvement.
Build a culture of belonging and opportunity by strengthening culturally responsive communication and decision-making practices that improve outcomes, engagement, and organizational climate.

Program Experience & Design

Participants experience:

Cohort-based learning community and peer dialogue
Leadership research, theory, and application
Reflection activities supporting self-discovery and leadership clarity
Real-world problem solving and systems thinking
Structured mentoring and coaching throughout the Academy year
Ongoing connection beyond formal sessions to strengthen accountability and growth

What Makes This Program Different

Leadership at all levels—because leadership is a practice, not a title
Systems approach to transformation—focused on long-term, positive change
Learning over time—growth supported through reflection, practice, and accountability
Measurable outcomes—leadership growth aligned to institutional priorities
Sustained support—leaders remain connected through mentoring, coaching, and ongoing dialogue

Impact

Graduates of the Core Leadership Program emerge with greater confidence, stronger self-awareness, and a deeper ability to lead strategically, build resilient teams, influence culture, and create meaningful change across their institutions and communities.