Provost’s Leadership Development Program: Leading in Place Cohort

Call for Nominations

Entering the second year, we are pleased to share a call for Provost’s Leadership Development Program: Leading in Place Cohort. This program embraces a broad view of academic leadership, from more formal positional leadership roles to a more lateral view where leadership roles are available to everyone, sometimes referred to as leadership in place. Context matters, and the unique experiences of university faculty requires unique approaches to leadership. The curriculum of the Leading in Place Cohort will include discussions of leadership theory, development of a strategic mindset, an understanding of higher ed systems and structures, personal development, and practical applications, all in a small group setting to promote open dialog and community-building among colleagues.

To best encourage networking, relationship building and collaboration, we will meet in person throughout the semester, with lunch to follow our meetings. Seasoned leaders from around campus will be invited to join the cohort for lunches throughout the year to allow for broader campus networking opportunities.

We invite nominations (including self-nominations) of academic faculty of all ranks and series (tenured, tenure-track, clinical, collegiate, instructors, and professors of practice) who are interested in participating in the Leading in Place Cohort. An overview of this year’s program is attached.

Program Expectations and Time Commitment

The Leading in Place Cohort will meet monthly through the 2025-26 academic year, with each session expected to last 4 hours (including lunch). Selected faculty will be expected to attend each session and engage in optional reading or reflections to complement each meeting. All sessions will be in-person.

Travel to Blacksburg for faculty participants from extended campuses will be required. Financial support for travel can be provided by Faculty Affairs, with matching funds from the faculty member’s department if available, for accepted participants.  

Nomination Process

Approximately 20 participants will be selected for the 2025-26 cohort. Nominate a faculty member, or self-nominate, for this program.

Self-nominees will complete their application to the program when they self-nominate. Those nominated by someone else will be contacted and invited to submit an application to the program. All applications should be submitted on or before April 18, 2025 for consideration. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their nomination by May 16, 2025.

For more information email Sara Thompto.

Program Overview

The Leading in Place Cohort will meet monthly through the 2025-26 academic year, with each session expected to last 4 hours (including lunch).  Selected faculty will be expected to attend each session. All sessions will be in-person.