Leading in Place Cohort (LIPC)
Discover your leadership potential—right where you are. The Leading in Place Cohort invites faculty to explore how leadership can be practiced from any position, fostering influence, collaboration, and positive change across campus.
Spanning the full academic year, the program brings learning to life through dynamic interactive sessions, energizing small‑group discussions, and inspiring conversations with seasoned university leaders. Participants sharpen their leadership skills, expand their strategic thinking, and gain a richer understanding of how higher‑education systems work. In‑person meetings and shared lunches fuel a strong, supportive community where bold ideas spark and meaningful connections thrive.
2026-27 Leading in Place Cohort
Ali Mehrizi-Sani, Anne Driscoll, Bri O'Neal, Caitlin Jewitt, Charles Nichols, Dana Hawley, Elif Tural, Francisco R Carvallo, Gracie Akers-Utt, Janine Joseph, Jonathan Petters, Kiri DeBose, Rachael L Paine, Ruoxi Jia, Sally Hamouda, Sara Arena, Sarah Karpanty, Sarah Klemencic, Sarah Misyak, Sarah Ovink, Sarah Stamps, Shilpa V Rao, Shima Shahab
2025-26 Leading in Place Cohort
Kirsten Dean, Donna Sedgwick, Amy Allen, Diego Troya, Abby Whittington, Vincent Wang, Lauren DiSalvo, Kristofer Rau, Sweta Baniya, Ashley Reed, Cayelan Carey, Christine Labuski, Terry Clements, Ching-Hsun Huang, Rodney Gaines, Justin Jaworski, Dorothea Tholl, Sally Entrekin, Jamie Stewart, Sara Hooshangi, Michael Borowski, Jennifer Marin, Laura Strawn, and Sparkle D. Williams
2024-25 Leading in Place Cohort
Irving Allen, Julia Basso, Ali R. Butt, Helena Carvalho, Danille Christensen, Daniela Cimini, Sherrie Clark-Deener, Sherri Craig, Alan Ealy, Corinne Guimont, Victoria Lael, Kimberly Loeffert, Sharon Mastracci, Tessema Mengistu, Marc Michael, Dana Robertson, Hannah Scherer, Kendra Sewall, Mohammed Seyam, James Spotila, Jessica Taylor, and Matthew Wisnioski
Academic leadership takes many forms — from formal, positional roles to leadership exercised laterally, often called “leadership in place.” Context matters, and the experiences of university faculty require unique approaches.
The Leading in Place Cohort program brings together faculty to explore leadership theory, cultivate a strategic mindset, better understand higher education systems and structures, and apply what they learn in practical ways. In small groups, participants will engage in open dialogue and build community with colleagues across campus.
To foster networking and collaboration, we’ll meet in person throughout the academic year for facilitated sessions. Each session will include lunch with seasoned campus leaders who will share insights, lead topical discussions in a Virginia Tech-specific context, and provide opportunities to broaden your professional network.
Time Commitment
The program meets monthly during the 2026–27 academic year. Each session lasts about four hours (including lunch), and selected faculty are expected to attend all sessions. All meetings are in person. (A separate program is being developed for extended campus participants.)
Nomination Process
Approximately 20 participants will be selected for the 2026-27 cohort. To nominate a faculty member for this program, or to self-nominate, visit this form:
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 15, 2026 for consideration. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their nomination by May 15, 2026.
For more information, please email Kim Allen or Sara Thompto.
Program Schedule
Sessions are held on the third Friday of each month.
| Date & Time | Theme |
|---|---|
| Friday, August 21, 2026 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
Starting Strong: Mapping Your Leadership Journey Kick off the program with a full-day retreat to connect with your cohort, plan for the year ahead, and explore your leadership strengths, growth areas, and personal goals for the program |
| Friday, September 18, 2026 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Leading from Within: Emotional Intelligence and Values in Action Discover how core values and emotional intelligence shape your thinking, behavior, and adaptability as a leader. Learn to recognize and respond effectively to the emotions of others. |
| Friday, October 16, 2026 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Navigating Tension: Leading Through Conflict and Courageous Dialogue Develop the skills to address conflict directly and constructively. This session explores strategies for fostering trust, facilitating difficult conversations, and leading with courage in challenging situations. |
| Friday, November 20, 2026 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Finding True North: Ethical Leadership in Complex Times Examine how leaders uphold integrity when facing ambiguity and competing priorities. Learn frameworks for ethical decision-making that balance individual, team, and institutional values. |
| Friday, January 15, 2027 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Finding Your Place: Mapping the Institutional Landscape Gain a clearer understanding of Virginia Tech’s systems, structures, and culture. Explore where influence resides, how decisions are made, and where your leadership can make the greatest impact. |
| Friday, February 19, 2027 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
The Leader as Architect: Shaping Culture, Building Teams Learn to create positive workplace cultures that enable effective teams. Discuss team-building processes, and explore how leaders' mentor, support, and advocate for others |
| Friday, March 19, 2027 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Creating Belonging: Leadership Through Connection and Community Examine how inclusive leadership fosters belonging, engagement, and trust. Identify strategies to build strong, connected communities within and beyond your department. |
| Friday, April 16, 2027 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Drawing the Next Map: Integrating Learning and Leading Forward Reflect on lessons learned throughout the program, refine your personal leadership goals, and plan next steps for sustaining growth and impact in your role and across the university. |