Students aren’t the only ones learning this semester. The Catholic University of America has kicked off a new initiative to cultivate the next generation of leaders from among its own faculty and staff.
Twenty-eight fellows, nominated by a University vice president and chosen by University President Peter Kilpatrick, are in the first cohort for the year-long Leadership Academy.
President Kilpatrick told the participants in a letter that their nomination “reflects the confidence that your colleagues and supervisors have in your leadership potential and your demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Catholic University….This selective program, limited to 30 fellows, has been designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will guide our institution with wisdom, integrity, and vision, rooted in our Catholic intellectual tradition.”
Nine sessions, held monthly (except in summer), address a different skill and topic. Some of the sessions will cover leading with integrity; building a team; communications; research and innovation; University business operations; and alignment to mission, values, and goals.
The Leadership Academy is designed so fellows not only gain professional development from the instructors — all drawn from University leadership — but also can learn from each other and build connections with colleagues in different parts of the University.
In addition to their sessions throughout the year, fellows will meet again as a group, along with the program facilitator and members of the University Cabinet, twice in the following year. This will provide time to reflect on and discuss how the program is shaping their work experience and career paths.
The Catholic University Leadership Academy is being implemented with support from the Bridge Fund, which was started last year to invest in the University’s growth. Deborah Brown, senior associate vice president and chief of staff for University Advancement, is the facilitator.
