Empowering Experienced Academic Leaders
The Excellence in Academic Leadership (EAL) program, offered by the Office of Faculty Affairs, is designed to support and empower experienced academic leaders at Penn State. This program equips leaders with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to navigate the complexities of higher education leadership, foster professional growth, and enhance the success of their units and the University.
Program Goals
The EAL program is specifically tailored to:
- Enhance leadership skills through targeted workshops and discussions.
- Build self-awareness and foster personal growth.
- Strengthen interpersonal and organizational leadership strategies.
- Provide structured opportunities for reflective practice and peer learning.
- Support participants on their continuing leadership journeys.
Why Participate?
By joining the EAL program, academic leaders will:
- Gain actionable insights to enhance their leadership effectiveness.
- Build a strong network of peers for ongoing support and collaboration.
- Strengthen their ability to foster innovation and excellence within their units.
Program Eligibility
The EAL program is open to:
- Experienced academic leaders, including department heads, division heads, school directors, and Division of Academic Affairs (DAA) leaders at Commonwealth Campuses.
- Participants must have two or more years of experience in their current leadership roles.
- Eligible leaders are selected based on recommendations by their dean or chancellor.
To participate, selected academic leaders must be available for two Friday afternoons each month. For a full list of dates, see below.
If you are interested in participating, please contact your dean or chancellor to express your interest.
Program Components and Highlights
Workshops and Topics
Participants will explore a range of topics critical to effective leadership, including:
- Leadership from Within:
- Personal energy management
- Goal setting and time leadership
- Clifton Strengths assessment
- Leadership through Connection:
- Conflict competency and building psychological safety
- Fostering trust and managing diverse teams
- Addressing microaggressions and navigating shared governance
- Leading from the Middle:
- Strategic planning and change management
- Mission-to-vision alignment
- Building a professional brand
- Leadership in Action:
- Budgeting resources effectively
- Creating inclusive and equitable meetings
- Best practices for faculty and staff performance reviews
Critical Friends Process
The Critical Friends process fosters reflective practice, collegial dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. Through structured discussions, participants share challenges and receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment. This approach helps leaders rethink strategies, navigate complex issues, and grow professionally.
In-Person Workshop
An in-person workshop at the University Park Campus will conclude the program. This session will focus on:
- Aligning personal and professional goals
- Strategic goal-sharing
- Resource planning
Spring 2025 Excellence in Academic Leadership Program Schedule
Program Schedule: Excellence in Academic Leadership
Launch Event
- Date: January 10, 2025
- Time: 2:00–4:30 PM
Session 1: Leadership from Within
- Date: January 24, 2025
- Time: 2:00–4:30 PM
Critical Friends Meeting
- Date: January 31, 2025
- Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Session 2: Leadership through Connection
- Date: February 14, 2025
- Time: 2:00–4:30 PM
Critical Friends Meeting
- Date: February 21, 2025
- Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Session 3: Leading from the Middle
- Date: February 28, 2025
- Time: 2:00–4:30 PM
Critical Friends Meeting
- Date: March 21, 2025
- Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Session 4: Leadership in Action
- Date: March 28, 2025
- Time: 2:00–4:30 PM
In-Person Workshop
- Date: April 7, 2025
- Location: The Penn Stater
- Schedule:
- Morning Session (9:30 AM–12:00 PM): Academic Leadership Forum
- Lunch (12:00–1:00 PM)
- Afternoon Session (1:00–3:00 PM): Personal and Professional Goals